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Informa
Annual Report 2012

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FY2012 Annual Report · Informa
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Bringing 
Knowledge  
to life

Businesses, professionals and 
academics worldwide turn to informa 
for unparalleled knowledge, up-to-
the minute information and highly 
specialist skills and services.

Our ability to deliver high quality 
knowledge and services through 
multiple channels, in dynamic and 
rapidly changing environments, 
makes our offer unique and  
extremely valuable to individuals  
and organisations.

How we have performed

FinAnciAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Record adjusted diluted EPS up 7.7% to 40.7p (2011: 37.8p), 
ahead of market expectations

Full year dividend increased by 10.1% – second interim 
dividend of 12.5p giving a total 2012 dividend of 18.5p 
(2011: 16.8p)

Revenue broadly flat despite Robbins Gioia and European 
Conference disposals – £1.23bn (2011: £1.28bn)

•	 Adjusted operating profit up 4.0% to £349.7m  

(2011: £336.2m); organic growth of 2.8%

•	

Record adjusted operating margin of 28.4% (2011: 26.4%)

•	 Adjusted profit before tax of £317.4m up 7.3% (2011: £295.9m)

•	

•	

•	

Statutory profit after tax of £90.7m (2011: £74.3m)

Strong cash generation – operating cash flow up 5.7%  
to £329.0m (2011: £311.2m)

Balance sheet strength maintained – net debt/EBITDA 
ratio of 2.1 times (2011: 2.1 times)

OpeRAtiOnAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Proactive portfolio management drives significant 
improvement in the quality of Group earnings

Total product rationalisation reduced Group revenue by 2%

Investment in new products, geo-cloning and  
platform development

•	 Acquisition of MMPI and Zephyr in 2012 – both performing well

•	

•	

•	

Long-term contract to manage Agrishow from 2013,  
the largest agrifoods event in Latin America 

Strong emerging market growth – now 18% of Group 
revenue (2011: 14%)

Resilient core revenue stream – 67% of publishing 
revenues from subscriptions

•	 Digital excellence – 74% of publishing revenues fully digitised

Annual Report 2012

Want to know more?
www.ar2012.informa.com

See “Chief Executive’s Review”, page 04

!

Gubelstrasse 11
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
Telephone: 00 41 41 444 1344
Fax: 00 41 41 444 1355

For more information
www.informa.com

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Bringing 
Knowledge  
to life

Businesses, professionals and 
academics worldwide turn to informa 
for unparalleled knowledge, up-to-
the minute information and highly 
specialist skills and services.

Our ability to deliver high quality 
knowledge and services through 
multiple channels, in dynamic and 
rapidly changing environments, 
makes our offer unique and  
extremely valuable to individuals  
and organisations.

How we have performed

FinAnciAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Record adjusted diluted EPS up 7.7% to 40.7p (2011: 37.8p), 
ahead of market expectations

Full year dividend increased by 10.1% – second interim 
dividend of 12.5p giving a total 2012 dividend of 18.5p 
(2011: 16.8p)

Revenue broadly flat despite Robbins Gioia and European 
Conference disposals – £1.23bn (2011: £1.28bn)

•	 Adjusted operating profit up 4.0% to £349.7m  

(2011: £336.2m); organic growth of 2.8%

•	

Record adjusted operating margin of 28.4% (2011: 26.4%)

•	 Adjusted profit before tax of £317.4m up 7.3% (2011: £295.9m)

•	

•	

•	

Statutory profit after tax of £90.7m (2011: £74.3m)

Strong cash generation – operating cash flow up 5.7%  
to £329.0m (2011: £311.2m)

Balance sheet strength maintained – net debt/EBITDA 
ratio of 2.1 times (2011: 2.1 times)

OpeRAtiOnAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Proactive portfolio management drives significant 
improvement in the quality of Group earnings

Total product rationalisation reduced Group revenue by 2%

Investment in new products, geo-cloning and  
platform development

•	 Acquisition of MMPI and Zephyr in 2012 – both performing well

•	

•	

•	

Long-term contract to manage Agrishow from 2013,  
the largest agrifoods event in Latin America 

Strong emerging market growth – now 18% of Group 
revenue (2011: 14%)

Resilient core revenue stream – 67% of publishing 
revenues from subscriptions

•	 Digital excellence – 74% of publishing revenues fully digitised

Annual Report 2012

Want to know more?
www.ar2012.informa.com

See “Chief Executive’s Review”, page 04

!

Gubelstrasse 11
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
Telephone: 00 41 41 444 1344
Fax: 00 41 41 444 1355

For more information
www.informa.com

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Contents

Overview

How we have performed 

Who we are 

How we create value 

Chairman’s Statement 

Business review

Chief Executive’s Review 

Our Strategy in Action 

Financial Review 

Monitoring Performance  

Risks and Uncertainties 
Corporate Responsibility 

GOvernance 
Board of Directors 

Advisers 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Audit Committee Report 

Remuneration Report 

adjusted OperatinG prOFit

+4.0%

adjusted diluted eps

+7.7%

Free cash FlOw

+16.9%

dividend per share

+10.1%

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Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report – Group 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

revenue by type

revenue by business segment

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

E F

G

A

£1,232.5m

D

C

B

C

£1,232.5m

A

B

A.  Subscriptions 
B.  Delegates 
C.  Copy sales 
D.  Exhibition 
E.  Sponsorship 
F.  Consulting 
G.  Advertising 

£468.5m 
£291.1m
 £210.4m
£145.4m
 £63.8m
£26.2m
£27.1m

A.  Academic Information 
B.  Professional & Commercial  

Information 

C.  Events and Training 

£340.3m 

£356.6m
£535.6m

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  

Independent Auditor’s Report – Company  

Company Balance Sheet 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Five Year Summary  

cOmpany inFOrmatiOn

Legal Notices 

Shareholder Information 

Informa plc

O
O
v
v
e
e
r
r
v
v

i
i
e
e
w
w

02

04

12

20

26

28 
32

36

38

39

44

50

52 

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

135

136

137

141

142

143

See “Monitoring Performance”, page 26 

!

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

01

 
Informa plc

Who we are

our vision 
our aim is to be the world’s best knowledge provider in all the sectors and 
markets in which we work. we will achieve this by supporting people who 
are passionate about what they do, seeking partners who share our goals, 
focusing on results and, at all times, continuously innovating to provide the 
highest quality products and services in our fast-moving businesses.

these actions, along with our unifying and firmly held guiding 
principles below, will drive us forward to become a truly world-class 
company valued by our people and stakeholders and respected by 
our peers.

OuR guiding pRinciples
Our guiding principles represent a clear statement of what we believe in, they define our goals and provide a focus for all 
our activities.

commercially focused
As a business we have an 
obligation to all our 
shareholders to be as 
profitable as we can. We 
achieve this by understanding 
our customers needs, 
constantly refining our offer 
and identifying potential new 
revenue streams. This ensures 
our products and services 
deliver real value to individuals 
and their organisations.

Acting with responsibility
We aim to be honest and fair 
in all we do. We treat people 
with respect regardless of 
their background, lifestyle or 
position. Our commitment  
to Corporate Responsibility 
reflects our recognition that 
our customers, people, 
shareholders and 
communities increasingly 
favour companies that work 
in a responsible and 
sustainable way.

Freedom to succeed
We give our people the 
space and support they 
need to perform their roles  
to the best of their ability, we 
encourage them to make 
their own decisions and be 
responsible for the outcomes 
and not be hampered by 
bureaucracy or consensus 
decision making.

excellence in all we do
We put quality first, 
constantly looking for better 
and more innovative ways to 
create, produce and deliver 
our product and services. We 
keep our customers in mind 
at all times and always try to 
meet and exceed their 
expectations by delivering 
the best possible results.

How we are creating value

OuR FOuR stRAtegic Business dRiveRs
Our business strategy is based around four key areas. These provide a focus for our talented business teams and clearly 
define how we add value, not only to our own business, but to our customers’ businesses too. 

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme

digitAl 
excellence

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn

Resilient 
events

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme
The drive to higher value 
corporate subscriptions 
continues to be core to  
the strategy of the various 
subscription led businesses. 
These high value sales are 
underpinned by our 
specialist knowledge  
and proprietary content, 
consequently strengthening 
our position in both digital 
and print formats. 

digitAl excellence
Digital marketing, social 
media and online services 
bring us closer to our key 
audiences and present 
opportunities to produce 
more targeted, richer and 
relevant information. Our 
engagement and delivery  
on these platforms increases 
customer loyalty, retention 
and price leverage. Digital 
delivery also provides 
operational efficiencies, 
reduces our carbon emissions 
and moves us towards a 
more sustainable business. 

Resilient events
Our diverse range of robust 
and market leading events 
include large, full-scale 
exhibitions and conferences 
through to extremely  
niche training courses and  
seminars all of which provide  
an excellent opportunity  
for growth and high 
quality earnings. 

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn
We continue our tactic  
to grow and expand our 
businesses into new 
regions and territories  
and the emerging growth 
markets represent a clear 
opportunity to take our 
knowledge and expertise  
to new people and 
communities. 

Produced by Informa Group in partnership with Fulton Design

Designed by Fulton Design www.fulton-design.co.uk

Printed by Geoff Neal Litho Ltd

This report is printed on Core Silk paper. Both papers contain 
material sourced from well-managed forests, certified in 
accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

Informa plc

Who we are

our vision 
our aim is to be the world’s best knowledge provider in all the sectors and 
markets in which we work. we will achieve this by supporting people who 
are passionate about what they do, seeking partners who share our goals, 
focusing on results and, at all times, continuously innovating to provide the 
highest quality products and services in our fast-moving businesses.

these actions, along with our unifying and firmly held guiding 
principles below, will drive us forward to become a truly world-class 
company valued by our people and stakeholders and respected by 
our peers.

OuR guiding pRinciples
Our guiding principles represent a clear statement of what we believe in, they define our goals and provide a focus for all 
our activities.

commercially focused
As a business we have an 
obligation to all our 
shareholders to be as 
profitable as we can. We 
achieve this by understanding 
our customers needs, 
constantly refining our offer 
and identifying potential new 
revenue streams. This ensures 
our products and services 
deliver real value to individuals 
and their organisations.

Acting with responsibility
We aim to be honest and fair 
in all we do. We treat people 
with respect regardless of 
their background, lifestyle or 
position. Our commitment  
to Corporate Responsibility 
reflects our recognition that 
our customers, people, 
shareholders and 
communities increasingly 
favour companies that work 
in a responsible and 
sustainable way.

Freedom to succeed
We give our people the 
space and support they 
need to perform their roles  
to the best of their ability, we 
encourage them to make 
their own decisions and be 
responsible for the outcomes 
and not be hampered by 
bureaucracy or consensus 
decision making.

excellence in all we do
We put quality first, 
constantly looking for better 
and more innovative ways to 
create, produce and deliver 
our product and services. We 
keep our customers in mind 
at all times and always try to 
meet and exceed their 
expectations by delivering 
the best possible results.

How we are creating value

OuR FOuR stRAtegic Business dRiveRs
Our business strategy is based around four key areas. These provide a focus for our talented business teams and clearly 
define how we add value, not only to our own business, but to our customers’ businesses too. 

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme

digitAl 
excellence

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn

Resilient 
events

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme
The drive to higher value 
corporate subscriptions 
continues to be core to  
the strategy of the various 
subscription led businesses. 
These high value sales are 
underpinned by our 
specialist knowledge  
and proprietary content, 
consequently strengthening 
our position in both digital 
and print formats. 

digitAl excellence
Digital marketing, social 
media and online services 
bring us closer to our key 
audiences and present 
opportunities to produce 
more targeted, richer and 
relevant information. Our 
engagement and delivery  
on these platforms increases 
customer loyalty, retention 
and price leverage. Digital 
delivery also provides 
operational efficiencies, 
reduces our carbon emissions 
and moves us towards a 
more sustainable business. 

Resilient events
Our diverse range of robust 
and market leading events 
include large, full-scale 
exhibitions and conferences 
through to extremely  
niche training courses and  
seminars all of which provide  
an excellent opportunity  
for growth and high 
quality earnings. 

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn
We continue our tactic  
to grow and expand our 
businesses into new 
regions and territories  
and the emerging growth 
markets represent a clear 
opportunity to take our 
knowledge and expertise  
to new people and 
communities. 

Produced by Informa Group in partnership with Fulton Design

Designed by Fulton Design www.fulton-design.co.uk

Printed by Geoff Neal Litho Ltd

This report is printed on Core Silk paper. Both papers contain 
material sourced from well-managed forests, certified in 
accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

Chairman’s Statement
Chairman’s Statement

Derek Mapp
Chairman

it has been another successful year for the Group.  
i am delighted with the financial results, which show 
another year of healthy growth in adjusted earnings 
despite what has remained a challenging macro-
economic environment. i am equally encouraged by the 
operational progress that has been made throughout 
2012. Behind the headline figures, a huge amount of 
work has been done to improve the quality of earnings, 
increasing the proportion of our more resilient, visible 
income streams and cutting our exposure to volatile 
areas. this required some difficult decisions to be made 
by our management teams and i commend them on their 
fortitude and commitment. these actions undoubtedly 
leave the Group in a stronger position as we enter 2013.

The year began well, with another solid renewal season for our 
academic journals. Demand for our content remained high, as 
illustrated by strong growth in usage year-on-year. We also saw 
a further shift in preference towards our digital products, aided 
by our new platform, T&F Online, although encouragingly, 
access via third party platforms also grew strongly. Digital 
innovation lies at the heart of Informa and we are committed  
to investing across all our businesses to ensure we stay at the 
forefront of new developments. In 2012, across all of our 
publishing assets, 74% of revenue was classified as digital.

Our events businesses also started the year well, with a strong 
performance from our large events in the Middle East, such as 
Arab Health and Middle East Electricity. However, the 

Eurozone crisis created a challenging backdrop for our 
conference businesses in Europe and we took the view that 
some of our smaller, domestically focused operations were 
unlikely to recover quickly and, hence, were better off being 
managed locally, outside of the Group. This led to the disposal 
of our operations in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. 

We also continued to reduce event volumes in our other 
businesses, encouraging our teams to focus on larger events,  
with the potential to run annually and be geo-cloned into  
different markets. Similarly, within our Professional and  
Commercial Information division, management were focused  
on improving the quality of its earnings stream in 2012 and so 
pro-actively cut out products with volatile revenues, one-off 
in nature or across verticals where we have little critical mass. 

We also took the decision to sell Robbins Gioia in May. This 
followed a difficult period of trading for the business, which is 
heavily geared to US government contracts in an era when the 
current administration is looking to bring outsourcing contracts 
back in-house. This, together with the disposal of some European 
Conference businesses, reduces volatility significantly across 
Informa, improving the quality of underlying earnings.

The corporate training market remains challenging in the 
current macro-environment when companies are still more 
focused on protecting the bottom line than investing to 
drive the top-line. At some point this will change and we are 
well placed to capitalise on this through our market leading 

02

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012brands and deep training content resource, as evidenced  
by the strength of our pipeline of potential contracts.

biology textbooks of its time, while in January we ran our 
Arab Health exhibition in Dubai for the 37th year. 

We were also active in deploying capital into bolt-on 
acquisitions again in 2012. This included MMPI Canada Inc, 
the leading exhibition company in Canada, which fits 
perfectly with our strategy to grow our large events 
exposure, where revenues are more robust and margins 
higher. In total, our large events now represent 44% of the 
Events and Training division (2011: 38%). We also continue to 
search for attractive subscription assets and the acquisition 
of Zephyr Associates, Inc. in October is a good illustration of 
the type of business we covet. In total, subscription income 
represents 67% of our publishing revenue.

All our acquisitions are carefully assessed and have to meet 
strict financial and strategic criteria before we commit capital. 
This is reflected in the returns we generate from all our recent 
deals, which are comfortably ahead of our cost of capital.

Another strategic focus for the Group is to build our presence  
in fast-growing emerging economies and we made further 
strides forward on this in 2012. In total, 18% of revenue 
originated in emerging markets, up from 14% last year. This 
reflected strong growth in our Brazilian business following  
the acquisitions we made in 2011, as well as good organic 
growth across the Middle East and Russia. 

I am pleased with the progress we have made in embedding 
our core values, principles and ethics throughout the Group 
to ensure that all employees understand and adhere to the 
behaviours expected of them in their day to day activities. 
We also pride ourselves at Informa on the balance and 
attractions of the workplace for our employees. In particular, 
we have a strong track record of equal opportunity, which is 
reflected in Group statistics that show that approximately 
56% of our total workforce is female and around 47% of 
management across the Group are female.

Equally, we are very focused on delivering value for our 
shareholders. This is reflected in the long-term strategic 
objectives we set ourselves and the frequent, rigorous 
assessment of our progress in achieving them. It is also 
borne out through our strong track record of dividend 
payments. We fully recognise the importance of consistent, 
growing dividends to our shareholders, hence we have 
actively increased our payout ratio in recent years, including 
in 2012. I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to 
raise the dividend over 10% this financial year, underlining 
our confidence in the Group.

Looking ahead, I am confident that Informa can continue to 
go from strength to strength. The proactive approach we 
have taken to managing our portfolio in 2012 leaves the 
Group in a stronger position than ever before. Underpinning 
each of our businesses, we have unique brands with long 
histories that resonate across their respective industries. For 
example, this year will be the 30-year anniversary of The 
Molecular Biology of the Cell, one of the most important 

All of the Group’s achievements are only possible due to 
the creativity, hard work and commitment of our teams 
across the world. We believe we have a unique 
entrepreneurial culture at Informa which allows us to 
innovate freely and react quickly to opportunities. I would 
therefore like to end by thanking all our people for another 
fantastic year and wish them all the very best for further 
success in the year ahead. 

derek mapp 
Chairman

A huge Amount of  
work hAs been done  
to improve the quAlity 
of eArnings

See “Corporate Responsibility”, page 32

!

03

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012OverviewOverview 
Chief Executive’s Review

Peter Rigby
Chief Executive

Over the last twelve years, informa has steadily evolved 
from being a relatively cyclical business, heavily geared to 
small conferences, into a broad based, highly resilient 
business-to-business media group. we believe we now have 
an attractive balance of subscription publishing revenue 
and face-to-face event revenue, both with good long-term 
growth prospects. digital, must-have niche information 
products, delivered flexibly into client workflows enrich the 
knowledge base, improve decision making and ultimately 
drive return-on-investment for our customers. similarly, 
leading exhibitions provide an increasingly rare platform 
for live interaction across global business communities, 
helping to cultivate new relationships, promote the latest 
industry developments and stimulate transactions. 

Once more, in 2012, our Academic Information (“AI”) division 
grew its revenue and operating profits, underlining the 
defensive growth characteristics of this business. It had 
another strong end to the year, despite the absence of any 
major archive deals similar to those that boosted profits in 
2011. The Professional and Commercial Information (“PCI”) 
division saw revenues decline but profits grow, reflecting 
improvements in its mix and the full year benefit of cost 
initiatives implemented in 2011. We were very active in cutting 
out low quality products from the PCI portfolio to improve its 
long-term profile, mainly in areas such as advertising, 
consulting, and one-off reports. Similarly, in Events and 
Training, the decline in revenue and profit can largely be 

attributed to disposals and a further deliberate cut in 
conference and training volume, as we focus on building  
large event exposure. However, it was also a tough year for  
the corporate training business and this did ultimately drag 
on the divisional performance.

We invested a total of £151.5m in acquisitions through the 
year, the largest of which was MMPI Canada Inc. (“MMPI”). 
This is the country’s largest exhibition and conference 
company with a portfolio that takes Informa into new 
sectors such as art, crafts, and interior design. We see further 
growth potential from its existing portfolio but also good 
opportunities to both geo-clone some of its brands into 
other markets, whilst also taking some of our other Informa 
events into the Canadian market.

Another key acquisition for us this year was Zephyr Associates, 
Inc. (“Zephyr”) in October. This is a very typical PCI business, 
comprising digital subscriptions with high renewal rates, high 
margins and strong cash flow. It fits nicely alongside Informa 
Investment Solutions within Informa Financial Information 
(“IFI”) and we think there will be some attractive synergies 
from integrating and cross selling the product sets. This 
should ensure we maintain our strong recent record of returns 
from bolt-on acquisition activity. The deals we completed in 
2011, which included the Brazilian exhibitions businesses, 
delivered a return on invested capital of 12% last year, 
comfortably ahead of our cost of capital.

04

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa continues to adapt to the changing demands of our 
customer base and the markets in which we operate. This was 
very evident through 2012, as we took firm action in some of 
our operations to improve long-term prospects, in some cases 
even exiting profitable products where we felt the structural 
risks were rising. None of these decisions are taken lightly but 
we are resolutely focused on improving the quality of group 
earnings, with particular reference to our four key strategic 
business drivers. 

hiGh Quality suBscriptiOn incOme
Our publishing businesses are dominated by subscription 
assets with high renewal rates, where customers generally 
pay us twelve months in advance. This provides strong 
visibility on revenue and allows the businesses to essentially 
fund themselves, with minimal external capital required. It is 
a uniquely attractive model and, hence, we have seized any 
opportunities to grow our subscription exposure further, 
both organically and through acquisitions like Zephyr. In 
2012, 38% of Group revenue and 67% of publishing revenue 
was from subscription products. 

In the AI division, renewal rates on journals are over 95%  
and usage continues to grow by a double-digit percentage 
year-on-year, reflecting the ‘must-have’ nature of the content. 
We launched eight new journals in 2012 and added 12 society 
journals to the portfolio. The latter are typically lower margin 
than journals we own outright, but add breadth to our 
portfolio and help penetrate the customer base further. 

PCI generated 80% of its 2012 revenue from subscription 
products, which are spread across our core industry 
sectors. Renewal rates on average are a little lower than  
AI at 78%, reflecting a more fluid end-customer base and 
mixed product set.

diGital excellence
We pride ourselves on our digital expertise, which runs deep 
across all our businesses. We see this as a major differentiator 
to some of our peers, with the vast majority of our products 
having already successfully navigated the transition from 
analogue to digital. Most have been major beneficiaries, either 
on the cost side, or in generating incremental revenue. Even in 
our conferences and exhibitions, by design a face-to-face 
medium, digital technology is deeply engrained with social 
media now a powerful tool for marketing pre-event and 
interacting during an event. 

We continue to invest in digital innovation, both in generating 
new, valuable digital content but also in platforms to better 
analyse, interpret and customise this information. A good 
example is the investment in T&F Online, our re-launched 
academic platform which carries all our digital academic 
content. Its customer friendly interface, rich, searchable 
content and smooth workflow have led to a big jump in  
usage of our content and also facilitate more of our  
customers moving to digital-only subscriptions.

we believe we now 
hAve An AttrActive 
bAlAnce of subscription 
publishing revenue 
And fAce-to-fAce 
event revenue, both 
with good long-term 
growth prospects

subscription products

38%of Group Revenue

See “High Quality Subscriptions”, page 12

See “Digital Exellence”, page 14

505

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Chief Executive’s Review CONTINUED

At PCI, we made similar platform investments in 2012,  
most significantly the re-launch of Datamonitor Healthcare 
Knowledge Centre. This client-led development has made  
our pharmaceutical and healthcare research and analysis 
clearer, richer and more responsive, ensuring customers  
gain a path to knowledge, not just content. We now have  
a single portal for previously separate subscription services, 
which is highly flexible and allows us to track usage closely  
in order to identify and develop new offerings and upsell 
where appropriate. Early signs are encouraging, both in terms 
of revenue and client feedback, and we look forward to fully 
reaping the benefits of this investment in 2013 and beyond. 

Our leading consumer business, Verdict has taken a similar 
client-centric approach in building its new Knowledge Centre, 
which will launch in 2013 using the framework employed  
for Healthcare. Verdict’s clients will benefit from a real 
transformation in the way retail market intelligence is 
provided. News, data and analysis will be integrated for the 
first time, and previously hard-to-access data brought to life 
through constantly updated dashboards. With the major  
retail sectors represented through dedicated channels and 
available through mobile and tablet technologies, the new 
Verdict service will enhance retention rates and drive new 
business growth in 2013. 

We also expect to generate revenues from our Chinese 
healthcare database in 2013. This is a unique proposition,  
and an exciting product suite is in development for which  
we expect demand to be high. Through on-the-ground 
partnerships we will collate and analyse non-classified patient 
level data drawn directly from Chinese healthcare institutions. 
Our involvement in the project benefits directly from our 
expertise in interpreting vast amounts of digital data and 
commercialising meaningful product from it. 

resilient events
We began a process of rebalancing our events portfolio 
away from smaller conferences towards large events over 
seven years ago when we acquired IIR. In periods of 
buoyant economic activity, small conferences can grow 
strongly but revenues are inherently cyclical, particularly 
where conferences are local and one-off in nature. This  
was the reason we sold some of our European local 
language Conference businesses through the year,  
in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. 

Our focus is now on building annual events, where customers 
return each year to engage with a community, particularly 
where there is international reach. Large B2B exhibition 
revenue, which is predominantly generated through selling 
stand space, is akin to subscription income, with customers 
booking and paying in advance, sometimes more than a year 
ahead for a prime slot at leading events. This is a much higher 
quality of earnings, in our view.

In total, we now have over 250 events we class as large  
events, representing 44% of Events and Training revenue.  
We launched or geo-cloned a total of 17 events in 2012,  

06

with notable successes such as Cityscape Qatar and Vitafoods 
South America. The acquisition of MMPI in Canada has further 
bolstered our exhibition roster, with 45 events in total within 
its portfolio, including Construct Canada, the One of a Kind 
craft fairs and IDS, the large interior design industry exhibition.

GeOGraphic expansiOn
Finally, we continue to expand our geographic footprint,  
with a particular emphasis on increasing our emerging 
markets presence. In 2012, 18% of revenue was generated  
in emerging markets, our largest regions being the Middle 
East (6% of revenue) and Latin America (4% of revenue). 

Across our three divisions, the Events and Training business 
has the largest exposure to emerging markets, at 27% of 
divisional revenue. This reflects the unique role of exhibitions 
in providing a platform for corporates to enter new markets. 
The acquisitions we made in Brazil in 2011 helped to boost our 
presence this year, with good growth across their existing 
portfolio combined with several new launches. 

Our AI division currently generates about 14% of its revenue  
from emerging markets, with India, China and Taiwan its most 
important territories. We expect its presence to grow, as higher 
education infrastructure and local R&D investment expand rapidly. 

PCI currently has the lowest emerging market penetration, 
accounting for 8% of its revenue. Some of its products are  
less suitable for local adaptation but others should become 
increasingly relevant as industries become more established 
in these regions. Our Chinese healthcare initiative will help 
drive revenue significantly in this direction. 

divisiOnal review
Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2012 declined 
by 3.4% to £1,232.5m, reflecting a combination of disposals 
(Robbins Gioia and European Conference businesses) and 
proactive product pruning. 

On an organic basis, revenue decreased by 2.0%, with this 
decline mainly attributable to deliberate rationalisation  
of marginal products in the PCI and Events and Training 
divisions. The organic revenue decline across Publishing  
was 1.2% and Events and Training 3.0%. 

Adjusted operating profits were £349.7m, up 4.0% on 2011, 
aided by the increased focus on high quality, high margin 
product, a strong management focus on costs and a full 
year of savings from the integration of Datamonitor into 
Informa Business Information (“IBI”). This pushed the 
adjusted operating margin 200 basis points higher from 26.4% 
in 2011 to a record 28.4% in 2012. Organic adjusted operating 
profits increased by 2.8%, with Publishing growing by 4.7% 
and Events and Training declining 1.4%, the latter impacted 
by the performance of our corporate training business.

Statutory operating profit decreased to £124.4m (2011: 
£130.3m), resulting principally from the loss on disposals 
recognised of £27.5m and the impairment of £80.0m in the 
Half Year in relation to our European conference portfolio. 

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012academic information (“ai”)

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

actual
%

Organic 
%

Revenue

340.3

323.6

Adjusted Operating 
Profit

Adjusted Operating 
Margin (%)

126.1

116.2

37.1

35.9

5.2

8.5

2.4

4.8

The AI division, which produces books and journals for 
university libraries and the wider academic market, performed 
very well once again, delivering organic revenue and adjusted 
operating profit growth despite a challenging funding 
backdrop amongst its customer base. It now represents 28% 
of Group revenue and 36% of Group adjusted operating profit. 

Organic revenue growth for the year was 2.4%, ahead of the 
run-rate at Q3 after a very strong Q4 trading period. This was 
particularly impressive given it had a very tough comparable 
period from Q4 2011, when a large archive deal was secured 
and there were also two additional invoicing days prior to 
year-end in several key territories. The late surge in 2012 was 
fuelled in particular by strong book sales in the US and a 
number of emerging markets, where purchasing patterns 
evened out after an uncharacteristically weak September. 

Adjusted operating margins increased by 120 basis points to 
37.1%, reflecting further progress on operational efficiencies, 
coupled with increased demand for online products, both on 
the journals and the books side of the business. The further 
investment made in our online platform reaped early 
dividends, with overall site visits 60% higher in 2012 and 
full-text usage of our journals up 16% year-on-year. There is 
also growing demand for its book content via third party 
online platforms, with good growth in individual sales via 
Amazon Kindle, Google and Apple. 

In total, AI published nearly 4,000 new book titles in 2012  
and now offers some 44,000 titles in electronic format. It  
also published eight new journals through the year, taking  
the total journal portfolio to 1,676 titles. This list is geared 
towards Humanities and Social Science subject areas, where 
we are now the largest publisher globally, underpinning the 
resilience of the business. 

A number of bolt-on acquisitions in the academic space  
were completed in 2012, notably Focal Press and the 
Hodder academic book list. Whilst relatively small scale, 
our Academic business has the ability to integrate such 
deals into its established platform quickly, often extracting 
valuable cost and revenue synergies and, hence, delivering 
high levels of return. These acquisitions also help stimulate 
ideas and collaboration to develop new products and a 
number of interesting launches are scheduled for 2013. 
Perhaps the most exciting of these is South Asian Culture 
and History Archive (“SACHA”), a unique, vast online 

in 2012, 18% of revenue 
wAs generAted  
in emerging mArkets

emerging markets

18%of Group Revenue

See “Resilient Events”, page 16

See “Geographic Expansion”, page 18

07

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
Chief Executive’s Review CONTINUED

archive of South Asian history, encompassing five million 
pages of valuable research and teaching materials, with 
documents ranging from the 18 th to the mid-20 th Century 
(www.southasiaarchive.com). 

The Finch Report was published in June and underlined the 
important role of publishers in the academic journal value 
chain both historically and in the future. The process for 
implementing some of its recommendations remains unclear 
but we broadly support its ambitions to widen access to 
research without compromising on quality. In recent years,  
we have steadily built our portfolio of open access journals 
and we have plans for further launches and initiatives in 2013.

professional and commercial information (“pci”)

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

actual 
%

Organic 
%

Revenue

356.6

370.5

(3.8)

(4.4)

Adjusted Operating 
Profit

Adjusted Operating 
Margin (%)

120.7

114.0

5.9

4.6

33.8

30.8

The PCI division delivers high value proprietary content to  
a number of industry verticals including the healthcare, 
pharmaceutical, financial services, maritime, commodities, 
telecoms, insurance and legal sectors. The division now 
accounts for 29% of Group revenues and 35% of adjusted 
operating profit.

Both IBI and IFI faced testing market conditions in 2012. The 
financial services industry continues to downsize as banks 
adapt to tough new regulatory measures designed to prevent 
another crisis. Within IFI, this has had an impact on Informa 
Global Markets, which sells fixed income and currency 
information via desktop intermediaries. IFI’s other businesses 
have proved resilient, reflecting their niche focus and leading 
market positions. For example, EPFR, an emerging market 
fund flow and asset allocation data service, had another 
excellent year with revenues up over 40% in 2012. IFI profits 
were also boosted by the acquisition of Zephyr in October. 
This high margin, digital subscription business provides 
analytical software to fund managers and financial 
intermediaries to help analyse funds, portfolio manager 
performance and investment style. It is being merged with 
Informa Investment Solutions, which should create some 
attractive upselling opportunities in 2013.

At IBI, the biggest sector exposure is to the Healthcare and 
Pharmaceutical industry, representing around 60% of revenue. 
This continued to be a challenging end market in 2012, with 
corporates facing up to a weak pipeline of new major drug 
approvals, the negative impact of the patent cliff and inexorable 
rise of generic alternatives. This led to a cautious approach from 
our customer base, with purchasing decisions taking longer to 
be approved and often including extensive, procurement-led 

price discussions. Despite this, we did see overall growth in our 
key accounts and renewal rates across IBI’s product portfolio in 
2012 remained similar to 2011, underlining the high quality, niche 
nature of the information being supplied and flexible approach 
to platform delivery and workflow integration.

While the trading backdrop was challenging, the headline  
PCI revenue numbers are more a reflection of deliberate 
management action taken through 2012 to improve the 
long-term profile of the division. This included an exit from  
a number of volatile, low quality IBI products where future 
growth and margin potential were perceived to be weak or 
where we anticipate structural challenges ahead. This led to 
an exit from certain standalone advertising-driven products 
such as Review and International Freight Weekly and various 
consulting businesses. We also took the decision to merge 
Datamonitor Business Insights (low-value, content-light 
one-off reports) into our revamped Knowledge Centres to 
encourage subscriber uptake. In aggregate, products that 
were proactively closed through the year generated close  
to £20m of revenue at PCI on an annualised basis, hence 
explaining the divisional organic revenue decline.

The re-evaluation of our portfolio is a continuous process, as 
we respond to the demands of our customer base and wider 
industry trends, while seeking to optimise the potential 
returns from our asset base. The decisive action we took last 
year, whilst having a short-term negative drag on revenue, 
leaves PCI in a stronger position in 2013. Advertising, our most 
volatile revenue stream, represents just 5% of PCI.

Another illustration of our pro-active approach is the internal 
transfer of control of businesses where we feel it could help 
improve growth prospects. In 2013, this will see the Medical 
Books business within PCI move over to AI, boosting revenue 
at the latter by over £6m. 

Despite revenue contraction through 2012, PCI’s adjusted 
operating profit grew, both at a headline level and organically. 
This partly reflects the full year impact of Datamonitor 
integration synergies but a number of businesses also 
reported strong margin progression, including Citeline, 
CPDCast, Prime, Pharma Projects and Phasic. As a 
predominantly digital subscription business, (89% of PCI’s 
products were delivered digitally in 2012), we see the 
potential for further margin upside in years to come, although 
this will be dependent on delivering organic revenue growth.

events and training 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

actual 
%

Organic
%

Revenue

535.6

581.2

(7.8)

(3.0)

Adjusted Operating 
Profit

Adjusted Operating 
Margin (%)

102.9

106.0

(2.9)

(1.4)

19.2

18.2

08

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
we were very proActive 
in reshAping the business, 
reducing its exposure 
to smAll conferences 
And trAining, whilst 
increAsing the weighting 
towArds lArge events 

adjusted Operating profit

+4.0%

.

m
7
9
4
3
£

m
2

.

6
3
3
£

.

m
2
3
1
3
£

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

.

m
8
5
0
3
£

8
0
0
2

.

m
5
9
0
3
£

9
0
0
2

The Events and Training division incorporates all our face-to-
face media businesses, across a range of formats including 
exhibitions, conferences, awards and in-house training 
programmes. It accounts for 43% of Group revenue and  
29% of adjusted operating profit. 

It was another busy year, during which we were very proactive 
in reshaping the business, reducing its exposure to small 
conferences and training, whilst increasing the weighting 
towards large events. The divisional financial performance 
reflected this, with revenues declining 7.8% versus 2011 and 
3.0% on an organic basis. The sale of Robbins Gioia and the 
small European Conference businesses accounted for a large 
proportion of this decrease, with revenue contribution from 
these assets over £30m lower in 2012 compared to 2011. We 
also actively cut our small conference output, focusing 
resources on building annual, renewable, large events. In total 
we ran just 6,500 events across all formats in 2012, down from 
12,500 at the peak in 2007. In revenue terms, we estimate that 
the conferences we deliberately cut out generated over £8m 
of revenue in 2011. The other major negative impact on 
divisional revenue was our corporate training business. 

The sharp increase in adjusted operating margin is a direct 
reflection of the action outlined, with most of the products 
we have cut generating low margins, particularly when 
compared to our large events. When adjusted for currency, 
these large events reported high single-digit growth in 2012 
and now account for 44% of Events and Training revenue 
(2011: 38%). This growth was delivered through a combination 
of like-for-like event growth, organic launches and geo-cloning 
activity, as well as a number of acquisitions. Key highlights 
included Arab Health and Middle East Electricity within our 
UAE business, AfricaCom and T V Connect events within 
Informa Telecoms & Media, the Monaco Yacht Show and the 
Vitafoods series of exhibitions. Cityscape Global in Dubai 
also saw a strong recovery after a tough few years, with 69% 
growth in exhibition space and 25% growth in overall attendance. 

The largest acquisition we made in this division in 2012  
was that of MMPI in July for £34.3m. This is Canada’s biggest 
exhibition company, producing 45 events across various 
sectors including construction, design and art, and 
attracting more than 4,500 exhibitors annually. It has 
performed excellently since we took ownership, with 
good growth across its H2 events and significant  
progress already on plans to leverage its brands and 
expertise across the wider Informa Group. 

We continued to build our presence in emerging markets, 
with 27% of Events and Training revenue generated in these 
fast-growth regions in 2012 (2011: 20%). Highlights included 
the Middle East where revenues grew 36%. Following the 
acquisitions made in 2011, our Brazilian business also had a 
strong year, recording double-digit growth at the large 
Fispal exhibition, with a further boost from its biennial  
event, ForMobile. 

09

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Chief Executive’s Review CONTINUED

The positive momentum in Brazil has continued into 2013, 
boosted by the recent award of a long-term contract to 
organise Agrishow. This is the largest event for the agriculture 
market in Latin America, with around 790 exhibitors and  
more than 152,000 visitors, across 440,000 square metres  
of exhibition space near Sao Paulo.

The corporate training business experienced another 
challenging year, with a lack of confidence amongst 
corporates continuing to negatively impact demand, 
particularly in the US, where there is still a reluctance to 
commit to expenditure not directly related to income. 
However, we made good progress developing more 
flexible modalities and next generation delivery 
mechanisms, which puts us in an even stronger  
position to reap rewards as demand recovers.

The sale of Robbins Gioia has removed much of the Group’s 
exposure to US government contracts and, hence, has 
helped to reduce overall volatility. We also feel that the 
avoidance of the US fiscal cliff and an upbeat start to the 
year on stock markets may help to build confidence. Our 
contract pipeline certainly remains healthy, suggesting  
there is latent demand for our products if and when wider 
confidence recovers.

tradinG OutlOOk
The macro-economic environment provided little support  
to our businesses in 2012 and we are not assuming any 
significant improvement within our planning for 2013. 
Unsurprisingly, Europe remains the toughest region, while the 
US is still quite mixed. Emerging markets are more upbeat 
though, with the Middle East in particular having started the 
year in confident mood, carrying on the improving trend we 
saw towards the end of 2012. We are planning to deploy  
more capital into emerging markets, where the growth 
opportunities are that much greater. 

Notwithstanding the tough backdrop in which we are 
operating, the actions we took in 2012 to sharpen the focus  
of parts of the business, coupled with the investments we 
made in acquisitions and new products put Informa in a 
stronger position coming into 2013. This is reflected in the 
solid start we have made to the year and with good visibility  
on many revenue streams across our subscription and 
exhibition businesses, there is reason for cautious optimism. 
Consequently, we are budgeting for underlying revenue 
growth across all three divisions in 2013.

In our AI division, the journal subscription season is well 
underway and to date the business has traded broadly as 
anticipated, with high renewal rates reflecting strong 
demand for our content. Budgetary pressure amongst our 
customer base remains a challenge but the situation does 

not appear to be worsening, and the quality and diversity  
of our portfolio puts us in a strong position, as evidenced  
by ongoing growth in usage. New journal, book and 
archive launches, including SACHA, will help drive  
growth through 2013 and we expect demand for digital 
products to continue to rise. We also have high hopes  
that we will continue to build our profile and customer 
penetration in emerging markets, where further 
opportunities exist. 

The PCI division enters 2013 leaner, more focused and more 
robust. IBI will benefit from the launch of new and revamped 
products such as the Healthcare Knowledge Centre, Verdict 
and the Chinese healthcare database, while IFI, buoyed by a 
strong end to 2012, will also reap the full benefit of the Zephyr 
acquisition. All of this provides a degree of confidence that PCI 
can deliver top-line organic growth in 2013 although we 
would caution that Pharmaceutical and Financial markets 
remain subdued and fragile. We also face a small negative 
drag from the full year impact of product pruning 
implemented in 2012. In addition, our Medical Books  
business will be managed by our AI division in 2013,  
which will lead to a transfer of over £6m of revenue.

The Events and Training division also starts 2013 in a stronger 
position. The ongoing rebalancing of the portfolio towards 
large events is improving visibility, growth potential and cash 
dynamics. Our biggest single event, Arab Health took place in 
January and delivered a record result, with revenue up 11% on 
2012. This was recently followed by Middle East Electricity, 
another one of our biggest events, where we estimate 
revenue grew by 8%. This augurs well for the performance of 
our business in this region but elsewhere forward bookings 
are also healthy, giving us confidence of another good 
performance from our events portfolio. The key delta in the 
Events and Training division this year will be our corporate 
training business. It is too early to gain much visibility on 
trading but we are not assuming a significant market recovery. 
We are encouraged by what remains a healthy pipeline of 
contracts, suggesting there could be pent up demand once 
confidence returns. 

We increased the Group adjusted operating margin 
significantly in 2012, reflecting a proactive improvement in 
the mix, the annualised benefit of Datamonitor integration 
savings, but also a sharp focus on costs by our management 
team in an uncertain revenue environment. At this point we 
anticipate 2013 to be a year of consolidation, with greater 
emphasis on top-line growth than margin expansion.

There will inevitably be unexpected positives and negatives 
through 2013 but we are quietly confident in our prospects  
for the year ahead and fully expect to deliver another year of 
growth in adjusted earnings per share. We also expect to 

1010

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012deliver another strong year of cash conversion, which will 
give us significant flexibility for investment. We will continue 
to look for opportunities, both internally and externally, 
where there is the potential to reap attractive returns while 
building on our strategic objectives. Equally, we remain 
committed to maintaining a progressive dividend policy 
while keeping our leverage within the target range of  
2.0–2.5 times net debt / EBITDA.

peter rigby
Chief Executive

we Are quietly confident 
in our prospects for the 
yeAr AheAd And fully 
expect to deliver Another 
yeAr of growth

1111

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Our Strategy in Action

high quAlity 
subscriptions
specialist knowledge 
and proprietary content 
strengthen our position in 
both digital and print formats

Want to know more?
www.informa.com/what-we-do 

our publishing businesses 
Are dominAted by 
subscription Assets with 
high renewAl rAtes

1212

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012inFOrma telecOms & 
media (“itm”)

ITM portfolio of global database 
products includes World Cellular 
Information Service, World 
Broadband Information Service and 
the recently launched World TV 
Information Service. The products’ 
reputations attract loyal customers 
including communication service 
providers, equipment and device 
vendors, content owners and 
pioneering internet players, such as 
Google, Facebook, Skype and Spotify.

These high value services are 
embedded in the strategic, 
operational and marketing 
processes of ITM’s clients, helping 
them to deliver efficiency, 
innovation and growth.

datamOnitOr healthcare knOwledGe centre

The new Datamonitor Healthcare Knowledge Centre was Informa Business 
Information’s biggest product launch in 2012. For customers, it breaks down 
barriers to better understand pharma intelligence on drugs, companies, 
epidemiology and disease to enable sharper decision making on unfolding 
trends and issues. 

The new Datamonitor Healthcare service not only provides new advancements 
in content delivery and interactivity, but also fundamentally restructures its 
analyst’s publication model. It also incorporates content from its sister brand, 
SCRIP, for the first time. Clients helped build the service, and with their support, 
research has become clearer, richer and more responsive, ensuring they gain a 
path to insight, not just content. 

New technology means this insight isn’t only available in the office, but on the 
go. The service is available on tablets, while mobile compatibility will arrive in 
2013, alongside new visualisation tools which allow analysts to present their 
findings in video presentations and podcasts. Built-in ‘Ask the Analyst’ access  
is also available for bespoke consultation.

the puBlic ledGer

The Public Ledger, part of Informa Business Information, has added 
new technology to its service which visualises millions of rows of 
in-house and industry data. The Public Ledger is a leading information 
specialist on soft commodities, agriculture, markets and trade. 

This new technology moves it from a traditional print product to a 
system that allows subscribers to manipulate variables within a clear, 
simple layout. 

For example, over 400,000 US Department of Agriculture data points 
visually show the progress and conditions of US crops. Users can then 
interrogate this data to assess how the current situation might develop 
based on past trends. 

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

1313

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewOur Strategy in Action CONTINUED

digitAl 
excellence
bringing us closer to our 
audience and creating  
more opportunities for  
richer information

Want to know more?
www.informa.com/what-we-do 

primal pictures

we continue to invest in digitAl 
innovAtion, both in generAting 
new, vAluAble digitAl content 
but Also in plAtforms to 
better AnAlyse, interpret And 
customise informAtion

1414

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

Informa plcllOyd’s list

The Costa Concordia cruise ship 
capsizing off the Italian coast is one of 
the many disasters that will remain in 
our memories from 2012. The team at 
Lloyd’s List, part of Informa Business 
Information, used online and digital 
networks to distribute exclusive news 
from Lloyd’s List Intelligence vessel 
tracking data. The data showed that in 
a previous voyage five months earlier, 
the liner had sailed within 230 metres 
off the coast of Giglio Island, even 
closer to shore than where it hit rocks 
in January. The evidence indicated that 
it may not have been a black and white 
case of shipmaster error.

Lloyd’s List analysts led global 
thought and opinion. A Google 
search for “Lloyd’s List Costa 
Concordia” yields over 59,000 results. 
Highlights consisted of global 
television clips from BBC Newsnight 
where the story broke, and CNN, as 
well as The New York Times and 
numerous UK broadsheets, including 
The Times, The Telegraph, The 
Financial Times and hundreds of 
newspapers around the globe. 

inFOrma research services

Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8, was launched in October 
2012 and if it follows previous releases, will be the most used operating 
system in the world. It features financial data from California-based Informa 
Research Services. The company worked with Microsoft under great security 
and confidentiality to develop the Finance Live tile feature, which comes 
with every copy of Windows 8. It means that, over time, it’s likely that Informa 
financial data will be powering the data we use in our businesses, homes and 
many other aspects of our daily lives. 

During 2012, Primal Pictures joined Informa Business 
Information’s healthcare portfolio, in another innovative 
development for the Group. Primal Pictures is the 
worldwide leader in the digital 3D anatomy market, 
creating what is widely accepted as the most accurate 
3D digital modelling of the human body available. 

The software allows people to ‘see’ inside the body, 
zoom, rotate and look through different layers in 3D. This 
UK-based business has won a number of major awards 
including the ‘Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 
2012’ and seven British Medical Association Awards. 

It’s recognised by academic institutions and 
commercial customers globally as best in class. High 
profile clients range from eminent surgeons and 
radiologists to a world famous Premiership football 
club. The technology has featured in several TV series, 
including Waking the Dead. 

taylOr & Francis – sOuth asia archive

The South Asia Archive, a new initiative 
from Taylor & Francis and described as 
“visionary” by The Times of India, will 
become available in 2013. This archive 
will put five million pages of heritage 
material online making it available for 
the first time. The library dates between 
1790 and 1955 and features material 
from across the Indian Subcontinent.  
It provides access to culturally and historically important documents  
for researchers, teachers, librarians and students in Humanities and 
Social Sciences. The digital archive has been created in association  
with the South Asia Research Foundation which collected the original 
documents. The sophisticated search tool that lies at the heart of this 
archive provides instant access to rare primary content. 

1515

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Our Strategy in Action CONTINUED

resilient 
events
highly specialised events 
providing opportunity  
for growth and high  
quality earnings

Want to know more?
www.informa.com/what-we-do 

our focus is on building 
AnnuAl events, where 
customers return to 
engAge with A community

1616

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

cOnstruct canada

Construct Canada has been held annually for 
the last 25 years and is the country’s largest 
show to support the design, construction and 
management of all forms of buildings. It’s held 
concurrently with PM Expo, Concrete Canada, 
DesignTrends, National GreenBuilding 
Conference, and HomeBuilder & Renovator 
Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 
Together, the shows feature over 100,000 net 
square feet of exhibits of products, services, 
technologies, and systems of interest to over 
24,000 attendees including architects, builders, 
building owners, contractors, developers, 
designers, engineers, facility managers, 
property managers and specifiers.

Informa plccityscape GlOBal 

Launched in 2002, Cityscape has 
grown to become the leading real 
estate event brand globally, with 
its international flagship event 
held annually in Dubai. Cityscape 
Global regained strong positive 
momentum with a growth of 50% 
in exhibition space featuring 172 
exhibitors, and a 25% growth in 
overall attendance on the 2011 
event exceeding 25,000 real 
estate investors and professionals 
from 93 countries. 

The strength of the Cityscape brand 
allows it to continue to successfully 
launch real estate events across 
emerging markets, with Qatar and 
Egypt as the most recent additions in 
2012. Today, Cityscape’s portfolio of 
events includes exhibitions and 
conferences held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, 
Cairo, Doha, Jeddah and Riyadh. 

the russian pharmaceutical FOrum

Adam Smith Conferences is one of the Russian and Commonwealth of 
Independent States “CIS” market event leaders and is part of Informa’s IIR 
brand. Eighteen years ago, it created the Russian Pharmaceutical Forum, with 
the aim of providing the leading platform for the key players in the multi-
billion dollar Russian pharmaceutical market. The success of the platform has 
enabled the development of a portfolio of events, including CIS 
Pharmaceutical Forum, Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Forum, Innovative Drug R&D 
and Healthcare & Medical Devices in Russia. Plans for 2013 involve three new 
events, including Russian Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs.

The Russian Pharmaceutical Forum has become Adam Smith Conference’s 
largest and most profitable event, against strong competition and the global 
economic crisis, in a region more volatile than most. The event meets every 
success criteria including increasing sponsorship revenue and delegate 
numbers as well as improving profit. 

mininG and enerGy

The Informa Australia resources team was created 16 years ago and now 
produces over 50 mining and energy events in Australia and another 20 
globally. It supports the multi-trillion dollar mining and resources sector. 
The events attract 5,000 attendees annually including government, mining 
companies, financiers and equipment suppliers. It’s the largest organiser of 
resources conferences in the world, including commodities such as coal, 
iron ore, copper and nickel from countries and regions as diverse as 
Mozambique, Kalimantan, Botswana, CIS, Indonesia, China, New Caledonia 
and Brazil. From its expertise and contacts in the Australian resources 
sector it was able to create events globally, including Global Iron Ore which 
started in 1997 and has now been geo-cloned to EU Iron Ore; African Iron 
Ore and Americas Iron Ore. 

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

1717

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewOur Strategy in Action CONTINUED

geogrAphic 
expAnsion
bringing our knowledge and 
expertise to new people in 
new regions

Want to know more?
www.informa.com/what-we-do 

we continue to expAnd our 
geogrAphic footprint, with 
A pArticulAr emphAsis on 
increAsing our emerging 
mArkets presence

1818

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012superreturn 

SuperReturn is a private equity and venture capital conference with a unique 
dynamic that helps it grow, both in strength and geographically. Its first 
conference, which took place in Germany in 1998, has created a platform 
that can be geo-cloned to other parts of the world, under both the 
SuperReturn and SuperInvestor brands. 

The shows’ strength is that it puts Limited Partners “LPs” in touch with 
General Partners “GPs”, meaning GPs are able to network directly with those  
who are able to invest in their funds. The SuperReturn brand is known 
globally for bringing a high quality and quantity of international LPs to its 
events. It’s that track record that supports the opportunity for international 
growth. Providers like law firms, accountants and consulting firms are also 
attracted because of the quality audience of GPs. In addition, months of 
detailed research for each individual event ensures that the content and 
topics are at the cutting edge of current industry debate. 

SuperReturn China won ‘Best New Conference Launch’ at the June 2012 
Conference Awards. 2013 will see the launch of SuperInvestor Asia, as well  
as new formats that maximise the SuperReturn brand. 

inFOrma Brazil 

The Informa Brazilian office has 
been established for 17 years. 
Through mergers and acquisitions 
and organic growth, it now 
manages events not only in Brazil 
but also in the Caribbean and other 
Latin American regions including 
Chile, Colombia, Argentina and 
Peru. The operation also hosts 
other Informa businesses, such as 
AchieveGlobal, ESI International, 
Informa Telecoms & Media and the 
Taylor & Francis Group. 

Its exhibition business is now the 
second largest trade show operator  
in Brazil. Events support a range  
of sector needs including food 
processing and services, machinery, 
legal, visual communication, 
franchising, agribusiness, retail 
pharma, electronic payments and 
identification and health care.

inFOrma canada inc.

Informa’s acquisition of MMPI Canada Inc. 
creates a solid foothold for growth in a stable 
economy with many opportunities for organic 
event launches. The newly branded Informa 
Canada Inc. currently runs some 45 events 
across the country. They attract more than 
5,000 exhibitors and over 330,000 attendees 
annually. Sector events include construction, 
design, craft, art, real estate, furniture, 
furnishings and food, and in all of their core 
sectors they are the leading national event.

Informa Canada Inc. retains a strong 
management team many of whom were 
responsible for initially creating these events. 
Plans are underway to bring new Informa 
branded events to Canada and take some  
of the Canadian shows to other markets. 

eurOmedicOm 

EuroMediCom, the organiser of some of the world’s largest anti-ageing 
events, was bought by Informa in 2010. It is expanding by taking tried  
and tested major congresses to different parts of the world, including 
Singapore, Thailand, Russia, China, Canada, Dubai, France, and Monaco.

EuroMediCom’s growing family of products – congresses, training and 
publications – provide information about anti-ageing sciences. They help 
the market understand everything about enhancing longevity, quality of 
life and rejuvenation. 

Two conditions allow expansion. Firstly, the market boomed at the end  
of 2008. Since acquisition, the main Monaco event has seen an average 
45% growth each year and has become the largest event of its type in  
the world. Secondly, its integration with Informa has provided expansion 
opportunities. Global networks, event marketing, data, publishing and 
other interests enable EuroMediCom to improve, simplify and speed up 
research and development.

Today EuroMediCom’s strategy is to expand its activities worldwide  
by cloning the model of its leading event, the Anti-aging Medicine  
World Congress. 

1919

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Financial Review

Adam Walker
Finance Director

this set of results underlines the strength of the Group, 
with its ability to grow profits and cash flow and increase 
its adjusted operating margin and earnings against a 
continued back drop of economic conditions which 
showed little sign of improvement. 

GrOup

Revenue
Adjusted Operating 
Profit

Adjusted Operating 
Margin (%)

2012
£m
1,232.5

2011
£m
1,275.3

actual
%
(3.4)

Organic
%
(2.0)

349.7

336.2

4.0

2.8

28.4

26.4

adjusted and statutOry results

In this Financial Review we refer to adjusted and statutory 
results. Our statutory operating profit and profit before  
tax have both decreased this year primarily because  
of the non-cash impairment of the European  
Conferences businesses.

Adjusted results are prepared to provide a more comparable 
indication of the Group’s underlying business performance. 
Adjusted results exclude adjusting items as set out in the 
Consolidated Income Statement and detailed in Note 2.

translatiOn impact
The Group receives approximately 46% of its revenues and 
incurs approximately 38% of its costs in USD or currencies 
pegged to USD. The Group is therefore sensitive to movements 
in the USD against the GBP. Each $0.01 movement in the USD to 
GBP exchange rate has a circa £3.6m impact on revenue, a circa 
£1.5m impact on operating profits and a circa 0.19p impact on 
adjusted diluted EPS. Offsetting this will be reductions to USD 
interest and USD tax liabilities. This analysis assumes all other 
variables, including interest rates, remain constant. 

The Group receives approximately 10% of its revenues and 
incurs approximately 9% of its costs in Euros. The Group is 
therefore sensitive to movements in the Euro against the  
GBP. Each €0.01 movement in the Euro to GBP exchange  
rate has a circa £1.0m impact on revenue, a circa £0.4m  
impact on operating profits and a circa 0.05p impact on 
adjusted diluted EPS. Offsetting this will be reductions to  
Euro interest and Euro tax liabilities. This analysis assumes  
all other variables, including interest rates, remain constant.

For debt covenant testing purposes, profit and debt is 
translated at the average rate of exchange throughout  
the relevant period.

revenue
Organic revenue across the Group decreased by 2.0%  
reflecting a decline in our Professional and Commercial 

2020

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Information (“PCI”) and Events and Training businesses. Academic 
Information (“AI”) organic revenues increased by 2.4%. 

OperatinG prOFit
Adjusted operating profit increased to £349.7m (2011: 
£336.2m). Organic adjusted operating profit increased by 
2.8%, with an increase of 4.7% by the Publishing businesses 
and a decline of 1.4% in the Events and Training businesses. 

Statutory operating profit decreased by 4.5% to £124.4m  
(2011: £130.3m).

impairment
The challenging European economic climate has impacted 
our European Conferences business performance during the 
year. This has resulted in indicators of impairment for the 
European Conferences Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”). Updated 
five year projections have been produced for the CGU, which 
have resulted in an impairment of the carrying value of 
goodwill by £80.0m. The European Conferences goodwill 
mainly arose from the IIR acquisition in 2006, an acquisition 
which in totality has delivered post tax returns in excess of 
10% each year.

restructurinG and reOrGanisatiOn cOsts
Restructuring and reorganisation costs for the year of £9.9m 
(2011: £15.2m) principally relate to the redundancy and 
reorganisation programmes undertaken within IBI and  
the European Conferences businesses. These include 
redundancy costs of £6.8m (2011: £11.9m), reorganisation 
costs of £2.1m (2011: £2.8m) and vacant property provisions  
of £1.0m (2011: £0.5m). 

Other adjustinG items
During the year, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholding  
in the Robbins Gioia business and a number of other smaller 
businesses, as listed in Note 20, for total consideration of 
£13.1m. A loss on disposal of £27.5m, including directly 
attributable costs of £1.0m, has been recognised within 
adjusting items.

With the number of acquisitions made during the year, 
acquisition related costs of £1.3m have been recognised in  
the income statement.

The remaining net credit of £1.3m relates to the re-
measurement of contingent consideration of £1.6m and a fair 
value gain on non-controlling interest of £1.0m, being offset 
by impairments to other intangible assets of £1.3m. 

adjusted net Finance cOsts
Adjusted net finance costs, which consist principally of interest 
costs net of interest receivable, decreased by £8.0m from 
£40.3m to £32.3m. We maintain a balance of fixed and  
floating rate debt partly through utilising derivative financial 
instruments. The majority of the fixed interest swaps that were 
entered into at the time of the Datamonitor acquisition in 2007 
expired during 2011, with the remaining swaps expiring at the 
end of September 2012. This has resulted in a lower average 
fixed interest rate on borrowings.

Adjusted operAting 
profit increAsed  
to £349.7m

adjusted operating margin

+2.0%

%
3
5
2

.

%
5
5
2

.

%
4
6
2

.

%
9
3
2

.

%
4
8
2

.

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

See “Monitoring Performance”, page 26

!

2121

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Financial Review CONTINUED

prOFit BeFOre tax
Adjusted profit before tax increased by 7.3% to £317.4m from 
£295.9m and adjusted profit for the period increased by 8.3%  
to £245.6m from £226.7m.

Statutory profit before tax was £67.0m (2011: £88.6m). The 
decrease is primarily due to the impairment charge of £80.0m 
and loss on disposal of £27.5m.

taxatiOn
Across the Group, tax has been provided on adjusted profits  
at an adjusted tax rate of 22.6% (2011: 23.4%). This adjusted tax 
rate benefits from profits generated in low tax jurisdictions, 
including Switzerland and is lower than for the previous year 
due to movements in the mix of profits between jurisdictions 
and lower tax rates in certain countries including the UK.

The Group tax credit on statutory profit before tax was 
negative 35.4% (2011: Group tax charge of 16.1%). 

During 2012, the Group resolved a number of outstanding  
tax issues, in the UK and elsewhere, which had arisen over  
a number of years. This resulted in additional tax of £9m  
being paid in 2012, with a further £24m (including interest on 
overdue tax) to be paid in 2013. Approximately £16m of tax 
had previously been paid on account in respect of these 
items. The tax treatment of other commercial transactions was 
agreed without further payments becoming due. Pending the 
resolution of these outstanding open issues, some of which 
go back to 2005, the Group had maintained provisions against 
all of these items. As these matters have now been resolved 
and tax paid accordingly the Group has made a one-off 
adjustment to its tax provisions, which is shown as an 
adjusting item.

The Group makes a significant tax contribution to the 
territories in which it operates, not only through corporate 
taxes but also through the taxes its employees pay, the 
employer’s social security contributions made by the 
Group and the sales and value added taxes generated by 
its products.

Specifically in relation to corporate taxes, the adjusted tax 
charge can be reconciled to tax paid in the year as follows:

Effective Tax Charge

Deferred taxes

2012
£m

71.8

(1.2)

2011
£m

69.2

(5.8)

earninGs and dividend
Adjusted diluted EPS of 40.7p (2011: 37.8p) is 8% ahead of 2011 and 
statutory diluted EPS of 15.0p (2011: 12.5p) is 20% ahead of 2011. 

The Board has proposed a second interim dividend of 12.50p 
per share (2011: 11.80p per share). This dividend will be paid on 
21 May 2013 to ordinary shareholders registered as of the 
close of business on 26 April 2013. This will result in a total 
dividend for the year of 18.50p per share (2011: 16.80p per 
share). Dividend cover has decreased to 2.2 times (2011: 2.25 
times) on an adjusted earnings basis.

cash FlOw
The Group continues to generate strong cash flows and this 
is reflected in a cash conversion rate, expressed as a ratio of 
operating cash flow (as calculated below) to adjusted operating 
profit, of 94% (2011: 93%). 

Adjusted operating profit

Depreciation of PP&E

Software amortisation 

Share-based payments

EBITDA

Net capital expenditure

Working capital movement  
(net of restructuring and  
reorganisation accruals)

Operating cash flow

Restructuring and  
reorganisation cash flow

Net interest

Taxation

Free cash flow

Acquisitions less disposals

Dividends

Net issue of shares

Net funds flow

Opening net debt

Non-cash items

Foreign exchange

2012
£m 

2011
£m

349.7

336.2

7.0

14.5

3.8

6.7

13.1

3.0

375.0

359.0

(25.8)

(23.9)

(20.2)

(23.9)

329.0

311.2

(13.2)

(32.5)

(45.5)

(19.3)

(44.5)

(44.0)

237.8

203.4

(174.4)

(112.9)

(107.4)

(87.3)

0.3

(43.7)

0.3

3.5

(784.0)

(779.1)

(1.1)

26.4

(2.7)

(5.7)

(802.4)

(784.0)

Current tax on adjusting items

(18.2)

(18.9)

Closing net debt

Tax payable for 2012 due to be paid in  
a later year less tax due for earlier years 
paid in 2012

Taxes Paid

Taxes refunded from German authorities

Net taxes per cash flow

(1.1)

51.3

(5.8)

45.5

(0.5)

44.0

−

44.0

Of the corporate taxes paid of £45.5m (2011: £44.0m), 
approximately £33m (2011: approx. £28m) was paid in the UK.

In the year ended 31 December 2012, before taking into 
account dividends, spend on acquisitions or proceeds from  
the sale of assets, the Group generated free cash flow of 
£237.8m (2011: £203.4m). 

The change to net debt arising from acquisitions (net  
of disposals) was a £174.4m outflow (2011: £112.9m  
outflow) which comprises current year acquisitions of 
£158.6m (2011: £109.1m) and consideration in respect of 

2222

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012acquisitions completed in prior years of £15.8m (2011: £3.8m). 
The Group made a number of disposals during the period  
for total consideration of £13.1m, generating a net loss on 
disposal of £27.5m.

Net debt increased by £18.4m from £784.0m to £802.4m, which 
primarily reflects a cash outflow of £43.7m, offset by exchange 
rate movements of £26.4m. During the year the Group paid 
dividends of £107.4m.

FinancinG and Bank cOvenants
The principal financial covenant ratios under the private 
placement and revolving credit facilities are maximum net 
debt to EBITDA of 3.5 times and minimum EBITDA interest 
cover of 4.0 times, tested semi-annually. At 31 December 2012 
both financial covenants were comfortably achieved, with the 
ratio of net debt (using average exchange rates) to EBITDA 
being constant at 2.1 times at 31 December 2011 and 2012. 
The ratio of EBITDA to net interest payable in the year ended  
31 December 2012 was 11.5 times (2011: 8.9 times).

return On capital emplOyed
During 2012 we have completed a number of bolt-on 
acquisitions and we strengthened our events platform with  
the acquisition of Informa Canada Inc. (formerly MMPI Canada 
Inc.). We also strengthened our PCI segment with acquisitions 
of Fertecon Limited, Sagient Research Systems, Inc. and 
Zephyr Associates, Inc.

Acquisitions have to meet our acquisition criteria which 
include delivering returns in excess of the Group’s WACC in 
the first full year, being earnings enhancing in the first full  
year and achieving a cash payback within seven years. 

The return on investment from acquisitions completed in  
2011 was 12%. 

deFerred incOme
Deferred income, which represents income received in 
advance, was down 4% on a constant currency basis at  
31 December 2012 compared to the same date in 2011.  
Deferred income arises primarily from advance subscriptions 
and forward bookings for trade shows, exhibitions or 
conferences. Subscriptions generated by our academic 
journal business renew annually a year in advance and many 
trade shows and exhibitions, because of their market leading 
status, receive commitments up to a year in advance. 

pensiOns
The Group’s financial obligations to its pension schemes 
remain relatively small compared to the size of the Group, 
with net pension liabilities at 31 December 2012 of £17.5m 
(2011: £12.1m).

Following the completion of the triennial valuations of the 
main defined benefit schemes, a revised deficit funding plan 
has been agreed with the trustees to eliminate the deficits in 
the three schemes. The contributions for the ongoing service 
will be £nil in 2013 as all three schemes are closed to future 
accrual of benefits. In addition, the contributions paid towards 

the group continues  
to generAte strong  
cAsh flows 

dividend per share

+10.1%

p
5

.

8
1

p
8

.

6
1

p
0
4
1

.

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

p
5
1
1

.

9
0
0
2

p
1
4
8

.

8
0
0
2

2323

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Financial Review CONTINUED

reducing the scheme deficits will increase from £3.9m in  
2012 to £4.5m in 2013 and decrease to £3.2m in 2014.

pOst Balance sheet events
On 5 February 2013, the Group was awarded a 30-year licence 
to manage Agrishow in Brazil, the largest agrifoods event in 
Latin America. 

eurOzOne risk
Guidance released by the FRC requires the Group to comment 
on its exposure to risks from the Eurozone crisis.

The Group has some trading exposure to the Eurozone 
financial crisis. Customers located in Continental Europe 
generated 23% of annual revenue, although only 10% of 
annual revenue is denominated in Euros, as are around  
9% of costs.

The Group’s liquidity risk (its ability to service short- 
term liabilities) is considered low in all scenarios bar a 
fundamental collapse of the financial markets. The Group  
had £23.3m of cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 
2012, of which EUR 6.6m is denominated in Euros. The 
Group’s treasury policy imposes ratings based limits on the 
quantum of deposits that may be held with any financial 
institution at any time. At 31 December 2012 there is 
headroom of £245.1m on the Group’s borrowing facilities, 
and none of the Group’s revolving credit facility is drawn in 
EUR. EUR 50m of the Group’s £448.5m private placement 
financing is denominated in EUR. For further details see  
Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Group’s solvency risk (its ability to meet its liabilities in 
full) is also considered low. The most significant exposure is 
with regards to the potential impairment of goodwill and 
intangibles relating to the European Conferences CGU as 
outlined in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Under 3% of Group revenues are generated from customers 
located in Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain. There is a close 
correlation between the Group revenues denominated in 
Euros (10% of the Group total in 2012) and costs denominated 
in Euros (9%).

cOnclusiOn
During the year, we have continued to enhance the quality  
of our earnings, removing marginal revenue streams and 
focusing on our core strengths as evidenced by the highest 
adjusted operating margin in the Group’s history.

We must not forget that we continue to rely on the developed 
world for the majority of our revenue and the macro 
economic climate in 2012 was still not strong. Many of our 
customers continued to be very cautious in their spending 
patterns. We are convinced that the changes we have made 
leave the Group in a stronger place financially and with a 
good platform from which to build when better economic 
conditions occur, hopefully in 2013.

During the course of 2012 we have spent over £150m on 
acquisitions and invested around £25m in capital expenditure 
as we continue to invest for the future. The acquisitions that 
we have completed must meet strict financial criteria and I am 
pleased that the returns on those completed in 2011 continue 
to show we are improving the business and utilising our 
capital well.

More companies joining the Group in different geographies 
supporting new verticals places more pressure on our 
processes, systems and back office infrastructure. It is clear to 
me the progress that has been made over the past five years 
to bring consistency, financial rigour and efficiency to our 
support structure and make the back office platform much 
more stable and able to support the Group’s ambitious 
growth plans. The job is never done but we are year by year 
reducing the complexity that existed in the Group as a result 
of the series of large acquisitions in a short period of time. 

Integral to all we do financially is to ensure that the Group  
has a strong control environment, the appropriate capital 
structure and the best finance people and systems to support 
its operations. I am confident that we have made progress 
across all these areas in 2012 and would like to thank all my 
teams for all their hard work in delivering that progress.

adam walker 
Finance Director

2424

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012we hAve continued to enhAnce the quAlity of our 
eArnings, removing mArginAl revenue streAms 
And focusing on our core strengths As evidenced 
by the highest Adjusted operAting mArgin in the 
group’s history

See “Risks and Uncertainties”, page 28

!

2525

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Monitoring Performance

key perFOrmance indicatOrs
The financial key performance indicators (KPIs) selected are used by management to monitor the Group’s progress in delivering 
its strategy of creating shareholder value by growing and managing our Academic Information, Professional and Commercial 
Information and Events and Training businesses.

adjusted OperatinG 
prOFit

adjusted diluted eps

GearinG ratiO

.

m
7
9
4
3
£

.

m
2
6
3
3
£

.

m
2
3
1
3
£

.

m
5
9
0
3
£

.

m
8
5
0
3
£

p
7
0
4

.

p
8
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3

.

p
8
4
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.

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3
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3

.

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9
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0
0
2

9
0
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1
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4.25 times

3.5 times

s
e
m

i
t
8
3

.

8
0
0
2

s
e
m

i
t
7
2

.

9
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e
m

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t
3
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t
1
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1
1
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2

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e
m

i
t
1
2

.

2
1
0
2

aim: 
to deliver strong underlying 
performance

aim: 
to deliver consistent 
year on year growth

The Group’s underlying business 
performance remains strong.

During 2012 adjusted diluted EPS  
grew 8%.

aim: 
management of debt covenants

The Group continues to improve its 
covenant headroom.

2626

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
Free cash FlOw

OrGanic revenue GrOwth

dividend per share

.

m
4
1
3
2

.

m
0
5
2
2

.

m
0
0
1
2

8
0
0
2

.

m
4
3
0
2

1
1
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

.

m
8
7
3
2

2
1
0
2

%
5
2

.

1
1
0
2

%
4
0

.

0
1
0
2

%
1
1

.

8
0
0
2

%
9
3
1
-

.

9
0
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2

p
5
8
1

.

p
8
6
1

.

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%
0
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-

.

p
0
4
1

.

p
5
1
1

.

p
1
4
8

.

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

aim: 
conversion of profit into cash

The Group has continued to convert 
profit into cash and maintained free 
cash flow in excess of £200m.

aim: 
to deliver continued organic growth

The Group strives for organic growth, 
despite continuing instability in 
World markets.

aim: 
to deliver continued 
dividend growth

The Group continues to deliver  
a strong return to shareholders.

2727

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Risks and Uncertainties 

A number of factors could potentially affect the Group’s operating results and financial condition (“risk factors”). The Group 
adopts a risk management process that is monitored by the Board and which is intended to ensure a consistent and coherent 
approach to managing the risk factors that are described in this section and to those other risk factors that may arise or which 
may become material in the future (as outlined in the Corporate Governance section on page 46). Each of these risk factors are 
tabled at frequent Risk Committee Meetings (a sub-committee of the Audit Committee) throughout the year. The members of 
the Risk Committee include the Executive Directors, the Group HR Director, the Deputy Group Finance Director, the Company 
Secretary, the Head of IT, senior divisional Managing Directors, and a representative from Internal Audit. This section describes 
the principal risk factors that the Directors believe could materially affect the Group, but this is not an exhaustive list as other 
risks may arise or existing risks may materially increase in the future. These are listed in no order of priority, and alongside each 
risk is a note of the main mitigating factors or actions which the Group takes. 

Risk

Mitigation

1. the Group’s businesses are affected by the economic 
conditions of the sectors and regions in which they and 
their customers operate and the markets in which the Group 
operates are highly competitive and subject to rapid change 

The performance of the Group depends on the financial health and strength of its customers, 
which in turn is dependent on the economic conditions of the industries and geographic 
regions in which they operate. Traditionally, spending on parts of the Group’s products has  
been cyclical due to companies spending significantly less in times of economic uncertainty. 

The markets for the Group’s products are highly competitive and in a state of ongoing and 
uncertain change. If the Group is unable to successfully enhance and/or develop its products  
in a timely fashion, the Group’s revenue could be affected. There are also low barriers to entry  
in relation to certain parts of the Group’s businesses. 

2. the Group’s academic information (“ai”) division’s 
revenue can be adversely affected by changes in the 
purchasing behaviour of academic institutions 

Academic institutions fund purchases of Group products from budgets that may be 
sensitive to changes in private (including endowments) and governmental sources of 
funding particularly in times of economic uncertainty and austerity. Accordingly, any 
such decreases are likely to affect adversely the Group’s results within its AI division.

3. the Group’s continued growth depends, in part, on its 
successful ability to identify and complete acquisitions and its 
ability to expand the business into new geographic regions 

With new acquisitions there can be no assurances that the Group will achieve the expected 
return on its investment, particularly as the success of any acquisition also depends in part 
on the Group’s ability to integrate the acquired business or assets. Attractive acquisitions 
may be difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including competition 
among prospective buyers and economic uncertainty. These issues particularly relate to 
large acquisitions.

  Mitigation is achieved, where possible, through the 

Group’s diversification of its operations across vertical 
markets and geographies, which provides a broad 
customer base. The Group maintains a competitive 
advantage through ongoing investment in its products, 
reinforcing its market leading position in many markets. 
Furthermore, during the recent difficult economic 
conditions the Group has enhanced its credit control 
function with a view to maintaining tighter control over 
upfront payments for events and subscriptions and also 
continuous monitoring of trade receivables to mitigate 
further default risk.

  The Group is constantly developing its product types 
and content range to minimise this effect so that 
academic institutions consider that the Group’s 
online and print based content is an important 
purchase even in times of economic uncertainty and 
austerity. Additionally, the Group has developed its 
reach, and continues to expand its sales activities 
outside of the more established western territories  
to the faster developing markets, like Asia, where 
economic growth is currently stronger and new 
universities are being built.

  The Group has formal investment decision criteria to 
identify suitable, earnings enhancing, acquisition 
targets and employs experienced professionals to drive 
the acquisition process. Post acquisition integration 
plans are prepared to ensure businesses are effectively 
integrated into the Group and that planned synergies 
are realised. 

In expanding its business geographically, both 
organically and by acquisition, the Group reviews  
risks relevant to particular geographies and 
formulates appropriate mitigation strategies.

2828

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Risk continued

4. reliance on or loss of key customers may reduce 
demand for the Group’s products

In recent years, more public sources of free or relatively inexpensive information have  
become available, particularly through the internet, and this trend is expected to continue.  
For example, some governmental and regulatory agencies have increased the amount of 
information they make publicly available at no cost. Such sources may reduce demand for  
the Group’s Publishing products.

In the Events and Training division there are a number of exhibitions that individually 
contribute significantly to the profitability of their respective business units, because of  
the size of the events and the relatively high gross profit margins earned by them.

Mitigation continued

  To mitigate this risk, the Group continuously monitors 
changes in its markets places and regularly seeks 
feedback from customers, adjusting its product offering 
in response where appropriate. The Group also invests 
in its products and delivery platforms.

5. a major accident at an exhibition or event 

The Group’s Events and Training division organises events that can be attended by up to  
50,000 individuals on a given day, which results in health and safety risks including fire safety, 
structural collapse, food hygiene, crowd control, security and evacuation routes in an 
emergency. Furthermore, the delegates are often not familiar with the venue which increases 
the risk of trip and fall type accidents. At its most severe, there have been incidents in the last 
10 years, albeit not involving the Group, resulting in loss of life through accidents at an 
exhibition or event.

Additionally, the Events and Training division does not normally own the venues it operates 
from, instead hiring floor space from a number of sources including exhibition centres, 
conference halls, hotels and training centres. As the Group does not own the venues directly,  
it is dependent on the operators of the venues to have adequate safety policies in place,  
which comply with all regulations in the local jurisdiction.

  The risks are mitigated by the Group’s Health and Safety 
(“H&S”) policies and H&S training courses. The venues 
used for our Events are assessed against a minimum 
company criteria based on the risk it poses. 

  The Group HR Director reports on Health and Safety 
issues to the Risk Committee. The implementation of 
the policies is the responsibility of local management 
teams, with the Group Health & Safety Manager  
(Events) available to assist with the implementation.  
A programme of annual internal audits has been 
established; these were conducted at Informa events 
businesses in different geographical regions and 
focused on the health and safety management of  
high risk events.

6. significant operational disruption caused by a major disaster

Major disasters, arising from either natural causes or man-made, have the potential to 
significantly disrupt the operation of the business. In particular, the success of the Group’s Events 
and Training division is dependent on bringing potentially large numbers of individuals to 
events, either as paying delegates or non-paying visitors to exhibitions. Events that have the 
capacity to result in significant operational disruption to global travel include natural disasters, 
military conflict, political unrest, terrorist activity and industrial action. Additionally, disasters  
can disrupt the Group’s electronic platforms and distribution systems as outlined in point 8.

  Business continuity plans have been implemented 

across the Group, including disaster recovery 
programmes, and plans to minimise business 
disruption. Risk assessments are also carried out for  
all higher risk locations used by the Group, and these  
are reviewed on a regular basis. The Group also has 
relevant insurance cover for certain occurences.

7. inadequate crisis management

The impact of any given event on the Group can potentially increase if the emerging situation  
is not managed appropriately or effectively. In addition to the principal risk factors documented 
in this section, other risk factors have the ability to cause significant damage to the Group’s  
brand and reputation if effective management is not implemented to mitigate their impact. 
Additionally, the speed and global coverage of media can result in a perceived crisis being 
communicated rapidly, thus further damaging the Group’s brand and reputation. 

8. the Group is dependent on the internet and its electronic 
delivery platforms, networks and distribution systems 

The Group’s businesses are increasingly dependent on electronic platforms and distribution 
systems, which primarily deliver the Group’s products through the internet. Any significant 
failure or interruption of these systems, or the Group’s wider IT infrastructure could thereby 
restrict the Group’s ability to provide services to customers. The Group may also be 
disadvantaged if it does not keep abreast of all relevant new technological advances or if  
such changes are expensive to implement.

To mitigate this risk, senior management communicate 
effectively within the organisation, constantly 
reviewing the Group’s responses to emerging issues. 
However, by their nature, it is impossible to have a 
detailed crisis management plan in place for all 
potential situations that could arise, and therefore the 
ultimate mitigation is dependent on management’s 
judgement, speed of reaction and quality of 
communication in a crisis situation.

  T he Group regularly invests in its internet and 
electronic delivery platforms, networks and 
distribution systems, and provides user support and 
services to customers having problems accessing data. 

2929

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Risks and Uncertainties CONTINUED

Risk continued

9. Breaches of the Group’s data security systems or other 
unauthorised access to its databases could adversely 
affect the Group’s businesses and operations 

The Group has valuable databases and as part of its business provides its customers with access 
to database information. There are persons who may try to breach the Group’s data security 
systems or gain other unauthorised access to its databases in order to misappropriate such 
information for potentially fraudulent purposes or to approach the Group’s customers for 
commercial purposes. This could damage the Group’s reputation and expose it to risks of  
loss, litigation and/or regulatory action, as well as increase the likelihood of more extensive 
governmental supervision of these activities in a way that could adversely affect this aspect  
of the Group’s business.

Mitigation continued

  The Group regularly invests in improving data security, 
digital rights encryption and contracted obligations of 
distributors. These efforts are led by a designated data 
security officer. In the event of unauthorised access, the 
Group would protect its intellectual property (“IP”) as 
outlined in point 12.

10. the Group relies on the experience and talent of its 
senior management and on its ability to recruit and retain 
key employees for the success of its business 

The successful management and operations of the Group are reliant upon the contributions  
of its senior management and other key personnel. In addition, the Group’s future success 
depends in part on its ability to continue to recruit, motivate and retain highly experienced  
and qualified employees in the face of often intense competition from other companies. 

  The Group offers compensation packages which are 

competitive based on current market information and 
thereby give it the best opportunity to recruit and 
retain people of sufficient calibre. The Group believes 
that its people are challenged in their day to day work 
and obtain appropriate and relevant experience to 
develop further and prepare for progression within  
the organisation.

  The Group employs an experienced Head of Group  
Tax who keeps abreast of potential changes in tax 
legislation across a range of jurisdictions, enabling the 
Group to react quickly to changes in the tax position  
of any of its companies or businesses. In emerging 
markets, the Group works with established and 
reputable tax advisers in order to ensure it pays the 
correct amount of tax. The Group is also careful to 
ensure that profits arising in low tax jurisdictions are  
no more than commensurate with the substance of  
the operation in those territories.

  The Group protects its rights by consolidating its 

portfolio of trademark registrations, implementing its 
brand protection strategy, and increasing its digital 
rights protection. The Group supports these activities 
through membership of organisations that defend  
IP rights globally.

11. changes in tax laws or their application or 
interpretation may adversely impact the Group 

The Group operates in a large number of countries. Accordingly, its earnings are subject to tax 
in many jurisdictions. Relevant authorities may amend the substance or interpretation of tax 
laws that apply to the Group’s businesses, in a manner that is adverse to the Group. The Group 
is growing its business in emerging markets where tax frameworks are not as well developed 
which increases this risk. There can therefore be no assurance that the various levels of 
taxation to which the Group is subject will not be increased or changed. In addition, if any 
Group company is found to be, or to have been, tax resident in any jurisdiction other than 
those in which the Group is currently deemed to be tax resident or to have a permanent 
establishment in any such jurisdiction, this may have a material adverse effect on the amount 
of tax payable by the Group. Finally, regardless of whether the Group has paid the correct 
amount of tax, there may be a public perception that the Group has not paid sufficient tax and 
this may be more pronounced, given that the Company has its domicile in Zug, Switzerland. 

12. the Group’s ip rights may not be adequately 
protected and may be challenged by third parties

The Group relies on agreements with its customers as well as trademark, copyright and other  
IP laws to establish and protect the IP rights subsisting in its journals, books and training 
materials. However, these rights may be challenged, limited, invalidated or circumvented by  
third parties seeking to infringe or otherwise profit from the Group’s proprietary rights without 
its authorisation. In addition, there is now a growing amount of copyright legislation relating  
to digital content. These laws remain under legislative review and there remains significant 
uncertainty as to the form copyright law may ultimately take. Additionally, enforcement of  
IP rights is restricted in certain jurisdictions, and the global nature of the internet makes it 
impossible to control the ultimate destination of content produced by the Group. The Group 
may also be the subject of claims for infringement of third party rights or party to claims to 
determine the scope and validity of the IP rights of others. Litigation based on these claims  
is common amongst companies that utilise digital IP. 

3030

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Risk continued

13. the Group is subject to regulation regarding 
the use of personal customer data

The Group is required to comply with strict data protection and privacy legislation which 
restrict the Group’s ability to collect and use personal information. The Group is exposed  
to the risk that its data could be wrongfully appropriated, lost or disclosed, or processed in 
breach of data protection regulation, by or on behalf of the Group, in which case the Group 
could face liability under data protection laws and/or suffer reputational damage from the 
resulting lost customer goodwill. 

Mitigation continued

  The Group seeks to monitor ongoing changes to data 
protection laws and best practices across its main 
trading areas in order to ensure that appropriate 
protections and procedures are in place in relation to 
the data held by or on behalf of the Group. This work  
is overseen by the Group General Counsel and a Data 
Protection Steering Committee, a sub-committee of 
the Risk Committee.

14. the Group may be adversely affected by enforcement 
of and changes in legislation and regulation affecting 
its businesses and that of its customers

  The Group monitors legislative and regulatory changes 
and alters its business practices where appropriate.

Compliance with various laws and regulations does impose significant compliance costs and 
restrictions on the Group, with the risk of fines and/or other sanctions for non-compliance. 
In addition, such regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering authorities 
and changes in existing laws or regulations, or in their interpretation or enforcement, could 
require the Group to incur additional costs in complying with those laws, or require changes 
to its strategy, operations or accounting and reporting systems. In particular, laws and 
regulations relating to communications, data protection, e-commerce, direct marketing 
and digital advertising have become more prevalent and complex in recent years. 

15. the Group’s credit risk in respect of long term receivables

The Group has a small number of external loans which are repayable over the next two to ten 
years. The recoverability of the capital and interest payments is dependent on the financial 
success of those external parties over the coming years. Since the majority of the repayment 
terms are over a long period of time, the risk of unforeseen issues that could impact future 
repayments may increase.

  Mitigation is achieved through structured 

communication with the external parties, close 
monitoring of financial and budgetary performance,  
and delivery against project milestones. In some 
instances capital and interest payments occur  
during the loan term and so any failure to pay can  
be addressed at the time and remedial actions can  
be actioned. The Risk Committee will conduct credit 
risk assessments on a half-yearly basis to ensure the 
external receivables are correctly recorded in the 
Group’s accounts.

3131

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Corporate Responsibility

“ 2012 saw the re-launch of our approach to sustainability under the 
heading “louder than words”, reflecting the fact that we want our 
corporate responsibility (“cr”) programme to focus on outcomes 
rather than gestures.
  our programme is marked by an increasing sense of confidence, as we 
have worked hard to define the priorities that are uniquely relevant to 
us and our business objectives. we continue to recognise content as 
our biggest cr impact; our ability to aspire, challenge and engage our 
many audiences across our range of publications, events and business 
services is unique to us and the sector we work in. we made great 
progress in furthering that agenda in 2012.” 

Emma Blaney 
Group HR Director & Head of Corporate Responsibility

3232

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
cOrpOrate respOnsiBility at inFOrma
Traditionally seen as a low-impact industry, the media sector, 
and its role in society, was the topic of much debate in the 
past year. Discussions around trust and the integrity of 
content were widespread and continue to dominate 
headlines. Our continued success depends on our ability to 
meet and exceed the expectations of our stakeholders, 
whether they are clients using our products and services such 
as health practitioners, social scientists or business leaders, or 
our own employees. Therefore, our core responsibility relates 
to the integrity and delivery of our content. While focus has 
been given to this priority area in the following pages, details 
of our wider CR programme and our performance against our 
full CR objectives can be found in our standalone CR Report.

Informa consists of many distinct businesses. Ownership of 
CR at Informa is located with senior representatives in each 
of the businesses, who in turn are supported by the central 
CR function at Group level. The CR function is overseen by 
Group HR Director and Head of Corporate Responsibility, 
Emma Blaney, who reports directly to the Chief Executive, 
Peter Rigby.

develOpinG the hiGhest Quality cOntent
The common denominator for all our businesses is that  
they thrive on delivering high quality, trusted content. Our 
quality assurance processes vary between the different 
formats we specialise in, ranging from events and training  
to academic publications. 

Our Academic Information division operates a robust and well 
regarded peer review process to ensure that content is always 
of the highest standard. Both of Informa’s major publishing arms 
work with the Committee on Publication Ethics (“COPE”), a 
charity dedicated to promoting the integrity of peer-reviewed 
publications in science. Our Professional and Commerical 
Information division has an editorial and content code in place, 
to which all editorial staff must adhere. Our event production 
process is strongly research driven and some of our bigger 
events employ independent advisory boards to help shape 
content. In addition to our formalised codes and procedures,  
all of our products are subject to rigorous research and analysis, 
as our clients choose us because of the bespoke nature of our 
content. Where possible, we share best practice standards  
and guidelines across the Group. 

In 2012, we continued to receive considerable praise and 
recognition for the content we provide. For example, 
Routledge was honoured by the Association of American 
Geographers for its long-term commitment to geography and 
its innovative efforts to enhance the quality of publications in 
the field. Ovum, a part of Informa Telecoms & Media, was 
named Global Analyst Firm of the Year by the Institute of 
Industry Analyst Relations and was commended for its ease  
of use, value for money, objectivity and originality of research.

Several of our publications and events facilitate debate 
around sustainability directly. Earthscan, a company in the 
Academic Information division, is widely recognised as the 
world’s leading publisher on sustainability and environmental 
technologies. Two Earthscan books were included in Current 
Reviews for Academic Libraries’ (Choice) 2012 selection of 
Outstanding Academic Titles.

our businesses  
thrive on delivering 
high quAlity,  
trusted content

3333

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Corporate Responsibility CONTINUED

ensurinG retentiOn and develOpment  
OF the BriGhtest peOple tO manaGe  
Our cOntent
As a knowledge-focused business, our success is fully 
dependent on attracting the best people and making  
sure they stay up to date with developments within their 
specialisation. Training and professional development 
initiatives are widely available to our employees. Our internal 
training resource, Informa Academy, grew in popularity, 
increasing attendance to webinars and courses by 8% 
compared with 2011.

As a business, we now employ around 7,000 employees. 
However, we seek to maintain an entrepreneurial mind-set 
and avoid bureaucracy where we can. ‘Freedom to succeed’ 
remains a defining principle of the work culture at Informa. 
Providing a flexible workplace is another mechanism by  
which we attract and retain the best talent; approximately 
56% of our total workforce and approximately 47% of our 
management grade staff are female.

The Group’s commitment to flexible working arrangements, 
encouraging diversity and enabling employees to build their 
careers was yet again recognised in 2012. We were shortlisted 
for a WorkingMum’s Award as well as the Personnel Today 
Award for workplace diversity as a result of our innovative 
flexible working policy. We were also certified as a Britain’s Top 
Employer organisation for the fifth year running. 

Increasingly, our staff can choose to volunteer and use their 
professional skills for the good of community organisations. 
Our partnership with the Prince’s Trust in the UK has 
continued to develop. One of our training businesses will  
be providing bespoke training workshops to the Prince’s  
Trust business mentors in 2013. In return, we get motivated 
employees and maintain good links with local communities. 

maintaininG the mOst innOvative and 
accessiBle platFOrms tO deliver  
cOntent GlOBally
The Group’s publications and events help drive better 
decisions in just about all spheres of society; from health 
science to shipping intelligence, leaving a truly global social, 
cultural and economic ‘brainprint’ in our wake. We do 
business in almost all countries and are always exploring  
ways to innovate our delivery platform and formats to 
maximise reach and accessibility. 

Moves towards open access gained momentum in 2012. Open 
access refers to the idea of making research publications 
freely accessible with minimal restrictions on how they can  
be used. The findings of the Finch Group, an expert working 
group on the matter, recommended that the UK Government 
should encourage research funders, scientists and journal 
publishers to back the open access model. The report noted 
that widening access will require co-ordinated, balanced 
action by funders, universities, researchers, libraries, 
publishers and others involved in research and that no  
single channel can on its own maximise access to  
research publications. 

We have held focus groups with key university stakeholders 
and librarians to understand how open access will work in 
their institutions, and are investing resources in staff and new 
systems to further develop our open access capabilities. 
Currently, two thirds of our journals have an open access 
option and we expect all of our journals to have one by the 
end of 2013. 

We continue to provide free and low-cost access to our 
publications to the research community and not-for-profit 
institutions in developing countries. We do so through the 
International Association for Digital Publishers’ Affordable 
Access Program and the Hinari Access to Research in  
Health Programme.

our success is fully 
dependent on AttrActing the 
best people And mAking sure 
they stAy up to dAte

3434

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012taylOr & Francis 

superreturn china 

Taylor & Francis became the largest publisher in the 
“Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports” Social 
Science Edition, reflecting its global research, 
influence and impact.

ICBI’s SuperReturn China, the world’s largest Chinese 
private equity and venture capital event, won the 
“Best New Conference Launch” Award at the 2012 
Conference Awards.

datamOnitOr healthcare 

Open access 

Datamonitor Healthcare launched a new service 
platform to maximise accessibility, with active client 
participation in its development.

Taylor & Francis will provide an open access option 
for virtually all of their journals by the end of 2013. 

3535

Informa plcOverviewBusiness reviewAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa plc

Board of Directors

Derek Mapp 
Non-Executive Chairman (62)

peter rigby
Chief Executive (57) 

Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
Appointed: 17 March 2008  
Derek Mapp joined the Board of Taylor & Francis Group plc  
as a Non-Executive Director in 1998. He is currently Non-
Executive Chairman of Salmon Developments plc and 
Executive Chairman of Imagesound plc. He is also Chairman 
of the British Amateur Boxing Association. Following the 
merger of Informa and Taylor & Francis in May 2004, he was 
appointed as Non-Executive Director and was designated 
the Senior Independent Director on 10 March 2005. 

Appointed: 17 March 2008 
After graduating from Manchester University, Peter qualified 
as an accountant working at Metalbox Company and then 
worked at W H Smith. In 1983 he was appointed Finance 
Director of Stonehart Publications, which was acquired by 
IBC Group plc of which he became CEO in 1989. Since 
becoming CEO, Peter has completed two on-market mergers 
with LLP (to form Informa in 1998) and Taylor and Francis 
which, together with the major acquisitions of IIR and 
Datamonitor and substantial organic growth has helped 
establish Informa as a major international business. Peter is 
also Non-Executive Chairman of Electric Word plc.

aDaM Walker
Finance Director (45)

Appointed: 28 March 2008  
Adam Walker joined Touche Ross in 1989. Following his 
qualification as a Chartered Accountant he specialised in 
corporate finance work. In 1994 he joined NatWest Markets 
as an Associate Director. In 1998 his team joined Arthur 
Andersen where he became a Director of Corporate Finance. 
In 2001, he joined National Express Group Plc as Head of 
Corporate Development, and was appointed to the Board as 
Finance Director in 2003.

Dr paMela kirby 
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director (59)

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Member  
of the Nomination Committee  
Appointed: 1 September 2004 (Non-Executive  
Director) and 17 March 2008 (Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director).  
Dr Kirby is currently Chairman of Scynexis Inc.,  
a privately held chemistry-focused drug discovery and 
development company based in the US. She is also a 
Non-Executive Director of Smith & Nephew plc and Victrex  
plc and a member of the Board of Simmons and Simmons  
LLP. She was previously Non-Executive Chairman of Oxford 
Immunotec Limited, Non-Executive Director of Novo Nordisk 
A/S and was the CEO of US-based Quintiles Transnational 
Corporation. Prior to joining Quintiles, Dr Kirby held various 
senior positions in the pharmaceutical industry. 

36

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa plc

John Davis
Non-Executive Director (51) 

Dr brenDan o’neill 
Non-Executive Director (64)

Member of the Audit, Remuneration and  
Nomination Committees  
Appointed: 1 October 2005 
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price 
Waterhouse, John has worked extensively within the media 
sector most recently as the Chief Financial Officer of Yell Group 
plc where he spent over 10 years. Previous roles include Group 
Finance Director of the FT Group, Chief Financial Officer of 
Pearson Inc and Director of Corporate Finance and Treasury at 
EMAP plc. John has a Masters in Management from The 
Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the 
Remuneration Committee  
Appointed: 1 January 2008 
Dr O’Neill is currently a Non-Executive Director of Tyco 
International Inc, Towers Watson Inc and Endurance 
Speciality Holdings Limited. From 1999 to 2003 he was Chief 
Executive of ICI plc. Prior to joining ICI in 1998 he was an 
Executive Director of Guinness plc with responsibility for the 
Guinness Group’s worldwide brewing interests. He was also 
Non-Executive Director on Emap plc from 1995 to 2002. 

stephen a. Carter Cbe
Non-Executive Director (49)

rupert hopley
Company Secretary (43)

Member of the Audit Committee  
Appointed: 11 May 2010 
Stephen A. Carter CBE is the President/Managing Director, 
Europe, Middle East & Africa for Alcatel Lucent, and is a 
member of the Executive Management Board. He is also 
Chairman of the Board at the Ashridge Business School, and 
a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is a law 
graduate, holds an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, has 
completed the Harvard Business School Advance 
Management Program, and is a Life Peer.

Appointed: 1 November 2011 
Rupert is the Company Secretary and Group General 
Counsel. He trained as a solicitor at Allen & Overy and 
worked in their corporate finance department before 
joining Cable and Wireless plc in 2004. He held various  
roles at Cable & Wireless, including Head of M&A and 
Deputy General Counsel, before joining Expedia Inc.  
in 2008 as their General Counsel (EMEA). 

37

OverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Advisers

auDitor
Deloitte llp
2 New Street Square 
London EC4A 3BZ 
www.deloitte.com 

stoCkbrokers
bank of america Merrill lynch international 
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Financial Centre 
2 King Edward Street 
London EC1A 1HQ 
www.corp.bankofamerica.com

barclays Capital
5 North Colonnade 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 4BB 
www.barcap.com 

publiC relations
Fti Consulting
Holborn Gate 
26 Southampton Buildings 
London WC2A 1PB 
www.FTIConsulting.com 

prinCipal soliCitors 
CMs Cameron Mckenna llp
Mitre House 
160 Aldersgate Street 
London EC1A 4DD 
www.cms-cmck.com 

ashurst llp
Broadwalk House 
5 Appold Street 
London EC2A 2HA 
www.ashurst.com 

Mourant ozannes
22 Grenville Street 
St Helier 
Jersey JE4 8PX 
www.mourantozannes.com 

registrars
Computershare investor services (Jersey) limited
Queensway House 
Hilgrove Street 
St Helier 
Jersey JE1 1ES 
www.computershare.com 

38

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report and Accounts 
(“Consolidated Financial Statements”) on the affairs of  
Informa plc (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group” 
or “Informa”), together with the financial statements and 
auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 December 2012. 

Corporate struCture
Informa plc is a public company limited by shares, 
incorporated in Jersey and domiciled in Switzerland.  
It has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange. 

registration anD DoMiCile
As at 31 December 2012, the Company’s registered  
office was 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PX.  
On 19 February 2013 the Company’s registered office was 
changed to Lime Grove House, Green Street, St Helier, Jersey, 
JE1 2ST. The Company is registered in Jersey under number 
102786. The Company is domiciled in Switzerland with its 
head office at Gubelstrasse 11, CH-6300, Zug.

prinCipal aCtivities 
Informa provides academics, businesses and individuals  
with unparalleled knowledge, up-to-the minute information 
and highly specialist skills and services. Our Academic 
Information division publishes books and journals with 
in excess of 88,000 titles available that provide individuals 
and organisations with the knowledge they need to carry 
out their work. Our Professional and Commercial Information 
businesses offer structured databases, subscription-based 
services, real-time news, research and business-critical 
information creating business advantage. We are the  
largest publicly-owned organiser of exhibitions, Events  
and Training in the world providing inspiring marketplaces 
and the opportunity for knowledge to be shared. The 
principal subsidiary undertakings affecting the profits or  
net assets of the Group in the year are listed in Note 22  
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

business revieW
The Business Review includes details of the risks and 
uncertainties facing the Company and Group, along with  
a review of the development and the operations and financial 
performance of the business during the year, and is a true and 
fair review of the business conducted throughout the year. 
Information that forms part of the Business Review is found  
in the following sections of this Annual Report:

•	

•	

information about the strategy, development and 
performance of the business during the financial year 
and future prospects are set out in the Chairman’s 
Statement and the Chief Executive’s Review on  
pages 2 to 11;

key performance indicators of the Group are described 
on pages 26 to 27;

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

our strategy in action is described on pages  
12 to 19;

principal risks and uncertainties are described on  
pages 28 to 31;

financial risk management objectives and policies 
(including a description of when hedge accounting  
has been applied) and the Group’s exposure to price risk, 
credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow risk are explained  
in Note 31;

information about the Group’s Corporate Responsibility 
policies, including environmental, employee and social 
and community issues are set out in the Corporate 
Governance section on pages 44 to 49; and

the results for the year are explained in detail in the 
Financial Review and are summarised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement on page 64 and the related Notes.

In relation to the use of financial instruments by the Group,  
a review is included within Note 31 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. There are no significant differences 
between the market value of any interests in land of the 
Group and the amount at which those interests are included 
in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 

As a whole the Annual Report provides information about the 
Group’s businesses, its financial performance during the year 
and likely future developments. Other than as described in 
this report, there have not been any significant changes to the 
Group’s principal activities during the year under review and 
the Directors are not aware, at the date of this report, of any 
likely major changes in the Group’s activities in the new 
financial year. There have been no significant events since  
the reporting date, except as outlined in Note 39.

Corporate governanCe anD CoMplianCe
A report on corporate governance, and the ways in which 
the Company complies with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) as published in 
June 2010 is set out on pages 44 to 49, and forms part of  
this report by reference.

The Directors’ Report including details of the business, the 
development of the Group and likely future developments 
as set out in pages 2 to 61 of this document, forms the 
management report for the purposes of the UK Financial 
Services Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rule 
(“DTR”) 4.1.8R. 

The notice concerning forward-looking statements is set  
out on page 142. References to the Company may also include 
references to the Group.

39

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Directors’ Report CONTINUED

annual general Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) will be held on 
15 May 2013, at Informa plc offices, Gubelstrasse 11,  
CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland, at 9am (Central European Time). 
The notice is being dispatched as a separate document to  
all shareholders and is also available at www.informa.com.  
The notice sets out the resolutions to be proposed at the  
AGM and an explanation on each resolution. 

DiviDenDs
The Directors have declared a second interim dividend for the 
year of 12.50p per ordinary share, to be paid on 21 May 2013 to 
ordinary shareholders registered as at the close of business on 
26 April 2013. Together with the first interim dividend of 6.00p 
per ordinary share paid on 12 September 2012, this makes a 
total for the year of 18.50p per ordinary share (2011: 16.80p).

The Company operates a Dividend Access Plan for all its 
shareholders and as a result of this pays a second interim 
dividend rather than a final dividend. Those shareholders  
who hold fewer than 100,000 shares are deemed to consent 
to receive their dividends from Informa DAP Limited, a UK 
incorporated Informa company. Those shareholders holding 
over 100,000 shares may elect to join the Dividend Access Plan 
by completing an Election Form. This form is available from 
the Company’s Registrars whose contact details can be found 
on page 143. If shareholders holding over 100,000 shares do 
not elect to join the Dividend Access Plan, dividends will be 
received from the Company, which is domiciled in Switzerland 
and may be subject to Swiss tax regulations. Shareholders  
may elect to receive shares instead of cash from their dividend 
allocation through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”).

DireCtors anD DireCtors’ interests
The names of Directors of the Company are set out on  
pages 36 to 37, which includes brief biographical details. 

The Non-Executive Directors of Informa, being Derek  
Mapp, Dr Pamela Kirby, John Davis, Dr Brendan O’Neill and 
Stephen Carter were all re-elected as Directors at the AGM 
held on 17 May 2012. There were no changes to the Board 
during the year.

The remuneration and interests of the Directors who held 
office as at 31 December 2012 in the share capital of the 
Company are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
on pages 52 to 61. All the Directors offer themselves for 
re-election by the shareholders at the AGM to be held on 
15 May 2013. Details of the contracts of the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors with the Company can be found  
on page 58. There are no agreements in place between the 
Company and its Directors and employees providing for 
compensation for loss of office of employment (whether 
through resignation, purported redundancy or otherwise) 
that occurs because of a takeover bid. No Director was 
materially interested in any contract of significance. 

40

DireCtors’ inDeMnities
Indemnities are in force under which the Company has 
agreed to indemnify the Directors, to the extent permitted 
by Jersey law and the Company’s Articles of Association 
(“Articles”), in respect of any liability arising out of, or in 
connection with, the execution of their powers, duties and 
responsibilities, as Directors of the Company, any of its 
subsidiaries or as a trustee of an occupational pension 
scheme for employees of the Company. The Company has 
purchased and maintains Directors’ and Officers’ insurance 
cover against certain legal liabilities and costs for claims in 
connection with any act or omission by its Directors and 
officers in the execution of their duties. 

appointMent anD replaCeMent  
oF DireCtors
The rules for appointment and replacement of the Directors 
are set out in the Articles. Directors can be appointed by the 
Company by ordinary resolution at a General Meeting (“GM”) 
or by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nomination 
Committee. The Company can remove a Director from office, 
including by passing an ordinary resolution or by notice being 
given by all the other Directors. 

poWers oF the DireCtors
The powers of the Directors are set out in the Articles and 
provide that the Board may exercise all the powers of the 
Company including to borrow money up to an aggregate of 
three times a formula based on adjusted capital and reserves. 
The Company may by ordinary resolution authorise the Board 
to issue shares, and increase, consolidate, sub-divide and 
cancel shares in accordance with its Articles and Jersey law.

Changes to the CoMpany’s artiCles
The Company may amend its Articles by special resolution 
approved at a GM.

Charitable anD politiCal Contributions
The Group made charitable donations during the year of 
£0.2m (2011: £0.3m), principally to local charities serving some 
of the communities in which the Group operates. No political 
donations were made.

supplier payMent poliCy
The Company’s policy, which is also applied by the Group, is 
to settle terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the 
terms of each transaction, to ensure that suppliers are aware 
of the terms of payment and to abide by the agreed terms, 
provided that the supplier has provided the goods or services 
in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions. Trade 
payables of the Group at 31 December 2012 were equivalent 
to 37 days’ purchases (2011: 45 days), based on the average 
daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year.

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012share inForMation
substantial shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2012, the Company had been notified of the following substantial interests (over 3%) in the issued ordinary share 
capital of the Company. This table details those shares held under discretionary management and therefore total voting rights. 

Lazard Asset Management

M&G Investment Management

Norges Bank Investment Management

Standard Life Investments

Artemis Investment Management

Marathon Asset Management

Legal & General Investment Management

Fidelity Management & Research

Invesco Perpetual

BlackRock

as at 31 December 2012

as at 13 March 2013

number of 
shares

% held

number of 
shares

% held

36,677,954

29,666,391

28,689,657

28,343,473

27,826,743

27,411,539

24,627,959

22,696,561

22,534,383

6.09

4.92

4.76

4.70

4.62

4.55

4.09

3.77

3.74

39,344,490

29,952,844

28,689,657

30,959,621

25,666,557

27,721,748

23,608,073 

26,668,578

22,768,698

–

–

18,462,289

6.52

4.97

4.76

5.13

4.26 

4.60

3.91

4.42

3.77 

3.06

share Capital
As at 31 December 2012, the Company’s issued share capital 
comprised 602,707,165 ordinary shares with a nominal value 
of 0.1p each. Details of the authorised and issued share 
capital, together with movements in the issued share capital 
during the year, are shown in Note 32 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

rights and obligations attaching to shares
The rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, being 
the only share class of the Company, are set out in the Articles, 
which can be found at www.informa.com. Subject to Jersey 
law, any share may be issued with or have attached to it such 
preferred, deferred or other special rights and restrictions as  
the Company may by special resolution decide or, if no such 
resolution is in effect, or so far as the resolution does not make 
specific provision, as the Board may decide. No such resolution 
is currently in effect. Subject to the recommendation of the 
Board, holders of ordinary shares may receive a dividend. On 
liquidation, holders of ordinary shares may share in the assets  
of the Company. Holders of ordinary shares are also entitled  
to receive the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts and, 
subject to certain thresholds being met, may requisition the 
Board to convene a GM or the proposal of resolutions at AGMs. 
None of the ordinary shares carry any special rights with regard 
to control of the Company.

voting rights
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and speak  
at GMs of the Company and to appoint one or more proxies 
or, if the holder of shares is a corporation, a corporate 
representative. On a show of hands, each holder of ordinary 
shares who (being an individual) is present in person or (being 
a corporation) is present by a duly appointed corporate 
representative, not being himself a member, shall have one 
vote and on a poll, every holder of ordinary shares present in 
person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share of 
which he is the holder. Electronic and paper proxy 

appointments and voting instructions must be received not 
later than 48 hours before a GM. A holder of ordinary shares 
can lose the entitlement to vote at GMs where that holder has 
been served with a disclosure notice and has failed to provide 
the Company with information concerning interests held in 
those shares. Except as set out above and as permitted under 
applicable statutes, there are no limitations on voting rights of 
holders of a given percentage, number of votes or deadlines 
for exercising voting rights. 

restrictions on transfer of securities in the Company
There are no restrictions on the transfer of securities in the 
Company except that:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

the Directors may from time to time refuse to register a 
transfer of a certificated share which is not fully paid, provided 
it meets the requirements given under the Articles;

transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out 
using CREST and the Directors can refuse to register a 
transfer of an uncertificated share in accordance with  
the regulations governing the operation of CREST;

legal and regulatory restrictions may be put in place  
from time to time, for example insider trading laws; 

pursuant to the Company’s share dealing code whereby 
the Directors and certain employees of the Company 
require approval to deal in the Company’s shares;

where a shareholder with at least a 0.25% interest in the 
Company’s certificated shares has been served with a 
disclosure notice and has failed to provide the Company 
with information concerning interests in those shares; or

the Directors may decide to suspend the registration of 
transfers, for up to 30 days a year, by closing the register 
of shareholders. The Directors cannot suspend the 
registration of transfers of any uncertificated shares 
without obtaining consent from CREST. 

41

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Directors’ Report CONTINUED

restrictions on transfer of securities in the Company continued
There are no agreements between holders of ordinary shares 
that are known to the Company which may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. 

shares held on trust
Shares are from time to time held by a trustee in order to 
satisfy entitlements of employees to shares under the Group’s 
share schemes. Usually the shares held on trust are no more 
than sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Group’s share 
schemes for one year. The shares held by these trusts do not 
have any special rights with regard to control of the Company. 
While these shares are held on trust their rights are not 
exercisable directly by the relevant employees. The current 
arrangements concerning these trusts and their shareholdings 
are set out on page 60. 

purchase of own shares
At the end of the year, the Directors had authority, under a 
shareholders’ resolution passed on 17 May 2012, to purchase 
through the market up to 10% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary shares as at 4 April 2012 (the date on which the AGM 
notice was published). This authority expires at the conclusion 
of the AGM of the Company to be held on 15 May 2013.

Change oF Control
There are no significant agreements to which the Company  
is a party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change  
of control following a takeover bid (nor any agreements 
between the Company and its Directors or employees 
providing for compensation for loss of office or employment 
that occurs because of a takeover bid) except for the Group’s 
private placement loan notes and facilities described in Note 
30 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

eMployee Consultation
The Group places considerable value on the involvement  
of its employees and continues to keep them informed on 
matters affecting them and on the various factors affecting 
the performance of the Group. This is achieved principally 
through webinars, formal and informal meetings, email 
updates and posting news and relevant articles onto the 
Company’s global intranet site. 

The Group regularly undertakes staff surveys. In 2012, a 
comprehensive survey was undertaken across all UK  
based employees. The results of this were shared with  
each Divisional Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who held 
responsibility for creating action plans and communicating 
the results to their staff. As in previous years, Taylor and 
Francis continued with their annual All Employee Survey.  
The results of the survey and the resulting action plans  
were shared with all staff.

All employees worldwide are also invited to attend webinars 
after the announcement of the half year and full year results. 
Employees are encouraged to ask the Executive Directors 
questions about the business and its future, and these 

presentations finish with a Q&A session. The webinars are 
recorded and posted on the Company’s intranet so that those 
employees who are unable to attend can view them.

All UK employees are eligible to participate in the HM Revenue 
& Customs Approved Share Incentive Plan (“SIP”) once they 
have completed six months’ service with the Company. Further 
information on the SIP can be found in the Remuneration 
Report on page 58.

equal opportunities 
Informa believes in equality of opportunity for all 
employees based on merit and that no employee or  
job applicant should receive less favourable treatment  
on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, 
disability, colour, race, religion, nationality or ethnicity.  
The Company’s equal opportunity policy not only covers 
fair recruitment, but also the opportunities given to staff 
on training and development, and the Group’s views  
on equal opportunities form a part of the employee 
induction training. 

The Group’s objective is to provide continued suitable 
employment to staff whose circumstances change, with 
appropriate training if necessary. Informa’s offices are 
required to enable access for all abilities and comply  
with all applicable local laws.

auDitor
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval 
of this annual report confirms that:

•	

•	

so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant  
audit information of which the Company’s auditor  
is unaware; and

the Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to 
have taken as a director in order to make himself/herself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Deloitte LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in 
office as auditor and a resolution to reappoint them will be 
proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

going ConCern basis 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, performance and position 
are set out in the Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s 
Review on pages 02 to 11.

As set out on pages 28 to 31 a number of risk factors and 
uncertainties could potentially affect the Group’s results  
and financial position. In particular the current economic 
climate creates uncertainties over the level of demand for 
the Group’s products and services. The Group adopts an 
extensive budgeting process in forecasting its trading results 
and cash flows and updates these forecasts to reflect current 
trading on a regular basis.

42

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012The Group’s net debt and banking covenants are discussed  
in the Financial Review on pages 20 to 25 and the exposure to 
liquidity risk is discussed in Note 31 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

•	 make an assessment of the Company’s ability to  

continue as a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for 

•	

•	

•	

keeping proper accounting records that disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position  
of the Company and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the Companies  
(Jersey) Law 1991; 

safeguarding the assets of the Company and for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities; and

the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and 
financial information included on the Company’s website. 

Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

In accordance with DTR 4.1.12R, the Directors confirm that,  
to the best of their knowledge:

•	

•	

the financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set of accounting 
standards and give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

the management report, which is incorporated into 
the Directors’ Report, includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business and 
the position of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal risks  
and uncertainties that they face.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

rupert hopley
Company Secretary

21 February 2013

The Group sensitises its projections to reflect possible 
changes in trading performance and cash conversions,  
taking into account its substantial deferred revenues (£308.1m 
at 31 December 2012). These forecasts and projections for the 
period up to 30 June 2014, show that the Group is expected  
to be able to operate within the level of its current facility and 
meet its covenant requirements for a period of one year from 
the date of the signing of the Group’s financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2012.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that there are no material uncertainties that may 
cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing the annual report and 
financial statements.

DireCtors’ responsibilities
The Directors, whose names are set out on pages 36 to 37,  
are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial 
statements in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 
1991. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare 
the financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the 
European Union. 

International Accounting Standard 1 requires that financial 
statements present fairly the Company’s financial position, 
financial performance and cash flows for each financial year.  
This requires the faithful representation of the effects of 
transactions, other events and conditions in accordance  
with the definitions and recognition criteria for assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International 
Accounting Standards Board’s ‘Framework for the 
preparation and presentation of financial statements’.  
In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be 
achieved by compliance with all applicable IFRSs.  
However, the Directors are also required to:

•	

•	

•	

properly select and apply accounting policies;

present information, including accounting policies, in a 
manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information; 

provide additional disclosures when compliance with 
the specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to 
enable users to understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions on the entity’s 
financial position and financial performance; and

43

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Corporate Governance Statement

The Board recognises that it is accountable to shareholders 
for its standards of governance and is therefore committed 
to the principles of corporate governance contained in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) published in 
June 2010. 

•	

•	

•	

As a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Informa 
is subject to the Listing Rules of the Financial Services 
Authority (the “FSA”) and complies with the provisions of  
the Code and relevant institutional shareholder guidelines.

As Informa is incorporated in Jersey, it is not subject to  
the UK Companies Act. However, the Board considers it 
appropriate to provide shareholder safeguards which are 
similar to those that apply to a UK registered company  
and are consistent with the relevant provisions of the  
UK Companies Act.

This report describes how Informa has applied the main 
provisions of the Code. It is in the Board’s view that the 
Company has been fully compliant with all the Code provisions 
throughout the year ended 31 December 2012. Together this 
report and the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 52 to 
61, explain how the Company has applied the principles and 
supporting principles of good governance set out in the Code.

the boarD
Informa plc is the ultimate holding company of the Group  
and is controlled by its Board of Directors. The Board, chaired 
by Derek Mapp, has seven Directors, comprising two 
Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors. The 
Board members are noted in the Directors’ Report on page 40. 
There were no changes to the Board throughout the year 
under review. The Board’s main roles are to create value for 
shareholders, to provide entrepreneurial leadership of the 
Group, to approve the Group’s strategic objectives and to 
ensure that the necessary financial and human resources are 
made available to enable those objectives to be met. 

Matters reserveD For the boarD
A schedule which sets out the matters reserved for the 
Board’s approval is reviewed and updated annually. The 
specific responsibilities reserved for the Board include,  
but are not limited to: 

responsibility for the overall management of the Group;

approving the Group’s long-term objectives and 
commercial strategy; 

approving the Group’s annual operating and capital 
expenditure budgets; 

reviewing operational and financial performance; 

approving major acquisitions, disposals and capital projects; 

reviewing the Group’s systems of internal control and  
risk management; 

reviewing the environmental, health and safety policies 
of the Group; 

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

44

approving appointments to, and removals from, the 
Board and of the Company Secretary; 

approving policies relating to Directors’ remuneration; and

reviewing the dividend policy and determining the 
amounts of dividends.

The Board has delegated the following activities to the 
Executive Directors: 

•	

•	

the development and recommendation of strategic plans 
for consideration by the Board that reflect the longer-
term objectives and priorities established by the Board;

implementation of the strategies and policies of the 
Group as determined by the Board; 

•	 monitoring of the operating and financial results against 

plans and budgets; 

•	 monitoring the performance of acquisitions and 
investments against plans and objectives; 

•	

•	

prioritising the allocation of capital, technical and human 
resources; and 

developing and implementing risk management systems.

Full details of the matters reserved for the Board are available 
at www.informa.com

the roles oF the ChairMan, ChieF exeCutive 
anD senior inDepenDent DireCtor
The division of responsibilities between the Chairman of the 
Board, the Chief Executive and the Senior Independent Director 
comply with the guidance from the UK Institute of Chartered 
Secretaries and Administrators (“ICSA”) and as such are clearly 
defined. These are set out in writing, have been approved by 
the Board and are available on the Company’s website. 

Derek Mapp has been Non-Executive Chairman since 
17 March 2008 and as Chairman, he leads the Board and  
is responsible for setting its agenda and ensuring its 
effectiveness. He is also responsible for ensuring that 
Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information  
and for effective communication with shareholders. He 
promotes a culture of openness and debate to facilitate the 
effective contribution of Non-Executive Directors and 
constructive relations between the Executive and Non-
Executive Directors. He also acts on the results of the Board 
performance evaluation by leading on the implementation 
of any required changes to the Board and its Committees 
including recognising the strengths and addressing the 
weaknesses of the Board, and, where appropriate, proposes 
new members be appointed to the Board or seeking the 
resignation of Directors. The Chairman holds periodic 
meetings with Non-Executive Directors without the 
Executives present.

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Peter Rigby was re-appointed as Chief Executive on 
17 March 2008 and has the responsibility of running the 
Company. As Chief Executive, he has direct charge of the 
Group on a day-to-day basis and is accountable to the Board 
for its operational and financial performance. He is also 
primarily responsible for implementation of the Company’s 
strategy including ensuring the achievement of the Group’s 
budgets and optimising the Group’s resources. He also has 
primary responsibility for managing the Group’s risk profile, 
identifying and executing new business opportunities and 
for management development and remuneration.

Dr Pamela Kirby was appointed as Senior Independent 
Director on 17 March 2008 and is available to meet 
shareholders on request and to ensure that the Board is 
aware of any shareholder concerns not resolved through 
existing mechanisms for investor communication. She  
acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and, if and  
when appropriate, serves as an intermediary for the  
other Directors.

DireCtors anD DireCtors’ inDepenDenCe
The Board includes independent Non-Executive Directors 
who constructively challenge and help develop proposals 
on strategy and bring strong, independent judgement, 
knowledge and experience to the Board’s deliberations.  
The independent Directors are of sufficient calibre and 
number that their views carry significant weight in the 
Board’s decision-making process. The Board considers  
all of its Non-Executive Directors to be independent in 
character and judgement. 

There is an agreed procedure in place for the Directors to 
obtain independent professional advice, at the Group’s 
expense, should they consider it necessary to do so in order  
to carry out their responsibilities. The Directors’ contracts are 
available for inspection at the registered office and principal 
office during normal business hours and will be available for 
inspection at the AGM.

inForMation anD proFessional 
DevelopMent
On appointment, the Directors receive relevant information 
about the Group, the role of the Board and the matters 
reserved for its decision, the terms of reference and 
membership of the principal Board Committees, the Group’s 
corporate governance policies and procedures and the latest 
financial information about the Group. This is supplemented 
by introductory meetings with key senior executives. On 
appointment, the Directors are also advised of their legal and 
other duties and obligations as a Director of a listed company.

Throughout their period in office, the Directors are regularly 
updated on the Group’s business and the environment in 
which it operates, by written briefings and by meetings with 
senior executives, who are invited to attend and present at 
Board meetings from time to time. They are also updated on 
any changes to the legal and governance requirements of 
the Group and those which affect themselves as Directors 
and are able to obtain training, at the Group’s expense, to 

ensure they are kept up-to-date on relevant new legislation 
and changing commercial risks.

Regular reports and papers are circulated to the Directors  
in a timely manner in preparation for Board and Committee 
meetings. These papers are supplemented by any information 
specifically requested by the Directors from time to time.  
The Non-Executive Directors receive monthly management 
reports from the Chief Executive and the Finance Director 
which enable them to scrutinise the Group’s and 
management’s performance against agreed objectives.  
More details on Board and Committee meetings can be  
found on page 47.

perForManCe evaluation oF the  
boarD anD its CoMMittees
The Board utilises a formal and rigorous process, led by  
the Chairman, for the annual internal evaluation of the 
performance of the Board, its principal committees and 
individual Directors. On appointment, the Directors are made 
aware that their performance will be subject to evaluation. 
The Non-Executive Directors, led by the Senior Independent 
Director, meet at least annually to appraise the Chairman’s 
performance. The last external Board evaluation was carried 
out in 2010 of the corporate governance of the Company, 
including an evaluation of its Chairman. A new external  
Board evaluation will take place this year.

re-eleCtion
The Articles provide for all Directors to be subject to annual 
re-election at the AGM. The Board is satisfied, following 
internal evaluation in 2012, that each Director continues to  
be effective and to demonstrate commitment to their role.

boarD anD eMployee Diversity
Informa operates a successful business based on  
a proven track record of equal opportunity and reward  
for performance. Approximately 56% of our employees  
are women and they account for around 47% of the  
managers within the Group. 

At Board level, we believe that the current representation of 
one female Non-Executive Director (14%) is the minimum 
acceptable and whilst below the target that has been set for 
2015, with a small number of Directors this percentage can 
increase quickly with a new appointment. Our Board 
composition and size is kept under constant review. A small 
Board fits Informa’s entrepreneurial culture and approach to 
fast commercial decision making and we do not want to 
accelerate the departure of existing male Non-Executives, 
who are both high quality and high contributors to the 
Board and the business. 

the CoMpany seCretary
Rupert Hopley has been Company Secretary and Group 
General Counsel of the Company since 1 November 2011.  
The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the  
Board through the Chairman on all governance matters  
and all Directors have access to his advice and services.

45

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Corporate Governance Statement CONTINUED

relations With shareholDers
The Company is committed to maintaining good 
communications with investors and now has a full time  
Head of Investor Relations, Richard Menzies-Gow, who was 
appointed on 5 September 2012. Derek Mapp as Chairman 
and Dr Pamela Kirby as Senior Independent Director provide 
the Board with feedback on any issues raised with them  
by shareholders. 

proCeDures to Deal With DireCtors’ 
ConFliCts oF interest
The Articles include provisions covering Directors’ conflicts  
of interest and allow the Board to authorise any matter that 
would otherwise involve a Director breaching his duty to 
avoid conflicts of interest. The Company has procedures in 
place to deal with a situation where a Director has a conflict  
of interest. As part of this process, the Board will endeavour to:

Financial information is announced on a quarterly basis.  
The Chief Executive and Finance Director give presentations 
on the half year and full year results in face to face meetings 
with institutional investors, analysts and the media, which are 
also accessible via webcast on www.informa.com. After the 
release of the Interim Management Statements in respect  
of the first and third quarters, the Company holds conference 
calls with institutional investors, analysts and the media. In 
addition to these presentations, the Executive Directors have 
frequent discussions with institutional shareholders on a 
range of issues, including governance and strategy, affecting 
the Group’s performance. Meetings are also held with the 
Group’s largest institutional shareholders on an individual 
basis following the announcement of the Group’s half-yearly 
and full year results and on other occasions. In addition, the 
Group responds to individual ad hoc requests for discussions 
from institutional shareholders. Following meetings held with 
shareholders after the half-yearly and full year results 
announcements, the Board is provided with feedback from 
the Executive Directors, the Head of Investor Relations, the 
Group’s brokers and its public relations advisers on investor 
perceptions. The Company’s brokers’ reports on the Group  
are also circulated to all Directors, as are monthly reports  
of significant changes in the holdings of larger investors.

The AGM is an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions 
and to meet with the Directors, all of whom attended the 2012 
meeting. The number of proxy votes for, against or withheld 
in respect of each resolution is disclosed at the AGM and a 
separate resolution is proposed for each item. The Company 
aims to give as much notice of the AGM as possible and at 
least 21 clear days’ notice, as required by the Articles. In 
practice the documents are sent to shareholders more than 
20 working days before the AGM.

The Group’s corporate website at www.informa.com provides 
a wide range of information about the Group which is of 
interest to both institutional and private investors. This 
includes all announcements made by the Company to the 
FSA, as well as video recordings of the interim and annual 
presentations made to analysts, and details of the Group’s 
businesses and sectors in which it operates.

•	

•	

•	

consider each conflict situation separately on its 
particular facts;

consider the conflict situation in conjunction with  
the Articles;

keep records and Board minutes as to authorisations 
granted by Directors and the scope of any approvals 
given; and

•	

regularly review conflict authorisations.

internal Control anD risk ManageMent
The Board is responsible for the Group’s system of internal 
control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system is 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives and can only provide 
reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. The concept of reasonable assurance 
recognises that the cost of control procedures should not 
exceed the expected benefits.

The Board has an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating 
and managing the significant risks faced by the Group. This 
process was in place throughout 2012 and up to the date of 
approval of the Annual Report and Accounts, and is in 
accordance with the Turnbull Guidance “Internal Control: 
Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code”.

The key features of Informa’s internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to the financial reporting 
process include:

•	

•	

Business planning – all business units produce and agree 
an annual business plan against which the performance 
of the business is regularly monitored. 

Financial analysis – each business unit’s operating 
profitability and capital expenditure are closely 
monitored. Management incentives are tied to financial 
results. These results include explanations of variances 
between forecast, actual and budgeted performance, 
and are reviewed in detail by executive management  
on a monthly basis. Key financial information is reported 
to the Board on a monthly basis.

46

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012•	

•	

Group Authority Framework – the framework provides 
clear guidelines for all business units of the approval 
limits for capital and operating expenditure, and other 
key business decisions.

Risk assessment – a risk assessment is embedded into the 
operations of the Group and a bottom up risk assessment 
is submitted to executive management and the Board for 
approval. Each business unit considers the significant 
risks to its business and to the achievement of the 
proposed plan. In doing so, each unit considers risk in 
terms of probability of occurrence and potential impact 
on performance, and mitigating actions, control 
effectiveness and management responsibility are 
identified to address these risks. 

•	

•	

The Board regularly reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of internal controls, including financial, operational 
and compliance controls, risk management and the Group’s 
high-level internal control arrangements. 

The Audit Committee has been charged by the Board with 
oversight of the above-mentioned controls for the period  
and they have considered the following in determining  
the overall effectiveness of the Group’s risks and associated 
control environment:

•	

The Risk Committee reports on the effectiveness of  
risk management, governance and compliance activity 
within the Group. This Committee comprises the Chief 
Executive, a cross section of senior officers and managers 
of the Group and is chaired by the Finance Director. The 
Risk Committee supports the Board in its consideration  
of current and forward-looking material business risk 
exposures. A programme of deep dive reviews of each  
of the principal risks of the Group is in place, with each 
principal risk discussed and evaluated in detail at least 
once a year by the Risk Committee. These principal risks 
are discussed in more detail on pages 28 to 31.

The Audit Committee has approved a schedule of work 
to be undertaken by the Group’s nominated external 
auditor during the period and receives reports on any 
issues identified in the course of their work, including 
internal control reports on control weaknesses. Any 
identified issues are reported to the Board and are 
tracked until conclusion.

 The Audit Committee has approved a schedule of work 
to be undertaken by the Group’s Internal Audit team 
during the period and receives reports on any issues 
identified in respect of the Group’s business processes 
and control activities over the Group’s key risk areas, 
including following up on the implementation of 
management action plans to address any identified 
control weaknesses and reporting any overdue actions  
to the Audit Committee. 

KPMG LLP are engaged to provide the Group with Internal 
Audit services and act as Head of Internal Audit. The Board 
confirms that no significant failings or weaknesses have been 
identified from the reviews performed by Internal Audit.

boarD Meetings anD CoMMittees 
At each meeting the Board receives information regarding 
current trading, business unit performance and treasury 
information. At certain times of the year the Board reviews 
and discusses budgets, capital expenditure, risks, financial 
statements and strategy. The Board is also provided with 
updates, when appropriate on aspects such as changes in 
legislation, potential acquisitions and the business 
environment, in addition to regular investor relations 
feedback and analysis.

Each Committee reports to, and has its Terms of Reference 
approved by, the Board, and all Board and Committee  
minutes are circulated as soon as possible after each meeting. 
The number of scheduled Board meetings and Committee 
meetings attended as a member by each Director during  
the year are set out below. 

 scheduled board 
meetings  
(of 7)

audit Committee 
meetings  
(of 3)

remuneration 
Committee meetings 
(of 3)

nomination 
Committee meetings 
(of 1)

Derek Mapp

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

–

–

–

–

3

3

3

–

–

–

3

3

3

–

1

–

–

1

1

–

–

47

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa plc

Corporate Governance Statement CONTINUED

auDit CoMMittee

reMuneration CoMMittee

Chairman: Dr Brendan O’Neill

Chairman: Dr Pamela Kirby

other members: John Davis, Stephen Carter  
secretary: Rupert Hopley 

other members: Dr Brendan O’Neill, John Davis  
secretary: Rupert Hopley 

objective: To be responsible for corporate reporting,  
risk management and internal control procedures,  
and for maintaining the relationship with the 
Company’s external auditor. 

governance
All members of the Audit Committee are Independent 
Non-Executive Directors.

Duties
The terms of reference of the Committee are available on  
the Company’s website. The Audit Committee’s principal 
responsibilities include:

•	 monitoring the integrity of the Group’s financial 

statements and any formal announcements relating to 
the Group’s performance;

•	 monitoring the effectiveness of the external audit 

process in the context of the Company’s overall risk 
management system, including the appointment and 
removal of the Head of the Internal Audit function;

•	

•	

reviewing non-audit services and fees; and

annually reviewing the Group’s system of internal control 
and the risks faced by the Group.

A separate report from the Audit Committee can be found on 
pages 50 to 51.

objective: To set, review and recommend for approval  
the remuneration policy and strategy, and individual 
remuneration packages of the Executive Directors and 
to approve the introduction and rules of all Group share-
based incentive schemes.

governance
All of the members of the Remuneration Committee are 
independent Non-Executive Directors, with the Chairman  
of the Board only attending meetings by invitation. 

Duties
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website. The Remuneration Committee’s  
principal responsibilities are to:

•	

•	

•	

•	

set, review and recommend for approval to the Board  
the remuneration policy and strategy with respect to  
the Executive Directors;

set, review and approve the individual remuneration 
packages of the Executive Directors, including terms  
and conditions of employment and any changes to  
the packages; 

review the general remuneration framework for the 
senior management of the Group; and

approve the introduction and rules of any Group 
share-based incentive schemes, including Long-Term 
Incentive Plans.

The Committee uses the services of Towers Watson  
as external Remuneration Consultants.

A full Remuneration Report is provided on pages 52 to 61.

48

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Informa plc

noMination CoMMittee

Non-Executive Directors.

The Committee uses the services of specialist non- 
executive search consultants to seek suitable candidates  
for appointment to the Board and its Committees.  
These candidates are reviewed by the Committee and  
the successful candidate is nominated by the Committee  
to the Board for approval.

activities of the Committee during the year
The Committee met once during the year to confirm  
no changes to its terms of reference and to discuss the 
composition and the mix of skills, knowledge, experience  
and diversity on the Board.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Chairman: Derek Mapp

other members: Dr Pamela Kirby, John Davis  
secretary: Rupert Hopley 

objective: To ensure there is a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure for the appointment of new  
Directors to the Board and its Committees. 

rupert hopley
Company Secretary

21 February 2013

governance
All the members of the Nomination Committee are 
independent Non-Executive Directors. 

Duties
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on  
the Company’s website. The Committee’s principal 
responsibilities include:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

reviewing the structure, size and composition of  
the Board;

giving full consideration to succession planning for 
directors and senior executives, taking into account the 
skills and experience needed on the Board in the future;

 identifying and nominating for approval by the Board, 
candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when they arise;

 evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge, 
independence, experience and diversity of the  
Board prior to any appointment to the Board;

 keeping under review the leadership needs of the 
organisation, both executive and non-executive;

 reviewing the results of the Board performance 
evaluation process that relate to the composition  
of the Board; and

•	

annually reviewing the time required from  

49

OverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
Audit Committee Report

CoMMittee CoMposition
The membership of the Audit Committee (the “Committee”)  
is set out on page 48. The Committee met three times during 
the year to 31 December 2012 and all meetings were fully 
attended by the members. It meets as appropriate with the 
Executive Directors and management, as well as privately  
with both the external and internal auditor. The Committee 
has during the year to 31 December 2012 received sufficient, 
reliable and timely information from the senior managers  
to enable it to fulfill its duties. 

•	

•	

•	

governanCe
The Audit Committee has at least one member possessing recent 
and relevant experience. Its Chairman, Dr Brendan O’Neill, is a 
qualified Management Accountant and has extensive experience 
of Audit Committee procedures. John Davis is also qualified 
Chartered Accountant and until November 2010 was the Chief 
Financial Officer of Yell Group plc (renamed Hibu plc in July 
2012). The meetings of the Committee operate so as to 
investigate the key accounting, audit and risk issues that are 
relevant to the Group. The mixture of experience of its 
members assists in providing a challenging environment in 
which these issues are debated. The Finance Director, Deputy 
Finance Director, Head of Internal Audit and Head of Group 
Tax attend all or part of its proceedings in order to provide 
information to, and be questioned by, the Committee. The 
composition of the Committee was reviewed during the year 
and the Board and Committee are satisfied that it has the 
expertise and resource to fulfill its responsibilities effectively 
including those relating to risk and control.

The Audit Committee undertakes a thorough performance 
evaluation of itself which is led by the Chairman of the 
Committee and has done so during the year.

Duties
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website. The Committee’s terms of reference allow 
it to obtain independent external advice at the Company’s 
expense. No such advice was obtained during 2012.

The Committee is responsible for, amongst other things:

•	 monitoring the integrity of the Group’s financial 

statements and any formal announcements relating  
to the Group’s performance; 

•	 monitoring the effectiveness of the external audit process;

•	 making recommendations to the Board in relation to the 
appointment, re-appointment and remuneration of the 
external auditor; 

50

ensuring that an appropriate relationship between the 
Group and the external auditor is maintained, including 
reviewing non-audit related services and fees;

annually reviewing the Group’s system of internal 
controls and the process for identifying, evaluating  
and managing the significant risks faced by the Group;

reviewing the effectiveness of the Group Internal Audit 
function and for approving, upon the recommendation 
of the Chief Executive, the appointment and termination 
of the head of that function. These responsibilities are 
principally carried out through the Risk Committee 
whose activities are overseen by the Chairman of  
the Audit Committee on behalf of the Board; and

•	 monitoring the Group’s whistleblowing procedures  

to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place  
for employees to be able to raise in confidence matters 
of possible impropriety, with suitable subsequent 
follow-up action.

aCtivities oF the CoMMittee During the year
In 2012, the Committee fulfilled its duties under its terms of 
reference and discharged its responsibilities primarily by: 

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

reviewing the Group’s draft full year and half-yearly 
results statements prior to Board approval and reviewing 
the external auditor’s detailed reports thereon. In 
particular reviewing the opinions of management and 
the auditor in relation to the carrying values of the 
Group’s assets and any contingent liabilities;

reviewing the appropriateness of the Group’s  
accounting policies;

reviewing regularly the impact on the Group’s financial 
statements of matters such as the adoption of 
International Financial Reporting Standards;

recommending to the full Board, which adopted the 
recommendation, the reappointment of Deloitte LLP 
 as the Group’s external auditor;

reviewing and recommending to the Board the audit  
fee and reviewing non-audit fees payable to the Group’s 
external auditor;

reviewing the external auditor’s plan for the audit of the 
Group’s financial statements, which included key areas  
of scope of work, key risks on the financial statements, 
confirmations of auditor independence and the 
proposed audit fee and approving the terms of 
engagement for the audit;

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012•	

•	

•	

•	

reviewing the Group’s system of controls and its 
effectiveness. In particular, it approves the annual  
internal audit plan and reviews the work done by  
Internal Audit and actions which follow from the work;

approving the decision to outsource the Internal Audit 
function, and the overseeing and reappointment of 
KPMG LLP in this role to deliver the outsourced Internal 
Audit function;

reviewing the Group’s systems to identify and manage 
risks (including regular consultation with the Head of 
Internal Audit and in particular the operation of the 
Group’s Risk Committee); and

reviewing post-acquisition reports on integration and 
performance of significant recent acquisitions compared 
to plans.

external auDitor
The Audit Committee is also responsible for the 
development, implementation and monitoring of  
the Group’s policy on external audit. The policy assigns 
oversight responsibility for monitoring the independence, 
objectivity and compliance with ethical and regulatory 
requirements to the Audit Committee, and day to day 
responsibility to the Finance Director. It states that the 
external auditor is jointly responsible to the Board and  
the Audit Committee and that the Audit Committee is  
the primary contact. The policy also sets out the categories  
of non-audit services which the external auditor will and  
will not be allowed to provide to the Group, subject to  
de minimis levels. 

To fulfill its responsibility regarding the independence of  
the external auditor, the Audit Committee reviewed:

•	

•	

•	

•	

the external auditor’s plan for the current year, noting  
the role of the senior statutory audit partner, who signs  
the audit report and who, in accordance with professional 
rules, has not held office for more than five years, and any 
changes in the key audit staff;

the arrangements for day-to-day management of the 
audit relationship;

a report from the external auditor describing their 
arrangements to identify, report and manage any 
conflicts of interest; and

the overall extent of non-audit services provided by  
the external auditor, in addition to its approval of the 
provision of non-audit services by the external auditor 
that exceed the pre-approval threshold.

To assess the effectiveness of the external auditor,  
the Audit Committee reviewed:

•	

•	

•	

•	

the arrangements for ensuring the external auditor’s 
independence and objectivity;

the external auditor’s fulfilment of the agreed audit 
plan and any variations from the plan;

the robustness and perceptiveness of the auditor  
in their handling of the key accounting and audit 
judgements; and

the content of the external auditor’s reporting  
on internal control.

Following the above, the Audit Committee has recommended 
to the Board that Deloitte LLP is re-appointed. Deloitte LLP 
has been the Group’s external auditor since 2004. The Audit 
Committee considers that the relationship with the external 
auditor is working well and remains satisfied with their 
effectiveness. The external auditor is required to rotate the 
audit partner responsible for the Group and parent company 
audits every five years and the current senior statutory audit 
partner has been in place since 2009. There are no contractual 
obligations restricting the Group’s choice of external auditor.

The Audit Committee monitors regulatory developments as  
a matter of course and will consider auditor tendering and 
rotation in line with the transitional arrangements set out  
in the revised UK Corporate Governance Code.

The Group has in place a policy for the provision of non-audit 
services by the external auditor. This policy provides that the 
firm’s services may only be provided where auditor objectivity 
and independence may be securely safeguarded and where 
the fees payable either in respect of the assigned work or 
overall in any year do not exceed the amount of fees payable 
in respect of its audit work.

Non-audit services, other than audit related services, 
provided by the external auditor during 2012 related to  
tax advisory services, attest-related services and hosting 
training seminars attended by Informa employees. All  
of these services were below the Group’s pre-approval 
threshold. Separate teams, independent from the audit  
and tax audit teams provided all services. 

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Dr brendan o’neill
Chairman of the Audit Committee

21 February 2013

51

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Remuneration Report

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”), I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
for the year ended 31 December 2012. As you will see in the Chairman’s statement, 2012 was another good year for Informa. 
Highlights of the Group’s financial performance include adjusted diluted EPS growth of 7.7%, which was ahead of market 
expectations; record adjusted operating margin of 28.4% and an increase in dividends to you, our shareholders, of 10.1%.  
There was also significant progress from an operational perspective. The quality of Group earnings improved through  
proactive portfolio management, and the Group continued to build its exposure to emerging markets. 

Part of the Committee’s role is to ensure that the pay arrangements we put in place for the Executive Directors align with  
the strategic objectives of the Group and that the arrangements both incentivise and reward exceptional performance. It  
has been a long-standing principle of the Committee that the remuneration arrangements of the Executive Directors should 
also be simple and transparent to shareholders. While the Group comprises a variety of segments and operations, we believe  
it is important for the remuneration of the Executive Directors to be aligned with the performance of the Group. For these 
reasons, the annual bonus is based on adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and the Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(“LTIP”) is based on our total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance relative to two peer groups.

During 2012 the principal activities of the Committee were:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

review and approval of Non-Executive Chairman’s and Executive Directors’ remuneration;

assessment and sign-off of the Executive Directors’ bonuses for 2011 and bonus targets for 2012;

the setting of performance conditions and approval of new awards for both Executive Directors and senior  
management under the LTIP;

assessment of performance achieved in respect of the 2009 LTIP awards;

determination of the awards to be made under the Deferred Share Bonus Plan for the Executive Directors;

consideration and approval of the Remuneration Report for the 2011 Annual Report; and

•	 monitoring of senior management remuneration.

This report has been divided into separate sections for:

1 

2 

information which is unaudited; and

information on which the Company’s auditor has reported as having been properly prepared.

Although it is not a requirement of Jersey company law to have the Directors’ Remuneration Report approved by 
shareholders, the Board believes that as a company whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange it is important in 
terms of its corporate governance for it to do so. Accordingly a resolution to approve this Report will be proposed at the 
forthcoming AGM. The Committee is also aware of the on-going discussions led by the Department of Business, Innovation 
and Skills (“BIS”) in the UK with respect to remuneration disclosure and voting which will take effect in autumn 2013. The 
Committee is hopeful that developments will improve the clarity in the reporting of Directors’ remuneration. We have sought 
to make changes to our Report this year, and have been guided by the emerging themes and feedback from the broader 
shareholder community. We will continue to keep these developments under review and welcome your feedback.

As Informa continues to grow and expand in the future, the Committee will keep under review the remuneration 
arrangements for the Executive Directors and senior management to ensure they continue to support and align with  
the strategic vision of the Group.

Dr pamela kirby
Committee Chairman

52

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
unauDiteD inForMation
remuneration Committee
The Committee is responsible to the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Committee are set out in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on page 48. The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Group website. The membership  
of the Committee during 2012 was as follows, each of whom served for the whole year:

Dr Pamela Kirby (Chair of Committee) 
Dr Brendan O’Neill 
John Davis

The Company Chairman, Derek Mapp, usually attends the meetings by invitation only but is not present when matters  
relating to his own remuneration are discussed. The Committee met three times during 2012 and there was full attendance at 
each meeting. None of the members who served on the Committee during the year had any personal financial interest (other 
than as a shareholder of the Company) or conflicts of interests arising from cross-directorships or day-to-day involvement  
in running the business.

In determining the Executive Directors’ remuneration, the Committee consulted the Chairman about its proposals; no 
Executive Director played a part in any decision about his or her own remuneration. Towers Watson were appointed as 
remuneration consultants in 2010 and continued to provide advice to the Committee during the year. They are members  
of the Remuneration Consultants Group and they follow its voluntary code of conduct. Further information regarding Towers 
Watson can be found at www.informa.com/Remuneration-Consultants. Towers Watson does not provide any other material 
services to the Group. Brendan O’Neill is a member of the Towers Watson Inc board, the holding company of Towers Watson,  
and as such does not take part in any discussions regarding the selection of advisors or their contract. The Company 
Secretary, Rupert Hopley, and the Group HR Director and Head of Corporate Responsibility, Emma Blaney, also provided 
assistance to the Committee during the year.

53

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Remuneration Report CONTINUED

remuneration policy
The remuneration of the Executive Directors is designed to provide for a competitive compensation package which reflects the 
Group’s performance against financial objectives and personal performance criteria. Incentives reward above-average performance 
and are designed to attract, motivate and retain high-calibre executives. The performance assessment of the Executive Directors 
and the determination of their annual remuneration packages are undertaken by the Committee.

The table below summarises the five key elements of the remuneration package for Executive Directors:

element

overview

operation

basic annual 
salary

Executive Directors receive an annual salary 
which the Committee considers to be 
market competitive.

Reviewed by the Committee prior to the beginning of each year and upon  
a change of position or responsibility. 

In deciding appropriate levels, the Committee considers pay practices  
in the Group as a whole and makes reference to objective external 
research which gives current information on remuneration practices  
in appropriate comparator companies.

benefits

The arrangements offer Executives market 
competitive benefits to retain and attract 
high calibre individuals. 

Executives receive a general benefit allowance of CHF42,500 per annum  
in addition to private family medical insurance and permanent health 
insurance cover.

retirement and 
life assurance 
benefits

In addition, Executives receive relocation 
benefits which compensate them for the 
increased cost of living in Switzerland. 

The arrangements offer executives a 
retirement plan contribution which is 
motivating and in line with previous plans 
at the point of recruitment as well as in line 
with the market.

Executives also receive a relocation benefits allowance. The main  
element relates to the provision of housing in Switzerland.

Pension contribution: 25% of salary

Life Assurance: Payment of a lump sum in the event of the insured’s  
death in service

In Switzerland, the maximum pension contribution payable free  
of deductions is CHF 208,800. Any excess due is paid in cash after 
deducting Swiss employer social security costs.

annual bonus

The annual bonus plan rewards Executive 
Directors for delivery of excellent levels of 
annual performance.

Measure  
Bonus is based solely on EPS. For the purpose of bonus,  
EPS is taken to be the adjusted fully diluted EPS.1

The Committee continues to consider 
adjusted diluted EPS to be the most suitable 
financial measurement on which to base 
annual incentives and align the interests  
of the Executive Directors with those of  
the Company’s shareholders as this 
measurement of performance can be 
directly influenced by the performance  
of the Executive Directors and is a key  
driver in generating returns to shareholders.

share incentives2 The LTIP rewards Executive Directors for 

delivery of strong, sustained relative 
performance over a period of three years.

The Committee feels that the use of TSR as  
a primary performance measure is the best 
way to align the longer-term interests of 
management and shareholders, with the 
approach also being the most transparent 
way of ensuring that executives are 
incentivised to, and rewarded for, the delivery 
of above market returns to shareholders. 

In addition, operating a general financial 
underpin also seeks to ensure that a keen 
focus is maintained on the underlying 
financial performance of the business.

target setting (% of budgeted eps)  
Threshold: 90%  
Target: 100%  
Maximum: 110% 

opportunity levels (% of salary)  
Threshold: 50%  
Target: 100%  
Maximum: 150% 

payment  
Up to 100% of salary: cash  
Over 100% of salary: conditional shares that vest after three years subject 
to continued employment (shares subject to good leaver provisions). 

Measure  
Since 2009, the vesting of shares has been based on relative TSR 
performance. In addition, awards will not vest unless the underlying 
financial performance underpin is satisfied.

peer groups3  
50%: FTSE All-Share Media Index 
50%: FTSE 350 Index excluding Investment Trusts

target setting (relative ranking)  
Threshold: Median (50th percentile) 
Maximum: Upper quintile (80th percentile) 
opportunity levels (% of salary)  
Current grant value: 150%  
Maximum approved: 200%

process  
Awards are made in the form of an allocation of a specified number of 
shares. Awards are satisfied through the Informa Group Employee Share 
Trust, currently administered by Nautilus Trust Company Limited in Jersey.

1  The EPS calculation will be adjusted to eliminate any benefit or deterioration that changes in foreign exchange rates have on Adjusted Operating Profit. The calculation is 
also based on the budgeted tax rate for the relevant year. To achieve that, both the Actual Adjusted Operating Profit and the Budget Adjusted Operating Profit are 
recalculated on a constant currency basis. While the Committee will adhere to the simple objective calculation it reserves the right to adjust the calculation if it considers 
there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a major share issue or significant Mergers and Acquisitions activity.
2  The Company also operates an All-Employee Share Plan (“Share Incentive Plan”). However, following the relocation to Switzerland, Executive Directors are unable to 
continue participating in the plan.
3 Constituents of respective indices at date of grant.

54

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012The Company’s policy is that a clear majority of the maximum potential remuneration of the Executive Directors should be 
performance-related and that those elements linked to performance are clearly aligned with the strategy of the Company. The 
balance of measures used under the Annual Bonus Plan and LTIP reflect the Committee’s view that the best long-term interests 
of shareholders are achieved through incentivising the Executive Directors through a dual focus on EPS and TSR growth. The 
Committee intends to review this position during 2013 and, if necessary, consult with shareholders on any proposed changes.

The Committee is able to consider corporate performance on environmental, social and governance issues when setting the 
remuneration of the Executive Directors. In its judgment the remuneration policies for both Executive Directors and senior 
management do not raise environmental, social or governance/operational risks by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviours.

The bar chart and table below show the composition of remuneration under three performance scenarios and the ratio of 
performance-related remuneration to fixed remuneration for the Executive Directors paid or awarded in respect of the 2012 
financial year. 

e
v

i
t
u
c
e
x
E
f
e

i

h
C

i

y
b
g
R
r
e
t
e
P

r
o
t
c
e
r
i

D
e
c
n
a
n

i

F

r
e
k
l

a
W
m
a
d
A

CHF 5,594 

34% fixed; 66% variable

Maximum

Threshold

Below Threshold

Maximum

Threshold

CHF 2,897 

66% fixed; 34% variable

CHF 1,917 

100% fixed; 0% variable

CHF 3,498 

36% fixed; 64% variable

CHF 1,861 

68% fixed; 32% variable

Below Threshold

CHF 1,265 

100% fixed; 0% variable

CHF 0

CHF 1,000

CHF 2,000

CHF 3,000

CHF 4,000

CHF 5,000

CHF 6,000

CHF 7,000

 Base Salary

 Benefits

 Pension

 Cash Bonus

 Bonus paid in deferred shares

 Performance shares

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-Term Incentives

below threshold

threshold

Maximum

Earned in full (bar chart based on 2012 levels)

0% of salary

0% of salary

50% of salary

30% of salary

150% of salary

150% of salary

reporting Currency
As the Executive Directors are required to reside in Switzerland they are paid in Swiss Francs (“CHF”). As a result, for clarity  
of reporting, all monetary benefits receivable by the Executive Directors are set out in this report in CHF. However, the 
remuneration of the Directors in the financial statements is set out in Pounds Sterling (“GBP”), the Company’s reporting currency.

remuneration in 2012 for executive Directors
The following section sets out details of the Executive Directors’ remuneration in 2012, along with any planned changes for 2013. 
A review of the total remuneration packages of the Executive Directors was undertaken at the end of 2012 with the assistance of 
Towers Watson. It included an analysis of benchmark data from a comparator group of FTSE 51-150 companies, excluding those 
in financial services. 

55

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report CONTINUED

basic salary
Under the remuneration policy, Executive Directors’ salaries were reviewed at the end of 2011 and at the request of the Executive 
Directors the Committee resolved that there would be no change for 2012. A similar review was undertaken at the end of 2012 
and the Committee determined that basic salary of the Executive Directors would be increased by 3%. The last time Executive 
Directors’ salaries were increased was in April 2008.

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

2012 
salary 
(ChF)

1,225,700

 744,175

2013 
salary 
(ChF)

1,262,471

766,500

benefits
Details of all benefits are set out in the emoluments table. As noted above this comprises a general benefit allowance of 
CHF42,500, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance cover and relocation benefit allowances.

retirement and life assurance benefits
Retirement and life assurance benefits were in line with the stated policy during the year. Details of these entitlements are 
shown on page 61.

annual and Deferred bonus
In February 2012 the Executive Directors were awarded a bonus of 113.6% with respect to the 2011 financial year. Of this, both 
Executive Directors received 100% of the bonus in cash and the remaining bonus of 13.6% was payable in deferred shares which 
are exercisable from 2015, subject to the terms of the Deferred Share Bonus Plan (“DSBP”). Under the DSBP award for 2011, Peter 
Rigby will receive 26,719 shares and Adam Walker will receive 16,222 shares. More information regarding this is given on page 60.

Applying the sliding scale formula, a bonus of 98.8% of basic salary was awarded to each of Peter Rigby and Adam Walker for the 
2012 financial year. Diluted adjusted EPS for the financial year restated on a constant currency basis and using the budgeted tax 
rate was 40.1p, which despite representing an increase of 7.5% over 2011, was below the stretching target set for the year. For 
2013, the annual bonus will again be determined based on a sliding scale of diluted adjusted EPS performance, with the 
maximum opportunity of 150% of basic salary for appropriately stretching levels of performance. 

long-term incentive plan
Since 2006 Executive Directors have been invited to participate in the Company’s shareholder approved LTIP, which had  
been introduced in 2005 and amended in 2009. Awards were made to the Executive Directors in 2010, 2011 and 2012 of 150% 
of basic salary. 

In March 2012, 74% of the 2009 LTIP awards vested to Executive Directors. This level of vesting reflected the strong performance 
of Informa over the three-year period to 31 December 2011. Over the period, Informa’s increase in TSR was 107%. This ranked at 
the 68th percentile against the FTSE All-Share Media Index and at the 73rd percentile against the FTSE 350 Index excluding 
Investment Trusts. 

In March 2013, 42.5% of the 2010 LTIP awards will vest to Executive Directors. This level of vesting reflected the above median 
performance of Informa over the three-year period to 31 December 2012. Over the period Informa’s increase in TSR was 52%.  
This ranked at the 59th percentile against the FTSE All-Share Media companies and at the 58th percentile against the FTSE 350 
excluding Investment Trusts.

The graphs overleaf illustrate the TSR performance of Informa compared with the performance of the FTSE All-Share Media Index 
and the FTSE 350 Index excluding Investments Trusts, in the five-year period ended 31 December 2012. These indices have been 
selected for this comparison because the Company is a constituent company of both and performance relative to these indices 
informs vesting under the LTIP.

56

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012historical tsr performance
growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding invested in informa over five years
Comparison of spot values

g
n

i

d

l

o
H
0
0
1
£

l

a
c
i
t
e
h
t
o
p
y
H

f
o
e
u

l

a
V

£175

£150

£125

£100

£75

£50

£25

£175

£150

£125

£100

£75

£50

£25

Informa

FTSE All-Share Media Index

Informa

FTSE 350 excluding Investment Trusts

share ownership guidelines
Formal share ownership guidelines require the Executive Directors to build up, over a three-year period, a holding in the 
Company’s shares equal to at least one and a half times annual basic salary. Both Executive Directors met this requirement  
as at 31 December 2012.

outside appointments
Executive Directors are entitled to accept appointments outside of the Company provided that the Chairman determines that it 
is appropriate. 

During 2012, Peter Rigby served as Non-Executive Chairman of Electric Word plc, for which he received and retained fees of £12,000. 

remuneration for the Chairman and non-executive Directors
The remuneration of the Chairman is determined by the Remuneration Committee in consultation with the Chief Executive. 
The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Chairman and the Executive Directors within the limits 
set by the Articles. As stated above, no Director plays a part in any discussion about his or her remuneration. Fees are reviewed 
annually, taking account of the responsibility and time commitment, including a comparison with the level of fees paid by other 
companies of similar size and complexity.

For 2012, annual fees were paid to the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors as shown below. The Chairman and Executive 
Directors resolved that the Non-Executive Director fees will be increased by 3% for 2013. The Remuneration Committee (in 
consultation with the Chief Executive) resolved that the Chairman’s fees be increased to £250,000 for 2013 to reflect the 
increased engagement and responsibility for the position and to bring his fees closer to the market average.

Chairman Fee

Non-Executive Director Base Fee

additional Fees

Audit Committee Chairman

Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee Chairman

2012 Fees 
(£)

216,300

57,700

12,340

9,300

2013 Fees 
(£)

250,000

59,431

12,710

9,579

Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any of the Company’s share incentive schemes or join any Company 
pension scheme.

57

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report CONTINUED

Directors’ Contracts
As a result of the relocation to Switzerland, the Executive Directors entered into new service contracts with the Company.  
These contracts are under Swiss law but other than changes required to reflect local law and custom in Switzerland, the terms 
and conditions are essentially the same as those contained in their previous service contracts which had been entered into 
under English law.

There are no specific terms in relation to the service contracts concerning termination following a change of control or any 
special rules concerning equity awards following termination; the Executive Directors are subject to the same rules and awards 
under share schemes following a termination of employment as for all other participants of the relevant schemes. In the event  
of early termination (except for cause), their contracts provide for compensation equal to basic salary, benefits allowance  
and retirement benefit and, in the case of Peter Rigby only, bonus for the notice period. The Company’s policy in respect of 
protection from exposure to the risk of payment in the event of termination of an Executive Director’s contract due to poor 
performance is to ensure that in the event of a new Executive Director being appointed that no bonus is payable under the 
service contract in the event of the Company making a payment in lieu of notice of termination. This policy was followed in 
relation to the service contract of Adam Walker.

Each of the Non-Executive Directors has specific terms of appointment, terminable by three months’ notice from either party. 
The dates of the Directors’ original contracts are shown in the table below, although the contracts have been amended from 
time to time by letter agreement as required, including to reflect the Group’s redomicile, the relocation to Switzerland of the 
Executive Directors and to reflect changes to salary or fee levels. The contracts, which include details of remuneration, are 
available for inspection at the registered office and principal office, and will be available for inspection at the AGM.

executive Directors

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

non-executive Directors

Derek Mapp

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter

Date of original contract

25 September 1996

12 March 2008

10 May 2004

3 August 2004

19 September 2005

26 November 2007

11 May 2010

remuneration below the board
overview
Senior management remuneration is set on a similar basis to the Executive Directors except often with lower basic salary and 
substantially lower LTIP elements but proportionately more variable bonus/profit share provision. The latter is usually tied 
directly to the annual profit performance of a business unit.

all-employee share plans
From January 2006, the Executive Directors, along with all other UK employees, were eligible to participate in the Company’s 
pre-existing Share Incentive Plan, introduced and approved by shareholders in 2005. A new Share Incentive Plan (“new SIP”) was 
approved by shareholders for its adoption effective on 30 June 2009 and approved by HM Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) on  
6 July 2009. The terms of the new SIP are the same in all material aspects. Both Share Incentive Plans are HMRC Approved 
All-Employee Share Incentive Plans which offer UK employees the opportunity to purchase up to £1,500 of shares in the 
Company per year out of pre-tax salary. Eligible employees can join the Share Incentive Plan (“SIP”) provided they have 
completed six months’ service with the Company.

Following the relocation of both the Executive Directors to Switzerland, as overseas employees and in accordance with the rules 
of the SIP, neither of the Executive Directors is able to continue to participate in the plan. Consequently, both Executive Directors 
have ceased to contribute to the SIP and so have ceased to acquire shares through the plan. Shares previously acquired under 
the SIP prior to the Executive Directors’ relocation remain in the SIP. Peter Rigby holds a total of 1,820 shares and Adam Walker 
669 shares in the SIP.

58

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012The Company introduced a US Stock Purchase Plan (“SPP”) in 2008 which was approved by shareholders at the AGM in May 2008. 
Eligible employees are invited to join the SPP on an ongoing basis once they have completed six months’ service with the 
Company. The SPP provides a means by which the Group’s US employees may purchase the Company’s shares at a 15% discount 
to the market price. No tax benefit is available under the SPP. Eligible US employees can purchase up to $2,940 of shares per year 
out of post-tax salary. Shares in Informa held in the SPP at the time of the Scheme of Arrangement becoming effective on  
30 June 2009 were exchanged for shares in the Company; accordingly no new SPP was introduced at this date.

auDiteD inForMation
As referred previously, from March 2010 the Executive Directors’ emoluments are payable in Swiss Francs. Accordingly, the 
information for the Executive Directors in the table of Directors’ Emoluments below is set out in Swiss Francs. For 2011 and 
2012 the figures have been converted from Swiss Francs based on the average GBP / CHF exchange rate for 2011 of 1.4152,  
and 1.4825 for 2012. 

aggregate Directors’ remuneration
The total amounts for Directors’ remuneration were as follows:

Emoluments

Share incentive gains and payments

Retirement contributions (or cash payments in lieu)

Directors’ emoluments

2012 
ChF’000

2011
 ChF’000

5,260

2,095

565

7,920

5,289

–

569

5,858

executive 
Directors

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

non-executive 
Directors

Derek Mapp

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter

total

basic salary 
ChF’000

bonus accrued 
ChF’000

benefits in kind/
allowances 
ChF’000

total 2012 
ChF’000

total 2011 
ChF’000

1,226

744

1,970

1,211

735

1,946

336

312

648

2,773

1,791

4,564

2,831

1,794

4,625

Fees 
ChF’0001

bonus accrued
 ChF’000

benefits in kind/
allowance 
ChF’000

total 2012 
ChF’000

total 2011 
ChF’000

321

99

86

104

86

696

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

321

99

86

104

86

696

306

95

82

99

82

664

1 Based on an average exchange rate of 1.4825 during 2012

Aggregate emoluments disclosed above do not include any amounts concerning payments in respect of pension arrangements 
(which are disclosed below in this report but except as noted above) or the value of share options granted to or held by Directors 
or of awards under the Company’s LTIP. Details of these share-based incentives are given overleaf and the value the share based 
awards which vested during the year are also included in the table of Aggregate Directors’ Remuneration set out above.

59

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Remuneration Report CONTINUED

Directors’ share interests
The Directors who held office at 31 December 2012 had the following beneficial interests in the issued share capital of  
the Company:

Derek Mapp

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter

ordinary shares 

at 31 December 2012

at 31 December 2011

100,000

1,134,162

317,815

14,000

79,000

8,200

5,000

100,000

937,048

190,881

14,000

64,000

8,200

5,000

None of the Directors had any beneficial interests in the shares of other Group companies. In addition to the beneficial  
interests in the shares of the Company shown above, during 2012 Peter Rigby and Adam Walker were, for the purposes  
of the UK Companies Act, regarded as interested in the ordinary shares held by Nautilus Trust Company Limited, as trustee 
of the Informa Group Employee Share Trust. This trust held 108,422 shares at 31 December 2012, of which 41,660 have not  
been allocated to individuals. The remaining shares have been allocated to individuals in accordance with the Deferred  
Share Bonus Plan as noted below. Employees of the Group (including Peter Rigby and Adam Walker) are potential 
beneficiaries under this trust. 

There have been no changes in Directors’ share interests from 31 December 2012 to the date of this Report.

executive Directors’ Deferred share bonus plan 
Set out below are the details of shares in Informa plc that are held on behalf of the Executive Directors issued under the Deferred 
Share Bonus Plan outlined on pages 54 and 56. The shares are held by the Informa Group Employee Share Trust in named 
nominee accounts for each Director that are administered by Nautilus Trust Company Limited in Jersey, and are subject to the 
terms of the Deferred Share Bonus Plan. The option to obtain these shares will become exercisable only if the Executive Directors 
remain in employment throughout the deferral period of three years from the date of grant, subject to good leaver provisions.

Deferred share bonus awarded 

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

Date of grant

09.03.2011

07.03.2012

07.03.2013

09.03.2011

07.03.2012

07.03.2013

Cash bonus 
awarded (ChF)

percentage 
achieved

1,190,000

1,225,700

1,210,537

722,500

744,175

734,969

7.9%

13.6%

–

7.9%

13.6%

–

1 Based on share price on date of grant of 425.20p 
2 Based on share price on date of grant of 431.76p 
3 Based on exchange rate of GBP/CHF 1.500 on 7 March 2011 
4 Based on exchange rate of GBP/CHF 1.446 on 6 March 2012

ChF

94,538

166,818

–

261,356

57,398

101,282

–

158,680

number of 
shares awarded

14,8221,3

26,7192,4

–

41,541

8,9991,3

16,2222,4

–

25,221

With an adjusted fully diluted EPS performance against target of 98.8% for 2012, each Executive Director will receive a cash 
bonus of equivalent to 98.8% of his base salary and no Deferred Share Bonus will be awarded.

The market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2012 was 449.00p and the range during the year was 
between 340.00p to 455.20p. The daily average market price during the year was 402.95p.

60

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Directors’ participation in long-term incentive scheme
The Executive Directors have been granted conditional awards over shares in the Company under the LTIP as described on 
pages 54 and 56. 

The subsisting LTIP awards for the Executive Directors as at 31 December 2012 are as follows:

Peter Rigby

at 
31 December 
2011

411,764

262,631

290,761

–

award date

04.08.2009

08.04.2010

09.03.2011

06.03.2012

vested

304,705

–

–

–

107,059

–

–

–

Adam Walker

04.08.2009

08.04.2010

09.03.2011

06.03.2012

965,156

304,705

107,059

250,000

159,454

176,533

–

185,000

65,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

585,987

185,000

65,000

lapsed

granted¹

at 
31 December 
2012

end of 
performance 
period

–

–

–

297,674

297,674

–

–

–

180,730

180,730

–

262,631

290,761

297,674

851,066

–

159,454

176,533

180,730

516,717

31.12.2011

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

31.12.2014

31.12.2011

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

31.12.2014

¹ The market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date was 427.10 pence per share.

The grants were made on the terms described on page 54. Subject to achievement of the relevant performance conditions and 
continued employment, these awards will vest subject to a three-year performance period, commencing on 1 January of the 
year of grant. The Committee noted that the TSR-related performance conditions covering the Executive Directors’ awards made 
in 2009 were met at 74% and accordingly 26% of the 2009 award lapsed. Further detail on the vesting of the 2009 LTIP award and 
the performance conditions can be found on pages 54 and 56.

Directors’ pension entitlements
No Directors are members of defined benefit schemes provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and accordingly  
they have no accrued entitlements under these schemes.

Payments made by the Group directly to Directors or their nominated retirement investment vehicles in respect of their 
retirement benefit entitlements are as set out below. As detailed on page 54, the following retirement benefit entitlements 
include both employer contributions into their pension schemes in addition to the insurance premiums for the Death in Service 
cover. Consistent with the form of presentation of the financial information in the emoluments table above, the figures below  
are provided in Swiss Francs. 

Peter Rigby1

Adam Walker

2012 
ChF’000

355

210

2011 
ChF’000

359

210

1 Due to the 835,200 CHF earnings cap into Swiss Pension Schemes, Peter Rigby’s payment is part into a pension scheme and part by way of cash payment

approval
This Report was approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Dr pamela kirby
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

21 February 2013

61

Informa plcOverviewGOvernanceAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa plc

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report – Group 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  

Independent Auditor’s Report – Company  

Company Balance Sheet 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Five Year Summary  

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

135

136

137

141

62

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

Informa plc

Independent Auditor’s Report 

to the Members of Informa plc

We have audited the Group financial statements (the  
“financial statements”) of Informa plc for the year ended 
31 December 2012 which comprise the Consolidated Income 
Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity,  
the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and the related notes  
1 to 39. 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.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as  
a body, in accordance with Article 113A of the Companies 
(Jersey) Law 1991. Our audit work has been undertaken so  
that we might state to the Company’s members those matters 
we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we 
do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than 
the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our 
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

respective respOnsibilities Of  
directOrs and auditOr
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit 
and express an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to 
comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards 
for Auditors.

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 financial statements: 

•	

•	

•	

give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs 
as at 31 December 2012 and of the Group’s profit for the 
year then ended;

 have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs  
as adopted by the European Union; and

 have been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

matters On which we are required  
tO repOrt by exceptiOn
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 we are required  
to report to you if, in our opinion:

•	

•	

•	

 proper accounting records have not been kept by the 
Company, or proper returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 the financial statements are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or

 we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review 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.

Other matters
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with 
the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006 as if that Act had 
applied to the Company.

We have reviewed the directors’ statement, in relation to 
going concern as if the company had been incorporated in 
the UK and have nothing to report to you in that respect.

ian waller 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Recognized Auditor 
London, UK

21 February 2013

O
f
i
v
n
e
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t
s

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

63

 
Consolidated Income Statement 

For the year ended 31 December 2012

adjusted
results 
2012
£m

adjusting
 items
2012
£m

statutory
results
2012
£m

adjusted
results 
2011
£m

adjusting
 items
2011
£m

statutory
results
2011
£m

notes

revenue from continuing 
operations

Net operating expenses

Operating profit

(Loss)/profit on disposal  
of businesses

Fair value gain on non-
controlling interest

Finance costs

Investment income

profit before tax

Tax (charge)/credit

profit for the year

Attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent

– Non-controlling interest

earnings per share from 
continuing operations 

– Basic (p)

– Diluted (p)

adjusted earnings per share 
from continuing operations

– Basic (p)

– Diluted (p)

5

7

20

2

11

12

13

34

15

15

15

15

1,232.5

(882.8)

349.7

−

(225.3)

(225.3)

1,232.5

(1,108.1)

124.4

1,275.3

(939.1)

336.2

–

−

(46.1)

5.8

295.9

(69.2)

226.7

−

−

(38.3)

6.0

317.4

(71.8)

245.6

(27.5)

(27.5)

1.0

(3.1)

4.5

(250.4)

95.5

(154.9)

1.0

(41.4)

10.5

67.0

23.7

90.7

90.7

−

15.1

15.0

40.8

40.7

37.9

37.8

–

(205.9)

(205.9)

0.1

−

(1.5)

–

(207.3)

54.9

(152.4)

1,275.3

(1,145.0)

130.3

0.1

−

(47.6)

5.8

88.6

(14.3)

74.3

75.4

(1.1)

12.5

12.5

64

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 31 December 2012

profit for the year

Decrease in fair value of cash flow hedges

Loss on translation of foreign operations

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive expense for the year

total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent

– Non-controlling interest

notes

37

29

34

2012
£m

90.7

4.3

(42.3)

(8.5)

0.4

(46.1)

44.6

44.6

−

2011
£m

74.3

11.6

(13.1)

(5.1)

(3.6)

(10.2)

64.1

65.2

(1.1)

65

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2012

at 1 January 2011

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Decrease in fair value of  
cash flow hedges

Loss on translation of  
foreign operations

Actuarial loss on defined benefit 
pension schemes (Note 37)

Tax relating to components of other 
comprehensive income (Note 29)

total comprehensive (expense)/
income for the year

Dividends to shareholders (Note 14)

Share award expense (Note 10)

Own shares purchased

Share options exercised

Purchase of non-controlling interest

Disposal of non-controlling interest

Transfer of vested LTIPs

at 1 January 2012

Profit for the year 

Decrease in fair value  
of cash flow hedges

Loss on translation of  
foreign operations

Actuarial loss on defined benefit 
pension schemes (Note 37)

Tax relating to components of other 
comprehensive income (Note 29)

total comprehensive (expense)/
income for the year

Dividends to shareholders (Note 14)

Share award expense (Note 10)

Own shares purchased

Share options exercised

Disposal of non-controlling interest

Transfer of vested LTIPs

at 31 december 2012

share
capital
£m

0.6

share
premium
 account
£m

Other
reserves
£m

retained
earnings
£m

non-
controlling
 interest
£m

total
£m

total 
equity
£m

1.3

(1,178.4)

2,577.4

1,400.9

–

1, 400.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

75.4

11.6

(13.1)

–

–

–

(5.1)

(4.7)

(6.2)

–

3.0

(0.1)

–

–

–

1.1

71.4

(87.2)

–

–

–

–

–

(1.3)

1.3

75.4

11.6

(13.1)

(5.1)

(3.6)

65.2

(87.2)

3.0

(0.1)

0.3

–

–

–

(1.1)

–

–

–

–

(1.1)

(0.3)

–

–

–

(0.6)

0.3

–

74.3

11.6

(13.1)

(5.1)

(3.6)

64.1

(87.5)

3.0

(0.1)

0.3

(0.6)

0.3

–

0.6

1.6

(1,183.0)

2,562.9

1,382.1

(1.7)

1,380.4

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

0.5

−

−

−

4.3

(42.3)

90.7

90.7

−

−

4.3

(42.3)

−

(8.5)

(8.5)

(1.3)

1.7

0.4

(39.3)

−

3.8

(0.1)

−

−

(4.1)

83.9

44.6

(107.3)

(107.3)

−

−

−

−

4.1

3.8

(0.1)

0.5

−

−

0.6

2.1

(1,222.7)

2,543.6

1,323.6

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

1.7

−

−

90.7

4.3

(42.3)

(8.5)

0.4

44.6

(107.3)

3.8

(0.1)

0.5

1.7

−

1,323.6

66

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2012

assets
non-current assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property and equipment
Other receivables
Derivative financial instruments

current assets
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Current tax asset
Cash at bank and in hand
Derivative financial instruments

Total assets

equity and liabilities
capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Reserve for shares to be issued
Merger reserve
Other reserve
ESOP Trust shares
Hedging reserve
Translation reserve
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Non-controlling interest
Total equity

non-current liabilities
Long-term borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligation
Provisions
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments

current liabilities
Short-term borrowings
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Trade and other payables
Deferred income

Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

notes

16
17
21
24
31(b)

23
24

25
31(b)

32

33
33
33
33
33
33

34

30
29
37
28
26
31(b)

30

28
26
27

2012
£m

1,726.5
874.7
19.3
20.4
−
2,640.9

38.2
228.0
3.1
23.9
−
293.2
2,934.1

0.6
2.1
5.9
496.4
(1,718.6)
(0.3)
−
(6.1)
2,543.6
1,323.6
−
1,323.6

825.7
160.9
17.5
8.7
3.6
−
1,016.4

0.6
78.0
5.1
202.3
308.1
594.1
1,610.5
2,934.1

2011
£m

1,764.8
969.8
19.7
–
1.3
2,755.6

33.9
251.4
9.1
25.0
0.7
320.1
3,075.7

0.6
1.6
6.2
496.4
(1,718.6)
(0.2)
(3.0)
36.2
2,562.9
1,382.1
(1.7)
1,380.4

806.9
164.7
12.1
12.2
7.1
–
1,003.0

2.1
140.8
10.4
206.9
327.0
692.3
1,695.3
3,075.7

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 February 2013 and were signed on its behalf by:

peter rigby 
Chief Executive 

adam walker
Finance Director

67

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2012

Operating activities

Cash generated by operations 

Income taxes paid

Interest paid 

net cash inflow from operating activities

investing activities

Investment income

Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment 

Purchases of intangible software assets

Purchases of property and equipment

Purchase of other intangible assets

Acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

Product development costs

Cash (outflow)/inflow on disposal of subsidiaries and businesses

Proceeds on disposal of other intangible assets

Proceeds on disposal of intangible software assets

net cash outflow from investing activities 

financing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

Repayments of borrowings

Loans drawn down/new bank loans raised

Proceeds from the issue of share capital 

net cash outflow from financing activities

net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 

cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 

notes

36

17

21

18

17

20

14

36

36

25

2012
£m

341.5

(45.5)

(33.8)

262.2

1.3

0.2

(13.8)

(8.0)

(37.8)

(121.5)

−

(4.5)

(7.1)

−

0.3

(190.9)

(107.4)

−

(44.0)

80.0

0.3

(71.1)

0.2

(1.7)

24.8

23.3

2011
£m

315.6

(44.0)

(51.9)

219.7

1.4

0.4

(12.6)

(7.7)

(26.2)

(83.4)

(0.3)

(4.0)

0.6

0.7

−

(131.1)

(87.0)

(0.3)

(368.3)

366.4

0.3

(88.9)

(0.3)

(2.7)

27.8

24.8

68

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2012

1   General infOrmatiOn
The Company is incorporated in Jersey under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and headquartered in Switzerland. The address 
of the registered office is given on page 39. The consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2012 and for year then 
ended comprise those of the Company and its subsidiaries and its interests in jointly controlled entities (together referred to  
as the Group).

The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Principal Activities and Business Review 
sections of the Directors’ Report on page 39.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, for further analysis refer to the  
Directors’ Report on page 42.

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling (“GBP”), the functional currency of the parent company,  
Informa plc. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in Note 3.

adoption of new and revised international financial reporting standards (“ifrss”)
standards and interpretations adopted in the current year
The following new standards, amendments and interpretations have been adopted in the current year:

•	

IFRS 7 (amended 2010) Financial Instruments: Disclosures Enhanced Derecognition Disclosure Requirements

The adoption of these standards and interpretations has not led to any changes to the Group’s accounting policies.

standards and interpretations in issue, not yet adopted 
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been 
applied in these financial statements were in issue but have not yet come into effect:

IAS 1 (amended) Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income 
IAS 12 (amended 2010) Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets 
IAS 19 (revised 2011) Employee Benefits 
IAS 27 (revised 2011) Separate Financial Statements 
IAS 28 (revised 2011) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 
IAS 32 (amended) Financial Instruments: Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities  
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments  
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements  
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities 
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement 
Improvements to IFRSs (2012)  

– endorsed by the EU
– endorsed by the EU
– endorsed by the EU
− endorsed by the EU
− endorsed by the EU
– endorsed by the EU
– not endorsed by the EU
– endorsed by the EU
– endorsed by the EU
− endorsed by the EU
− endorsed by the EU
– not endorsed by the EU

69

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CONTINUED

1   General infOrmatiOn continued
The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no material impact 
on the financial statements of the Group, except for: 

IFRS 9 is a new standard which enhances the ability of investors and other users of financial information to understand the 
accounting of financial assets and reduces complexity. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is 
measured at amortised cost or fair value, replacing the many different rules in IAS 39. Other components to the standard such as 
hedge accounting, will be issued in 2013. This standard is effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2015 
and therefore the Group has not commenced its evaluation of the impact on the Group’s reported profit or net assets.

IFRS 10 is a new standard which replaces the portion of IAS 27 that addresses the accounting for consolidated financial 
statements. IFRS 10 includes a new definition of control, which determines which entities are consolidated. This standard  
is effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2014. The Group has evaluated the impact on its 
consolidation and concluded that IFRS 10 would currently have no impact. However for any future acquisitions, the 
implications of IFRS 10 should be considered.

IFRS 11 is a new standard which replaces IAS 31 and SIC 13. Under IFRS 11 joint control is defined as the contractually  
agreed sharing of control of an arrangement which exists only when the decisions about the relevant activities require  
the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. IFRS 11 addresses only two forms of joint arrangements (joint 
operations and joint ventures) and removes the option to account for using proportionate consolidation. This standard is 
effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2014. Since the current accounting for Joint Ventures  
is by proportionate consolidation, the Group will consider in 2013 how it can change its system to equity accounting.  
This change in policy will require a restatement of the comparative period as well.

IFRS 13 is a new standard which provides guidance on the determination of fair value and introduces consistent 
requirements for disclosure on fair value measurements. IFRS 13 applies to all transactions and balances (financial or 
non-financial) for which IFRSs require or permit fair value measurements, with the exception of share-based payment 
transactions accounted for under IFRS 2 Shared-based Payment and leasing transactions within the scope of IAS 17 Leases. 
This standard is effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2013. The Group evaluated the impact 
on the Group’s consolidation and concluded that the only item not covered within our existing IFRS disclosures, that is 
measured at fair value would be separately identified Intangibles acquired in a material business combination.

•	

•	

•	

•	

70

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
2   basis Of preparatiOn
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the European Union and therefore comply 
with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulations.

adjusted results
Management believes that adjusted results and adjusted earnings per share (Note 15) provide additional useful information  
on underlying trends to shareholders. These measures are used for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation 
arrangements for employees. The term “adjusted” is not a defined term under IFRS and may not therefore be comparable with 
similarly titled profit measurements reported by other companies. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS 
measurements of profit. 

The following charges/(credits) were presented as adjusting items:

Restructuring and reorganisation costs

Acquisition related costs

Amortisation of other intangible assets

Impairment – European Conferences

Impairment – Robbins Gioia

Impairment – Other

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration

Loss/(profit) on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Excess interest on early repayment of syndicated loans

Interest on overdue tax

Early termination of cross currency swaps

Tax related to adjusting items

Tax provision release (net of associated deferred tax charge)

The principal adjustments made are in respect of:

notes

8

7

17

16

16/17

17

7

20

18

11

11

12

13

13

2012
£m

9.9

1.3

134.4

80.0

−

1.3

(1.6)

27.5

(1.0)

−

3.1

(4.5)

250.4

(35.5)

(60.0)

154.9

2011
£m

15.2

1.4

137.9

−

50.7

3.6

(2.9)

(0.1)

–

1.5

−

−

207.3

(54.9)

−

152.4

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

restructuring and reorganisation costs – the costs incurred by the Group in reorganising and integrating acquired 
businesses, non-recurring business restructuring and the closure or disposal of businesses; 

amortisation of other intangible assets – the Group continues to amortise other intangible assets. The amortisation charge 
in respect of intangible software assets is included in the adjusted results. The amortisation charge in respect of all 
remaining other intangible assets is excluded from the adjusted results as management does not see these charges as 
integral to underlying trading; 

impairment – the Group tests for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when an indicator exists. The 
impairment charge in respect of material acquisitions is individually disclosed. The impairment charge for those other 
separately identified intangible assets has been linked with subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration of 
those acquisitions;

loss/(profit) on disposal of businesses – the loss/(profit) on disposal includes the fair value of consideration less the net 
assets/(liabilities) disposed, non-controlling interest and costs directly attributable with the disposal;

fair value gain on non-controlling interest – the fair value gain is the re-measurement of our existing non-controlling 
interest when the Group increases its shareholding;

71

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
2   basis Of preparatiOn
adjusted results continued
•	

excess interest on early repayment of syndicated loans – capitalised facility fees are amortised over the loan periods  
but where syndicated loan facilities have been terminated early, the unamortised fees are immediately expensed.  
This accelerated expense is not viewed as being part of the underlying results and is thus excluded from the adjusted 
results; and

•	

early termination of cross currency swaps – following the early termination of Euro cross currency swaps, the remaining  
gain deferred in equity is recycled to the Consolidated Income Statement as an adjusting item.

The tax related to adjusting items is the tax effect of the items above and in 2012 it also includes the effect of the reduction  
in the UK rate applicable for the purposes calculating deferred tax from 25% to 23%.

During 2012 the Group resolved a number of outstanding tax issues which result in the Group being able to make a  
substantial one-off adjustment to its tax provisions which is also shown as an adjusting item.

significant exchange rates
The following significant exchange rates versus GBP were applied during the year:

average rate

closing rate

2012

1.5898

1.2308

2011

1.6047

1.1461

2012

1.6175

1.2265

2011

1.5439

1.1934

USD

EUR

72

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
3   accOuntinG pOlicies
basis of accounting
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain 
assets and financial instruments. The principal accounting policies adopted, all of which have been consistently applied, are  
set out below. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements incorporate the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. Control is achieved 
where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits 
from its activities. The results of subsidiaries acquired or sold are included in the consolidated financial statements from the 
effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to  
the results of acquired subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those used by other members of the Group. 

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expense are eliminated on consolidation.

Non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity and 
consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination plus their share of changes in equity 
since that date.

Joint ventures:
The Group’s interests in jointly controlled entities are accounted for by proportionate consolidation. The Group combines its 
share of the joint ventures’ individual income and expenses, assets and liabilities and cash flows on a line-by-line basis with 
similar items in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Group recognises the portion of gains or losses on the sale  
of assets by the Group to the joint venture that is attributable to the other ventures. The Group does not recognise its share of 
profits or losses from the joint venture that result from the Group’s purchase of assets from the joint venture until it re-sells the 
assets to an independent party. However, a loss on the transaction is recognised immediately if the loss provides evidence of a 
reduction in the net realisable value of current assets, or an impairment loss.

associates:
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding 
of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of 
accounting. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognised at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or 
decreased to recognise the investor’s share of the profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. 

revenue 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and 
services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes, and provisions for returns 
and cancellations. 

Subscription income is deferred and recognised over the term of the subscription. 

Sponsorship and exhibition income is deferred and recognised when the event is held. 

Delegates’ income represents fees earned and is recognised when the event is held. 

Copy sales revenue is recognised on the sale of the directory or publication.

Advertising revenue is recognised on issue of the publication.

Consulting and training revenues are recognised as services are delivered. Where consultancy services are provided over  
a period of time, revenue is recognised using the stage of completion method when the outcome of the contract can be 
measured reliably. The stage of completion is determined with regard to key milestones in the contract being attained and  
the percentage of services performed under the contract as a percentage of the total services to be performed. 

interest income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, 
which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that 
asset’s net carrying amount.

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

73

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20123   accOuntinG pOlicies continued
business combinations
business combinations from 1 January 2010:
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured 
at the aggregate of fair values of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in 
exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in adjusting items in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. 
Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability, will be 
recognised in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. If the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it should not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount 
recognised for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration  
is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised in profit or loss.

business combination prior to 1 January 2010:
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the 
aggregate of fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued  
by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination. The 
acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 (2004)  
are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or disposal groups) that are classified as 
held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, which are recognised and 
measured at fair value less costs to sell.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary companies and businesses is calculated as the excess of purchase consideration 
over the fair value of net identifiable assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition. It is recognised as an asset at cost, assessed 
for impairment at least annually and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Any impairment is 
recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement and is not subsequently reversed.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash generating units, as defined by the 
Board for internal management purposes, expected to benefit from the combination. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually 
or more frequently when there is an indication that it may be impaired. Where an impairment test is performed a discounted 
cash flow analysis is carried out based on the cash flows of the cash generating unit compared with the carrying value of that 
goodwill. Management estimate the discount rates as the risk affected cost of capital for the particular cash generating units. If 
the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated 
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the 
basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. 

Upon disposal, the attributable carrying value of goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal.

intangible assets
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. For business combinations, cost is calculated based on the Group’s valuation 
methodologies (Note 18). These assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis, which are as follows:

Book lists 
Journal titles 
Database content and intellectual property 
Large scale events and exhibitions 

20 years 
20 – 40 years  
3 – 20 years 
3 – 20 years

74

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012Software which is not integral to a related item of hardware is included in intangible assets. Capitalised internal-use software 
costs include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software, and payroll and 
payroll related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and who devote substantial time to, the project. 
Capitalisation of these costs ceases no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its internal 
purpose. These costs are amortised on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives which are deemed to be 3 – 10 years. 

The expected useful lives of intangible assets are reviewed annually.

The Group does not have any intangible assets with indefinite lives (excluding goodwill).

property and equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision for impairment. Depreciation is 
provided to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of property and equipment on a straight line basis over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets. The rates of depreciation are as follows:

Freehold buildings 
Leasehold land and buildings 
Equipment, fixtures and fittings 
Freehold land is not depreciated. 

50 years 
Over life of the lease  
3 – 15 years 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the net sale proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

impairment of tangible and intangible assets excluding goodwill
At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there 
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the 
asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows 
that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the 
asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated 
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of 
the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an 
expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated  
as a revaluation decrease.

non-current assets classified as held for sale
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying value and fair value less 
costs to sell.

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the 
asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale 
which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and expenses incurred in 
bringing the inventory to its present location and condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less 
marketing and distribution costs expected to be incurred. 

75

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
3   accOuntinG pOlicies continued
foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the 
dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated 
at the rates ruling at that date. These translation differences are disclosed in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the 
date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency 
are not retranslated. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in 
the Consolidated Income Statement for the period except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in 
respect of which gains and losses are recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange component of 
that gain or loss is also recognised directly in equity.

The statements of financial position of foreign subsidiaries are translated into pounds sterling at the closing rates of exchange. 
The results are translated at an average rate, recalculated for each month between that month’s closing rate and the equivalent 
for the preceding month.

Foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of opening net investments in foreign subsidiaries at the closing rate 
are taken directly to the translation reserve. In addition, foreign exchange differences arising from retranslation of the foreign 
subsidiaries’ results from monthly average rate to closing rate are also taken directly to the Group’s hedging and translation 
reserve. Such translation differences are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the financial year in which the 
operations are disposed of. The translation movement on matched long-term foreign currency borrowings, qualifying as 
hedging instruments under IAS 39, are also taken directly to the hedging reserve.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalised at their fair value on the inception of the lease 
and depreciated over the shorter of the period of the lease and the estimated useful economic lives of the assets. The 
corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the Statement of Financial Position as a finance lease obligation. Finance 
charges are allocated over the period of the lease in proportion to the capital amount outstanding and are charged to the 
Consolidated Income Statement. 

Operating lease rentals are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in equal annual amounts over the lease term.

Rental income from sub leasing property space is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease and  
is matched with the corresponding payments made under the head lease.

taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax payable and deferred tax.

Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Consolidated Income 
Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes 
items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted 
for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 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 arises 
from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction 
that affects neither the tax nor accounting profit. 

Deferred tax is calculated for all business combinations in respect of intangible assets and properties. A deferred tax liability is 
recognised to the extent that the fair value of the assets for accounting purposes exceeds the value of those assets for tax 
purposes and will form part of the associated goodwill on acquisition. 

76

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries 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.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is 
realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the Consolidated Income Statement, except when it relates to items charged or 
credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its 
current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

pension costs
Certain Group companies operate defined contribution pension schemes for employees. The assets of the schemes are held 
separately from the individual companies. The pension cost charge associated with these schemes represents contributions 
payable and is charged as an expense when they fall due.

The Group also operates funded defined benefit schemes for employees. The cost of providing these benefits is determined 
using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each reporting date. Past service cost is 
recognised immediately to the extent the benefits are vested, and otherwise are amortised on a straight line basis over the 
average period until the benefits become vested. The current service cost and the recognised element of any past service cost 
are presented within operating profit. The interest cost arising on the pension liability less the interest return on the scheme 
assets is presented within finance costs. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur, 
outside of the Consolidated Income Statement and in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The expected 
return on scheme assets reflects the estimate made by management of the long-term yields that will arise from the specific 
assets held within the pension scheme. 

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position represents the present value of 
the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost and the fair value of any relevant scheme assets.

share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. A fair value for the equity-settled share awards is 
measured at the date of grant. The fair value of the Share Options and Long-Term Incentive Plan is measured using the Binomial 
or Monte Carlo model of valuation, which are considered to be the most appropriate valuation techniques. The valuation takes 
into account factors such as non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. To assign a fair value to 
share awards granted under the Share Matching Plan where the proportion of the award released is dependent on the level of 
total shareholder return, the Monte Carlo Simulation methodology is considered the most appropriate.

An expense is recognised to spread the fair value of each award over the vesting period on a straight line basis, after allowing for 
an estimate of the share awards that will actually vest. The estimate of vesting is reviewed annually, with any impact on the 
cumulative charge being recognised immediately.

financial assets
Financial assets are recognised in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets are classified into the following categories: loans and receivables, cash and cash equivalents, and available-for-
sale investments. The classification is determined by management upon initial recognition, and it is based on the purpose for 
which the financial assets were acquired.

effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income 
over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all 
fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or 
discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for all debt instruments within the Group. 

77

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 accOuntinG pOlicies continued

3 
loans and receivables
Trade receivables, loans and other receivables are measured on initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently measured  
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment. 

cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are 
readily convertible (with a maturity of three months or less) to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of 
changes in value. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are 
included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement.

available-for-sale investments
Listed and unlisted shares held by the Group that are traded in an active market are classified as being available-for-sale and are 
stated at fair value. Fair values of listed securities are based on quoted market prices and the unlisted securities are based on 
cost. Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until the security is disposed of or is 
determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the 
Consolidated Income Statement for the period. Where the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the 
cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the investments revaluation reserve is included in profit or loss for the period.

impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired where there is 
objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the 
estimated future cash flows of the investment have been negatively impacted.

For unlisted shares classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its  
cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

For all other financial assets objective evidence of impairment could include:

•	

•	

•	

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation.

For certain categories of financial assets, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually  
are subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables 
could include the Group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the 
portfolio past the average credit period of 32 days (2011: 28 days), as well as observable changes in national or local economic 
conditions that correlate with increased default risk on receivables. A specific provision will also be raised for trade receivables 
when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of  
the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial 
reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments (more than 90 days overdue) are considered indicators that the trade 
receivable is impaired.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception  
of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of a provision account. When a trade receivable is 
considered uncollectible, it is written off against the provision account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written  
off are credited against the provision account. Changes in the carrying amount of the provision account are recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

derecognition of financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the assets have expired or have 
been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. If the Group neither transfers 
nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group 
recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial 
asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

78

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. 

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.

classification as debt or equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the 
contractual arrangement.

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

bank borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Finance charges, 
including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accrual basis in the 
Consolidated Income Statement using the effective interest rate method and are added to the carrying amount of the 
instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

finance costs 
Finance costs of debts are capitalised against the debt value on first drawdown of the debt and are recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement using the effective interest rate method. 

trade payables
Trade payables are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest 
rate method.

Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest 
expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments 
through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. 
The derivative instruments utilised by the Group to hedge these exposures are primarily interest rate swaps and cross currency 
swaps. The Group does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured 
to their fair value at each reporting date. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative 
is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives 
as either:

•	

•	

•	

hedges of a change of fair value of recognised assets and liabilities or firm commitments (fair value hedges);

hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction  
(cash flow hedge); or

hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge).

The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as 
well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. Furthermore, at the inception 
of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.

79

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20123   accOuntinG pOlicies
derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting continued
fair value hedge:
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in 
profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the 
hedged risk. The change in the fair value of the hedging instrument and the change in the hedged item attributable to the 
hedged risk are recognised in the line of the Consolidated Income Statement relating to the hedged item. 

cash flow hedge:
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as cash  
flow hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or forecast transaction results 
in the recognition of a financial asset or financial liability, amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss in the 
same line of the Consolidated Income Statement as the recognised hedged item. However, when the forecast transaction that is 
hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously accumulated 
in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-
financial liability.

hedges of net investment in foreign operations:
Hedges of net investment in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument in relation to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in the other comprehensive income and accumulated 
in the foreign currency translation reserve. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Gains and losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge 
accumulated in the foreign currency translation reserve are reclassified to profit or loss when the hedged item is disposed of. 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement as they arise.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedge instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in 
equity until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or 
loss recognised in equity is transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period.

A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 
12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or 
current liabilities.

Further details of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 31.

esOp trust shares
Own shares deducted in arriving at shareholders’ funds represent the cost of the Company’s ordinary shares acquired by the 
Employee Share Option Plan (“ESOP”) trusts in connection with certain of the Group’s employee share schemes.

prOvisiOns
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Group 
will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to 
settle the obligation at the reporting date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

Restructuring provisions are recognised when the Group has a detailed formal plan for the restructuring that has been 
communicated to the affected parties.

80

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 20124   critical accOuntinG JudGments and key sOurces Of estimatiOn uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in Note 3, the Directors are required to make 
judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from 
other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are 
considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

In addition to the judgment taken by management in selecting and applying the accounting policies set out above, the 
Directors have made the following judgments concerning the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements.

valuation and asset lives of separately identifiable intangible assets
In order to determine the value of the separately identifiable intangible assets on a business combination, management are 
required to make estimates when utilising the Group’s valuation methodologies. These methodologies include the use of 
discounted cash flows and revenue forecasts. For significant acquisitions management have considered the advice of third  
party independent valuers in identifying and calculating the valuation of any intangible assets arising on acquisition. 

Asset lives are estimated based on the nature of the intangible asset acquired and range between 3 and 40 years.

valuation of share-based payments
In order to determine the value of share-based payments, management are required to make an estimation of the effects of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations. The expected volatility is determined by calculating the 
historical volatility of the Company’s share price calculated over one, two and three years back from the date of grant. The list of 
inputs used in the Binomial and Monte Carlo Simulation models to calculate the fair values are provided in Note 10.

valuation of financial instruments at fair value
Management have made a number of assumptions with regards to the models used to value financial instruments at their fair 
value at year end. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied. Note 31 details the methods used  
to value the primary financial instruments held or issued to finance the Group’s borrowing requirements and the derivative 
financial instruments held to manage the interest rate profile.

For derivative financial instruments, assumptions are made based on quoted market rates adjusted for specific features of the 
instrument. Other financial instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis based on assumptions supported, 
where possible, by observable market prices or rates. 

impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
There are a number of assumptions management have considered in performing impairment reviews of goodwill and intangible 
assets, as determining whether goodwill or intangible assets are impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash 
generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the directors to estimate the future 
cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. Note 
16 details the assumptions that have been applied.

pension assumptions
There are a number of assumptions management have considered on the advice of actuaries which have an impact on the results of 
the valuation of the pension scheme liabilities at year end. The most significant assumptions are those relating to the discount rate of 
return on investments and the rates of increase in salaries and pensions. Note 37 details the assumptions which have been adopted.

deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities require management judgment in determining the amounts to be recognised. In particular, 
judgment is used when assessing the extent to which deferred tax assets should be recognised with consideration given to the 
timing and level of future taxable income.

provisions
Provisions have been made for onerous leases, dilapidations and restructuring. These provisions are estimates and the actual costs 
and timing of future cash flows are dependent on future events. Any difference between expectations and the actual future liability 
will be accounted for in the period when such determination is made. Details of the Group’s provisions are set out in Note 28.

contingent consideration
Contingent consideration relating to acquisitions has been included based on management estimates of the most likely outcome 
(Note 18). However any subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

81

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20125   revenue
An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Subscriptions 

Delegates

Copy sales

Exhibition

Sponsorship

Consulting

Advertising

Total revenue

2012
£m

468.5

291.1

210.4

145.4

63.8

26.2

27.1

2011
£m

464.1

319.6

210.1

134.0

63.2

55.2

29.1

1,232.5

1,275.3

82

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
6   business seGments
business segments
Management has identified reportable segments based on financial information used by the Board of Directors in allocating 
resources and making strategic decisions. We consider the Chief Operating Decision Maker to be the Executive Directors.

The Group’s three identified reportable segments under IFRS 8 are therefore as follows:

academic information (“ai”)
This division, which includes the Taylor & Francis publishing business, provides a portfolio of online and print publications, 
primarily for academic users across the spectrum of Science, Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences. 

professional and commercial information (“pci”)
This division, which includes Informa Business Information and Informa Financial Information provides information, across a 
range of formats and on a global basis, to a variety of sectors including Medical, Pharmaceutical, Financial, Law, Commerce, 
Commodities, Maritime and Telecoms.

events and training 
The Events and Training business consists of trade shows and exhibitions, large and small conferences and training courses. 

segment revenue and results
31 december 2012

ai
£m

340.3

126.1

(0.9)

−

−

(27.2)

−

98.0

events and 
training
£m

535.6

102.9

(4.8)

(1.0)

0.3

(59.5)

(80.2)

(42.3)

pci
£m

356.6

120.7

(4.2)

(0.3)

1.3

(47.7)

(1.1)

68.7

Revenue (Note 5)

Adjusted operating profit

Restructuring and reorganisation costs (Note 8)

Acquisition related costs (Note 2)

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration (Note 2)

Intangible asset amortisation1 (Note 17)

Impairment (Note 2)

Operating profit/(loss)

Loss on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Finance costs (Note 11)

Investment income (Note 12)

Profit before tax

¹ Excludes software amortisation.

total
£m

1,232.5

349.7

(9.9)

(1.3)

1.6

(134.4)

(81.3)

124.4

(27.5)

1.0

(41.4)

10.5

67.0

83

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
6   business seGments continued
segment revenue and results
31 december 2011

Revenue (Note 5)

Adjusted operating profit

Restructuring and reorganisation costs (Note 8)

Acquisition related costs (Note 2)

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration (Note 2)

Intangible asset amortisation1 (Note 17)

Impairment (Note 2)

Operating profit/(loss)

Profit on disposal of business

Finance costs (Note 11)

Investment income (Note 12)

Profit before tax

¹ Excludes software amortisation.

ai
£m

323.6

116.2

(1.3)

(0.1)

–

(27.9)

–

86.9

events and 
training
£m

581.2

106.0

(3.5)

(1.1)

0.3

(62.1)

(51.9)

(12.3)

pci
£m

370.5

114.0

(10.4)

(0.2)

2.6

(47.9)

(2.4)

55.7

total
£m

1,275.3

336.2

(15.2)

(1.4)

2.9

(137.9)

(54.3)

130.3

0.1

(47.6)

5.8

88.6

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in Note 3. 
Adjusted operating result by operating segment is the measure reported to the Group’s Chief Executive for the purpose  
of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance. Finance costs and investment income are not allocated to 
segments, as this type of activity is driven by the central treasury function, which manages the cash positions of the Group.

segment assets

AI

PCI

Events and Training

Total segment assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets

2012
£m

870.7

1,151.9

857.9

2,880.5

53.6

2,934.1

2011
£m

939.1

1,056.0

1,044.4

3,039.5

36.2

3,075.7

The movements in the year primarily relate to Goodwill – see Note 16.

For the purpose of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments, management monitors the 
tangible, intangible and financial assets attributable to each segment. All assets are allocated to reportable segments except for 
corporate balances, including taxation (current and deferred). Assets used jointly by reportable segments are allocated on the 
basis of the revenues earned by individual reportable segment.

84

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Group’s revenues from its major products and services were as follows:

ai

Subscriptions

Copy sales

Total AI

pci

Subscriptions

Copy sales

Advertising

Total PCI

events and training

Delegates

Exhibition

Sponsorship

Consulting

Advertising

Total Events and Training

Total revenue

2012
£m

182.7

157.6

340.3

285.8

52.8

18.0

356.6

291.1

145.4

63.8

26.2

9.1

535.6

1,232.5

2011
£m

176.6

147.0

323.6

287.5

63.1

19.9

370.5

319.6

134.0

63.2

55.2

9.2

581.2

1,275.3

information about major customers
The Group’s revenue by location of customer and information about its segment assets by geographical location are detailed below:

Geographical information

United Kingdom

North America

Continental Europe

Rest of World

revenue

 segment assets

2012
£m

151.2

434.9

287.9

358.5

2011
£m

172.7

446.7

317.7

338.2

1,232.5

1,275.3

2012
£m

1,320.3

1,087.8

185.8

340.2

2,934.1

2011
£m

1,325.6

1,053.9

316.0

380.2

3,075.7

No individual customer amounts to more than 10% of the Group’s revenue.

85

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
7   net OperatinG expenses
Operating profit has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

adjusted
results
2012
£m

adjusting
items
2012
£m

statutory
results
2012
£m

adjusted
results
2011
£m

adjusting
items
2011
£m

statutory
results
2011
£m

  notes

Cost of sales

Staff costs (excluding redundancy costs)

Amortisation of other intangible assets

Depreciation 

Impairment 

Net foreign exchange loss

Auditor’s remuneration for audit services 
(see below)

Operating lease expenses

– Land and buildings

– Other

Restructuring and reorganisation costs

Acquisition related costs

Subsequent re-measurement of 
contingent consideration

Other operating expenses

Total net operating expenses

9

17

21

2

35

35

8

2

2

393.4

364.7

14.5

7.0

−

1.8

1.1

21.2

1.1

−

−

−

78.0

882.8

−

−

134.4

−

81.3

−

−

−

−

9.9

1.3

(1.6)

−

393.4

364.7

148.9

7.0

81.3

1.8

1.1

21.2

1.1

9.9

1.3

(1.6)

78.0

225.3

1,108.1

446.3

355.5

13.1

6.7

–

0.8

1.3

24.8

1.2

–

–

–

89.4

939.1

–

–

137.9

–

54.3

–

–

–

–

15.2

1.4

(2.9)

–

446.3

355.5

151.0

6.7

54.3

0.8

1.3

24.8

1.2

15.2

1.4

(2.9)

89.4

205.9

1,145.0

Amounts payable to the auditor, Deloitte LLP and their associates by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings is provided below:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the  
Company’s annual financial statements

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for  
other services to the Group:

Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries 

Total audit fees

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for non-audit services comprises:

Audit related assurance services

Other services

Total non-audit fees

2012
£m

0.7

0.4

1.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

2011
£m

0.8

0.5

1.3

0.1

0.1

0.2

A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on page 50 and includes an 
explanation of how auditor objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor.

86

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
8   restructurinG and reOrGanisatiOn cOsts

Reorganisation costs

Redundancy costs

Vacant property provisions

2012
£m

2.1

6.8

1.0

9.9

2011
£m

2.8

11.9

0.5

15.2

9   staff numbers and cOsts
The monthly average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the year, analysed by category, 
was as follows:

number of employees

AI

PCI

Events and Training

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs charged to operating profit (Note 37)

Share-based payment (Note 10)

Staff costs (excluding redundancy costs)

Redundancy costs (Note 8)

2012

1,618

2,755

3,158

7,531

2012
£m

319.4

32.2

9.3

3.8

364.7

6.8

371.5

2011

1,581

3,025

3,669

8,275

2011
£m

312.6

30.8

9.1

3.0

355.5

11.9

367.4

The remuneration of Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of 
the categories specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (Note 38). Further information about the remuneration of individual 
Directors is provided in the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 52 to 61.

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share incentive gains and payments

2012
£m

3.5

0.4

1.4

5.3

2011
£m

3.5

0.4

−

3.9

87

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10   share-based payments
The Group share options and Long-Term Incentive Plans (“LTIPs”) provide for a grant price equal to the average quoted market 
price of the Group’s shares on the date of grant. The vesting period is generally three years. The options expire if they remain 
unexercised after the exercise period has lapsed. Furthermore, options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before  
the options vest, unless they meet certain eligibility criteria. The options are equity-settled.

The Group recognised total expenses of £3.8m (2011: £3.0m) related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions in  
the year ended 31 December 2012.

share options
The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

Forfeited/lapsed during the year

Exercised during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

2012

2011

weighted 
average
 exercise
 price (p)

228.40

212.32

228.88

−

weighted 
average
 exercise
 price (p)

286.99

436.40

269.56

228.40

Options

496,998

(108,699)

(158,133)

230,166

230,166

Options

230,166

(6,657)

(223,509)

−

−

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was 228.88p (2011: 269.56p). 

There were no options outstanding at 31 December 2012 (Note 32).

Inputs used to calculate those fair values and the method of calculation are set out in the following tables:

exercise 
price

expected
 volatility

expected
life
(years)

risk free 
rate

dividend 
yield

5.0

4.9

3.5

5.0

4.8%

4.6%

4.2%

5.0%

2.0%

2.0%

2.0%

2.0%

date of grant

4 March 20041

22 March 2004/10 May 
2004 (Executive)1

22 March 2004/10 May 
2004 (Employee)1

estimated
 fair value

£1.18

£1.08

share 
price

£3.76

£3.49

£0.93

£3.49

£3.73

£3.41*
(adjusted)

£3.41*
(adjusted)

32.3%

32.8%

32.8%

15 September 20041

£1.16

£3.71

£3.70

30.6%

¹ Valued using the Binomial model of valuation. 
* Adjusted for the business combination in 2004 of Taylor & Francis Group plc and Informa Group plc, and in 2005 for a rights issue.

88

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
long-term incentive plan
The movement during the year is as follows:

Opening balance 

LTIPs vested in the year

LTIPs lapsed in the year

LTIPs granted in the year

Closing balance

long-term incentive plan

date of grant

9 April 20081

4 September 20081

4 August 20091

8 April 2010

9 March 2011

6 March 2012

2012
shares

4,268,347

(1,319,778)

(478,833)

1,382,553

3,852,289

2011
shares

4,787,473

(133,074)

(1,820,575)

1,434,523

4,268,347

estimated 
fair value

£1.56

£3.09

£1.71³

£1.79³

£2.67³

£2.71³

£2.52³

£2.57³

£1.88³

£2.30³

share 
price

£3.42

£4.15

£2.60

£3.97

£4.26

£4.18

exercise 
price

expected 
volatility

expected
 life2 (years)

risk 
free rate

dividend 
yield

n/a

n/a

£4.35

n/a

n/a

n/a

28.2%

33.5%

54.1%

53.3%

52.0%

32.0%

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

4.0%

4.4%

2.5%

4.9%

4.2%

2.8%

1.8%

2.9%

1.8%

2.6%

0.5%

3.8%

¹ Valued using the Monte Carlo Simulation method of valuation. 
² From 1 January of year in which grant made. 
³ 50% split of total awards granted.

In order to satisfy the share awards granted under Long-Term Incentive Plan, the share capital would be increased by up to 
3,810,629 shares. The company is planning to issue additional share capital to satisfy the awards although if circumstances 
change it may instead buy the shares as needed on the open market. 

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over one, two and three years 
back from the date of grant. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for 
the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

89

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 

 finance cOsts

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Interest cost on pension scheme liabilities

Total interest expense

Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness loss

Excess interest on early repayment of syndicated loans

Interest on overdue tax

12 

 investment incOme

Loans and receivables:

Interest income on bank deposits

Interest income on non-current receivables

Expected return on pension scheme assets

Early termination of cross currency swaps

notes

37

2

2

notes

24

37

2

2012
£m

33.8

4.2

38.0

0.3

−

3.1

41.4

2012
£m

1.0

1.6

3.4

4.5

10.5

2011
£m

41.8

4.3

46.1

−

1.5

−

47.6

2011
£m

1.4

–

4.4

–

5.8

90

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
13  taxatiOn
The tax (credit)/charge comprises:

current tax:
Current year
Tax provision release
Interest on overdue tax reclassified to Finance costs 

deferred tax:
Current year
Credit arising from UK corporation tax rate change
Exceptional deferred tax charge/(credit) in respect of prior years

Total tax (credit)/charge on profit on ordinary activities

notes

11

29
29
29

2012
£m

52.4
(61.5)
(3.1)

(8.5)
(4.5)
1.5

(23.7)

The tax shown as an adjusting item within the Consolidated Income Statement relates to the following:

Restructuring and reorganisation costs (Note 8)
Acquisition related costs (Note 2)
Amortisation of other intangible assets (Note 17)
Impairment (Note 2)
Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration (Note 2)
(Loss)/profit on disposal of business (Note 20)
Fair value gain on non-controlling interest (Note 2)
Excess interest on early repayment of syndicated loans (Note 11)
Interest on overdue tax reclassified to Finance costs (Note 11)
Early termination of cross currency swap (Note 12)
Deferred tax credit arising from UK corporation tax rate change (Note 29)
Tax provision release (net of associated deferred tax charge) (Note 2)

Gross
2012
£m
(9.9)
(1.3)
(134.4)
(81.3)
1.6
(27.5)
1.0
−
(3.1)
4.5
−
−
(250.4)

tax
2012
£m
2.6
−
26.7
−
−
(0.3)
−
−
3.1
(1.1)
4.5
60.0
95.5

Gross
2011
£m
(15.2)
(1.4)
(137.9)
(54.3)
2.9
0.1
−
(1.5)
−
−
–
–
(207.3)

The current and deferred tax is calculated on the estimated assessable profit for the year. Taxation is calculated on each 
jurisdiction based on the prevailing rates of that jurisdiction.

The total tax (credit)/charge for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows:

Profit before tax

Tax charge at weighted average rate 
Permanent differences
Losses in certain jurisdictions that have not been recognised
Deferred tax credit arising from UK corporation tax rate change
Tax provision release (net of associated deferred tax charge)
Tax (credit)/charge and effective rate for the year

2012

2011

£m
67.0

11.4
22.9
6.5
(4.5)
(60.0)
(23.7)

 %

17.0
34.2
9.7
(6.7)
(89.6)
(35.4)

£m
88.6

16.8
3.7
5.1
(6.0)
(5.3)
14.3

2011
£m

44.5
−
−

(18.9)
(6.0)
(5.3)

14.3

tax
2011
£m
4.4
–
35.7
3.1
–
–
−
0.4
−
−
6.0
5.3
54.9

 %

19.0
4.1
5.8
(6.8)
(6.0)
16.1

The weighted average tax rates for 2011 and 2012 have been adjusted for the impairments of Robbins Gioia and European 
Conferences respectively which are not allowable for tax purposes. Inclusion of these amounts would unduly distort the 
weighted average tax rate reported for each period.

In addition to the income tax (credit)/charge to the Consolidated Income Statement, a tax credit of £0.4m (2011: charge of £3.6m) 
all of which relates to deferred tax (Note 29) has been recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income during the year. 

91

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
14  dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:

Second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 of 9.50p per share

First interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 5.00p per share

Second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 11.80p per share

First interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 6.00p per share

Proposed second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012  
of 12.50p per share (2011: 11.80p per share)

As at 31 December 2012 £0.1m (2011: £0.2m) of dividends are still to be paid.

2012
£m

–

–

71.1

36.2

107.3

75.3

2011
£m

57.1

30.1

–

–

87.2

70.9

Holders of 108,422 (2011: 70,348) ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each have waived their rights to receive dividends.

Pursuant to the Dividend Access Plan (“DAP”) arrangements put in place in 2009 as part of the Scheme of Arrangement, 
shareholders in the Company are able to elect to receive their dividends from a UK source (a DAP election). Shareholders  
who (i) held 100,000 or fewer shares on the date of admission of the Company’s shares to the London Stock Exchange and  
(ii) in the case of shareholders who did not own the shares at that time, on the first dividend record date after they become 
shareholders in the Company, unless they elect otherwise, are deemed to have elected to receive their dividends under  
the DAP arrangements. Shareholders who hold more than 100,000 shares and who wish to receive their dividends from  
a UK source must make a DAP election. All elections remain in force indefinitely unless revoked. Unless shareholders have 
made a DAP election, or are deemed to have made a DAP election, dividends will be received directly from the Company, 
domiciled in Switzerland, and will be taxed accordingly.

92

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
15  earninGs per share
basic
The basic earnings per share calculation is based on a profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent of £90.7m 
(2011: £75.4m). This profit on ordinary activities after taxation is divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue 
(less those non-vested shares held by employee share ownership trusts) which is 602,378,791 (2011: 601,047,454).

diluted
The diluted earnings per share calculation is based on the basic earnings per share calculation above except that the weighted 
average number of shares includes all potentially dilutive options granted by the reporting date as if those options had been 
exercised on the first day of the accounting period or the date of the grant, if later, giving a weighted average of 603,021,026 
(2011: 602,928,726). 

The table below sets out the adjustment in respect of diluted potential ordinary shares:

Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share calculation

Effect of dilutive share options

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share calculation

2012

602,378,791

642,235

603,021,026

2011

601,047,454

1,881,272

602,928,726

adjusted earnings per share
The basic and diluted adjusted earnings per share calculations have been made to allow shareholders to gain a further 
understanding of the trading performance of the Group. They are based on the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations 
above except that profits are based on continuing operations attributable to equity shareholders and are adjusted for items that 
are not perceived by management to be part of the underlying trends in the business, and the tax effect of those adjusting 
items, as follows:

Profit for the year 

Non-controlling interest

Adjusting items net of attributable taxation (Note 2)

Adjusted profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders

Earnings per share:

– Adjusted basic (p)

– Adjusted diluted (p)

2012
£m

90.7

−

154.9

245.6

40.8

40.7

2011
£m

74.3

1.1

152.4

227.8

37.9

37.8

93

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
16  GOOdwill

cost

At 1 January 2011

Additions in the year 

Disposals (Note 20)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012

Additions in the year 

Disposals (Note 20)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2011

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals (Note 20)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

carrying amount

At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

£m

1,774.6

65.2

(0.2)

(11.1)

1,828.5

109.0

(65.4)

(44.7)

1,827.4

(20.9)

(43.2)

0.4

(63.7)

(80.0)

43.1

(0.3)

(100.9)

1,726.5

1,764.8

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (“CGUs”) that are expected 
to benefit from that business combination. 

The carrying amount of goodwill recorded in the major groups of cash generating units is set out below:

AI

PCI

Events and Training

2012
£m

355.0

836.7

534.8

1,726.5

2011
£m

420.6

711.9

632.3

1,764.8

The movements in carrying amount relate primarily to acquisitions, disposals, impairment, foreign exchange movements  
and other internal reclassifications.

The Group assesses the impairment of Goodwill and Intangible assets annually at year end, and whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions in the value in use 
are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to cash flows during the period. Management 
estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the CGUs. 

94

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
The pre-tax discount rates applied are 9.5% for AI and PCI (2011: 9.5%) and 10.5% for the Events and Training businesses 
(2011: 10.5%). There has been no change to the discount rate since the prior year, which is consistent with the fact that there  
has been no significant change in the markets in which the Group operates. 

Estimated future cash flows are determined by reference to latest budgets and forecasts for the next five years approved  
by management, after which a long term perpetuity growth rate is applied. The most recent financial budgets approved by  
the Board of Directors have been prepared after considering the current economic environment in each of our markets. The 
estimates of future cash flows are consistent with past experience adjusted for management’s estimates of future performance.

Short-term average growth rates used for the five year forecasts vary between -4% and 13.4% (2011: 2.8% and 25%). Long-term 
average growth rates are 2% for AI and PCI (2011: 2%) and 3% for Events and Training (2011: 3%). The rates do not exceed the 
average long-term growth rate for the relevant markets.

The challenging European economic climate has impacted our European Conferences business performance during the year. 
This has resulted in indicators of impairment for the European Conferences CGU, which is included in the Events and Training 
Segment. Updated five year projections have been produced for the CGU, which have resulted in an impairment of the carrying 
value of Goodwill by £80.0m.

The CGUs which had the lowest level of headroom or potential impairment in this analysis related to the Events and  
Training businesses. 

Management has undertaken sensitivity analysis taking into consideration the impact on key impairment test assumptions 
arising from a range of possible future trading and economic scenarios. The scenarios have been performed separately for  
each CGU with the sensitivities summarised as follows:

•	

•	

•	

an increase in the pre-tax discount rate by 1%; 

a decrease of 1% of AI and PCI and 2% for Events and Training on forecast operating profits over years 2–5; and

a decrease in the terminal growth rate by 1% for all CGUs.

The sensitivity analysis shows that applying all of the above criteria, an impairment of £10.7m would arise for European 
Conferences (a CGU included in Events and Training). The carrying value of Goodwill and Intangible assets in the European 
Conferences business was £52.2m as at 31 December 2012.

95

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201217  Other intanGible assets

cost
At 1 January 2011

Arising on acquisitions in the year
Additions1,2,3

Reclassification

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012
Arising on acquisitions in the year4
Additions1,2,3
Reclassification

Disposals (Note 20)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

amortisation

At 1 January 2011

Charge for the year

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals (note 20)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

carrying amount

At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

book lists
and
 journal
titles
£m

database
content
and 
intellectual 
property
£m

637.9

795.4

6.3

20.5

–

(0.9)

0.7

664.5

−

36.4

−

−

(15.7)

685.2

(144.0)

(30.4)

–

0.1

(0.2)

(174.5)

(33.0)

−

−

4.4

2.8

8.1

(0.5)

–

2.2

808.0

20.8

4.5

(0.1)

(46.7)

(24.2)

762.3

(417.0)

(82.0)

(10.0)

–

(0.2)

(509.2)

(75.8)

(1.1)

37.1

15.4

exhibitions
and
conferences 
£m

intangible 
software
 assets
£m

sub total
£m

total
£m

209.6

36.7

0.1

–

(0.8)

(3.6)

242.0

15.9

0.2

−

(0.6)

(9.8)

1,642.9

121.6

1,764.5

45.8

28.7

(0.5)

(1.7)

(0.7)

1,714.5

36.7

41.1

(0.1)

(47.3)

(49.7)

0.1

12.6

0.5

(18.2)

0.1

116.7

0.6

13.8

0.1

(5.7)

(1.8)

45.9

41.3

–

(19.9)

(0.6)

1,831.2

37.3

54.9

−

(53.0)

(51.5)

247.7

1,695.2

123.7

1,818.9

(99.2)

(25.5)

(1.1)

0.3

0.4

(125.1)

(25.6)

(0.2)

0.3

3.8

(660.2)

(137.9)

(11.1)

0.4

–

(808.8)

(134.4)

(1.3)

37.4

23.6

(57.3)

(13.1)

–

17.9

(0.1)

(52.6)

(14.5)

−

5.6

0.8

(717.5)

(151.0)

(11.1)

18.3

(0.1)

(861.4)

(148.9)

(1.3)

43.0

24.4

(203.1)

(533.6)

(146.8)

(883.5)

(60.7)

(944.2)

482.1

490.0

228.7

298.8

100.9

116.9

811.7

905.7

63.0

64.1

874.7

969.8

¹  Of the £41.1m (2011: £28.7m) additions to Book lists and journal titles, Database content and intellectual property and Exhibitions and conferences,  
£35.7m (2011: £28.5m) represents cash paid.
² £13.8m (2011: £12.6m) additions to Intangible software assets represents cash paid. 
³ Of the £4.5m (2011: £8.1m) additions to Database content and intellectual property, £4.5m (2011: £4.0m) represents product development.
4 Of the £36.7m (2011: £45.8m) arising on acquisitions in the year, £0.2m (2011: £0.6m) relates to prior year acquisitions.

Intangible software assets include a gross carrying amount of £101.2m (2011: £90.9m) and accumulated amortisation of £46.0m 
(2011: £34.8m) which relates to software that has been internally generated. 

Intangible database content and intellectual property include a gross carrying amount of £26.5m (2011: £22.5m) and 
accumulated amortisation of £8.4m (2011: £4.7m) which relates to product development that has been internally generated. 

The Group does not have any of its other intangible assets pledged as security over bank loans.

As a consequence of reducing the contingent consideration for the recent acquisitions by £1.6m (see Note 2), an impairment 
charge of £1.1m in Database Content and Intellectual Property and £0.2m in Exhibitions and Conferences has also been 
recognised. The re-measurement of the contingent consideration and impairment has been presented as adjusting items  
in the Consolidated Income Statement. Further information is disclosed in Note 2.

96

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18  business cOmbinatiOns
cash paid on acquisition net of cash acquired

current period acquisitions¹

Fertecon Limited

Sagient Research Systems, Inc.

Informa Canada Inc. (formerly MMPI Canada Inc.)

Zephyr Associates, Inc.

Other

prior year acquisitions

2011 acquisitions:

Brazil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A.

Ibratexpo Feiras E Eventos LTDA.

Other

2010 acquisitions:

EuroMediCom SAS

CPDcast.com Limited

Emerging Portfolio Fund Research Inc.

Australian Exhibitions and Conferences Group

Other

2009 acquisitions

2012
£m

15.3

12.4

32.7

29.1

17.2

3.0

−

0.4

3.6

0.9

6.2

−

0.7

−

121.5

2011
£m

–

–

–

–

–

50.7

17.2

13.0

1.8

−

−

(0.7)

1.0

0.4

83.4

¹  These acquisitions are covered by the ‘Current year’s business combinations’ tables in this note. Where goodwill is provisional, a best estimate of fair  
value has been made but these will be reviewed and adjusted in the next year should it be necessary.

All acquisitions were paid for in cash (including deferred and contingent consideration) and in all acquisitions full control over 
the business has been obtained by acquiring 100% of the ordinary issued share capital, with the exception of the acquisition  
of Primal Pictures Limited where we acquired the remaining 89.67% of the ordinary issued share capital to bring the Group’s 
shareholding to 100%.

97

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
18  business cOmbinatiOns continued
business combinations made in 2012 
fertecon limited
On 1 February 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Fertecon Limited. The Company is a leading provider 
of fertiliser commodities pricing data and market intelligence. The Company will form part of the PCI segment.

The net cash outflow was £15.3m comprising of cash consideration of £18.6m less net cash acquired of £3.3m.

The disclosure below provides the net assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

net assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

book 
value 
£m

fair value
adjustments 
£m

–

0.6

3.3

(0.7)

(1.9)

–

1.3

5.7

–

–

–

–

(1.3)

4.4

fair 
value 
£m

5.7

0.6

3.3

(0.7)

(1.9)

(1.3)

5.7

15.0

20.7

(2.1)

(3.3)

15.3

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents 
benefits which do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities 
assumed are provisional pending receipt of final valuations.

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition are as follows:

Database

Customer relationships

Total intangible assets

£m

1.6

4.1

5.7

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2012) 
amounted to £0.1m. 

The business contributed £1.4m to profit after tax and £3.3m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of 
acquisition and 31 December 2012. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £1.5m to profit after tax  
and £3.6m to revenue of the Group. 

98

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
sagient research systems, inc.
On 31 May 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Sagient Research Systems, Inc. The Company primarily 
provides data and analysis to pharmaceutical and financial services companies, through its three main products, Placement 
Tracker, Biomed Tracker and Catalyst Tracker. The Company will form part of the PCI segment.

The net cash outflow was £12.4m comprising of cash consideration of £12.5m less net cash acquired of £0.1m. 

The disclosure below provides the net (liabilities)/assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

net (liabilities)/assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Property and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan payable

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

book 
value 
£m

−

0.1

1.0

0.8

0.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

(1.4)

(0.1)

(0.1)

fair value
adjustments 
£m

3.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.3)

1.9

fair 
value 
£m

3.2

0.1

1.0

0.8

0.1

(0.3)

(0.3)

(1.4)

(1.4)

1.8

12.3

14.1

(1.6)

(0.1)

12.4

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents 
benefits which do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities 
assumed are provisional pending receipt of final valuations.

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition are as follows:

Database

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

£m

1.4

1.4

0.4

3.2

No acquisition related costs were incurred for this acquisition. 

The business contributed £0.5m to profit after tax and £2.0m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of 
acquisition and 31 December 2012. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £0.5m to profit after tax 
and £3.4m to revenue of the Group.

99

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
18  business cOmbinatiOns
business combinations made in 2012 continued
informa canada inc. (formerly mmpi canada inc.)
On 3 July 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Informa Canada Inc. (formerly MMPI Canada Inc.). The 
Company owns and operates a portfolio of annual exhibitions and conferences across Canada in the construction, real estate 
and furnishing industries. The Company will form part of the Events and Training segment.

The net cash outflow was £32.7m comprising of cash consideration of £34.3m less net cash acquired of £1.6m. 

The disclosure below provides the net (liabilities)/assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

net (liabilities)/assets at date of acquisition

book 
value 
£m

fair value
adjustments 
£m

Intangible assets

Property and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

–

0.4

6.6

1.6

(0.7)

(8.8)

–

(0.9)

9.6

–

–

–

–

–

(3.8)

5.8

fair 
value 
£m

9.6

0.4

6.6

1.6

(0.7)

(8.8)

(3.8)

4.9

29.4

34.3

(1.6)

32.7

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents 
benefits which do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities 
assumed are provisional pending receipt of final valuations.

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition are as follows:

Trademark

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 
31 December 2012) amounted to £0.3m. 

The business contributed £0.7m to profit after tax and £11.0m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date  
of acquisition and 31 December 2012. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £1.2m to profit after  
tax and £17.8m to revenue of the Group.

£m

3.7

4.5

1.4

9.6

100

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
Zephyr associates, inc.
On 1 October 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Zephyr Associates, Inc. The Company provides 
investment analysis software used by financial professionals worldwide. The Company will form part of the PCI segment.

The net cash outflow was £29.1m comprising of cash consideration of £29.3m less net cash acquired of £0.2m. 

The disclosure below provides the net liabilities acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

net liabilities at date of acquisition

book 
value 
£m

fair value
adjustments 
£m

Intangible assets

Intangible software assets

Property and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loan payable

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net liabilities acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

6.4

0.5

0.4

1.3

0.2

(3.3)

(7.7)

(3.7)

(2.3)

(8.2)

−

−

−

–

–

–

−

–

(2.6)

(2.6)

fair 
value 
£m

6.4

0.5

0.4

1.3

0.2

(3.3)

(7.7)

(3.7)

(4.9)

(10.8)

40.1

29.3

(0.2)

29.1

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents 
benefits which do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities 
assumed are provisional pending receipt of final valuations.

No acquisition related costs were incurred for this acquisition. 

The business contributed £1.0m to profit after tax and £3.1m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of 
acquisition and 31 December 2012. 

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £2.6m to profit after tax 
and £12.2m to revenue of the Group.

101

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201218  business cOmbinatiOns
business combinations made in 2012 continued 
Other business combinations
The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of ICANBUY Corp., 100% of the issued share capital of Keynote World  
Media Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Point Zero Media Limited, 100% of the issued share capital of Comsys Events 
Limited and 89.67% of the issued share capital of Primal Pictures Limited.

The net cash outflow was £16.0m comprising of cash consideration of £17.5m less net cash acquired of £1.5m. 

The disclosure below provides the net assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

net assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Intangible software assets

Property and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax asset

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets acquired

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: deferred consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

book 
value 
£m

–

0.1

0.1

1.5

1.5

0.2

(0.5)

(1.4)

–

1.5

fair value
adjustments 
£m

11.6

−

−

–

–

−

–

–

(3.3)

8.3

fair 
value 
£m

11.6

0.1

0.1

1.5

1.5

0.2

(0.5)

(1.4)

(3.3)

9.8

(1.0)

12.2

21.0

(0.7)

(2.8)

(1.5)

16.0

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents 
benefits which do not qualify for recognition as intangible assets. The fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities 
assumed are provisional pending receipt of final valuations.

The fair value gain on non-controlling interests is the re-measurement of the Group’s previous shareholding in Primal Pictures 
Limited on acquiring its remaining shares in the year.

During 2012, deferred and contingent consideration of £1.2m was paid. 

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2012) 
amounted to £0.2m. 

The above acquisitions contributed £1.1m to profit after tax and £6.8m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date 
of acquisition and 31 December 2012. If the above acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, they 
would have contributed £0.7m to profit after tax and £9.2m to revenue of the Group.

102

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012business combinations made in 2011 
brazil trade shows partners participacoes s.a.
On 31 May 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Brazil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A. and its 
wholly owned subsidiary BTS Feiras Eventos e Editora LTDA. The Company organises trade shows in the food and beverage 
services, furniture manufacturing and franchising sectors. 

The net cash outflow was £50.7m comprising of cash consideration of £56.3m less net cash acquired of £5.6m. 

The disclosure below provides the net assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments.

book 
value 
£m

17.1

0.3

3.3

7.7

5.6

(4.0)

(4.3)

(13.2)

12.5

fair value
adjustments 
£m

6.5

–

(3.3)

–

–

–

–

–

3.2

net assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Property and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

External loans payable

Deferred income

Net assets

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: deferred consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition is as follows:

Trademarks

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

fair 
value 
£m

23.6

0.3

–

7.7

5.6

(4.0)

(4.3)

(13.2)

15.7

46.8

62.5

(6.2)

(5.6)

50.7

2011
£m

17.0

5.7

0.9

23.6

No deferred tax liability arises on the initial recognition of intangible assets because shortly after the acquisition the Company 
was merged with the acquiring vehicle and as a consequence, tax deductions are available on the Company’s intangible assets, 
including goodwill.

During 2012, deferred consideration of £3.0m was paid. The remaining deferred consideration of £3.2m is payable within one year.

103

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18  business cOmbinatiOns
business combinations made in 2011 continued 
ibratexpo feiras e eventos ltda.
On 29 April 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Ibratexpo Feiras E Eventos LTDA. The Company  
operates an annual print exhibition with related magazines.

The net cash outflow and cash consideration was £12.2m. 

The disclosure below provides the net liabilities acquired with the related fair value adjustments.

book 
value 
£m

–

0.7

(0.2)

(2.5)

(2.0)

fair value
adjustments 
£m

7.7

–

–

–

7.7

net assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Net (liabilities)/assets

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: deferred consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Net cash outflow

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition is as follows:

Trademarks

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

fair 
value 
£m

7.7

0.7

(0.2)

(2.5)

5.7

11.5

17.2

(1.2)

(3.8)

12.2

2011 
£m

3.2

2.6

1.9

7.7

No deferred tax liability arises on the initial recognition of intangible assets because shortly after the acquisition the Company 
was merged with the acquiring vehicle and as a consequence, tax deductions are available on the Company’s intangible assets, 
including goodwill.

During 2011, the deferred and contingent consideration of £5.0m was paid, and therefore there was no activity in 2012.

104

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other business combinations made in 2011
The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Hamsard 2966 Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Earthscan 
Limited. The Group also acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Strategy 2 Results Pte Limited; 100% of the issued share 
capital of International Trade Exhibition Company France S.A.S. and its wholly owned subsidiary ITEC Edition SARL; 50.1% of  
China Medical Data Services Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Asia Gateway Healthcare Information Technology  
(Beijing) Co., Ltd; and 100% of the issued share capital of Quartz Publishing and Exhibitions Limited and its 50% shareholding  
in Independent Materials Handling Exhibitions Limited.

The net cash outflow of £12.6m includes cash consideration of £15.1m, less cash acquired of £2.5m. 

The disclosure below provides the net assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments.

net assets at date of acquisition

Intangible assets

Property and equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

book 
value 
£m

fair value
adjustments 
£m

1.0

0.1

–

4.1

2.5

(2.9)

(2.3)

–

2.5

13.0

–

0.2

(0.1)

–

(0.2)

–

(3.7)

9.2

fair 
value 
£m

14.0

0.1

0.2

4.0

2.5

(3.1)

(2.3)

(3.7)

11.7

5.8

17.5

(2.4)

(2.5)

12.6

During 2011, there was a re-measurement of the contingent consideration resulting in a decrease of £1.2m.

During 2011, contingent consideration of £0.4m was paid and a further £0.4m was paid in 2012. The remaining £0.4m contingent 
consideration is payable in the next 2 years.

Other business combinations made in 2010
In 2010, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Emerging Portfolio Fund Research Inc., the EuroMediCom SAS 
business and 100% of the issued share capital of CPDcast.com Limited.

During 2012, deferred and contingent consideration of £6.2m, £3.6m and £0.9m were paid for Emerging Portfolio Fund Research 
Inc., EuroMediCom SAS and CPDcast.com Limited respectively. The remaining £1.3m contingent consideration for these 
acquisitions is payable within one year. 

During 2012, further payments totalling £0.7m were made for the other acquisitions made in 2010. The remaining £0.2m 
contingent consideration for these acquisitions is payable within one year.

105

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
19   interest in JOint ventures
The principal joint ventures at 31 December 2012 are as follows:

company

Lloyd’s Maritime Information 
Services Limited

SIAL Brasil Feiras  
Professionais LTDA

Independent Materials  
Handling Exhibitions Limited

segment

PCI

Events and 
Training

Events and 
Training

type of
business

Business
 information

Event 
organisation

Event 
organisation

country of 
incorporation
and operation

England
 and Wales

class of
shares
held

Ordinary

share
holding/
interest

accounting
year end

50% 31 December

Brazil

Ordinary

49% 31 December

England 
and Wales

Ordinary

50% 31 December

The following represent the aggregate assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the Group’s joint ventures:

2012
£m

0.1

4.2

(3.2)

4.6

(4.5)

2011
£m

−

5.0

(4.3)

4.1

(4.2)

Non-current assets 

Current assets

Current liabilities

Income

Expenses

106

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
20   dispOsal Of subsidiary and Other assets
disposals made in 2012
During the year, the Group disposed of its 100% shareholdings in the Robbins Gioia business and Excellence Data Research 
Private Limited and its 50.1% shareholding in China Medical Data Services Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Asia Gateway 
Healthcare Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. The Group also disposed of its European Conferences businesses in Austria, 
Hungary and the Czech Republic, the business of Informa Virtual Business Communications GmbH, as well as three small 
Exhibitions for total consideration of £13.1m. A loss on disposal of £27.5m, including directly attributable costs of £1.0m, has  
been recognised within adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The disclosure below sets out the aggregate effect of the disposals on the Group’s assets and liabilities.

Goodwill

Other intangible assets (excluding software assets)

Property and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax asset

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets disposed

Non-controlling interest

Costs directly attributable with the disposal

Loss on disposal

Total consideration

satisfied by:

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred consideration (Note 24)

net cash outflow arising on disposal:

Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents

Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed of

Less: costs directly attributable with the disposal

£m

22.3

9.9

1.7

10.4

9.1

0.1

(13.3)

(0.7)

(1.6)

37.9

1.7

1.0

(27.5)

13.1

3.0

10.1

3.0

(9.1)

(1.0)

(7.1)

disposals made in 2011
On 23 June 2011, the Group disposed of its shareholdings in Nicholas Publishing International FZ-LLC, a Publishing company 
which creates magazines for specific market segments and audiences. Upon completion, proceeds of £0.6m were received, 
resulting in a profit on disposal of £0.1m.

107

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
21  prOperty and equipment

freehold 
land and 
buildings
£m

leasehold 
land and 
buildings
£m

equipment 
fixtures
 and fittings 
£m

cost

At 1 January 2011

Additions1

Reclassification

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012

Additions1

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Disposals 

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

depreciation

At 1 January 2011

Charge for the year

Disposals 

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year

Disposals 

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2012

carrying amount

At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

2.4

–

–

–

–

2.4

−

−

−

−

2.4

(0.4)

–

–

–

(0.4)

−

−

−

(0.4)

2.0

2.0

11.7

1.6

0.1

(1.1)

–

12.3

2.7

0.3

(2.5)

(0.3)

12.5

(6.6)

(1.2)

1.0

–

(6.8)

(1.7)

1.6

0.2

(6.7)

5.8

5.5

63.1

6.1

0.3

(15.7)

(0.4)

53.4

5.3

0.7

(15.3)

(1.5)

42.6

(51.2)

(5.5)

15.1

0.4

(41.2)

(5.3)

14.3

1.1

(31.1)

11.5

12.2

¹ All the £8.0m (2011: £7.7m) additions represents cash paid.

The Group does not have any of its property and equipment pledged as security over bank loans.

total
£m

77.2

7.7

0.4

(16.8)

(0.4)

68.1

8.0

1.0

(17.8)

(1.8)

57.5

(58.2)

(6.7)

16.1

0.4

(48.4)

(7.0)

15.9

1.3

(38.2)

19.3

19.7

108

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
22   subsidiaries
The listing below shows the principal subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2012 which principally affected the profits or net 
assets of the Group. To avoid a statement of excessive length, details of investments which are not significant have been omitted.

company

country of 
registration and 
incorporation

Taylor & Francis Group LLC

USA

principal activity

Publishing

IIR Holdings Limited Dubai Branch

Middle East

Conferences, exhibitions and training

BTS Feiras, Eventos e Editora Ltda

Brazil

Event organisation

Informa Global Markets (Europe) Limited

England and Wales

Financial information

Citeline Inc

USA

Intelligence information gathering service

Euroforum Deutschland (Holding) GmbH Germany 

Conference organisation and publishing

Informa Canada Inc

Informa Australia Pty Limited

Canada

Australia

Events and conference organisation

Events, conference organisation and publishing

Informa UK Limited

England and Wales

Events, conference organisation and publishing

Informa Holdings Limited 

England and Wales 

Holding company

Datamonitor Inc

IIR Exhibitions Limited

Datamonitor Pty Limited

Emerging Portfolio Funds Research Inc

AchieveGlobal Inc

ESI International Inc

I.I.R. Limited

USA

Business information

England and Wales

Event organisation

Australia

USA

USA

USA

Business information

Financial information

Training company

Training company

England and Wales

Conference organisation and training

Institute for International Research Inc

USA

Conference organisation

SAM Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco

Informa Investment Solutions Inc

Informa Business Information Inc

Informa Research Services Inc

USA

USA

USA

Event organisation

Financial information

Intelligence information gathering service

Market research consulting

Datamonitor Limited

England and Wales

Business information

Informa International Holdings Limited

Bermuda

Informa IP GmbH

Informa Finance GmbH

Switzerland

Switzerland

Holding company

Business information

Finance

Informa Group Holdings Limited

England and Wales

Holding company

Informa Group plc

Informa IP LLC

England and Wales

Holding company

USA

Business information

Ordinary 
shares 
held

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Of the above only Informa IP GmbH, Informa IP LLC, Informa Finance GmbH and Informa Group Holdings Limited are  
directly owned by Informa plc. The proportion of voting power held is the same as the proportion of ownership interest.  
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of all entities controlled by the Company as at 
31 December each year. Refer to Note 3 for further description of the method used to account for investments in subsidiaries.

109

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201223   inventOry

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods and goods for resale

Write down of inventory during the year amounted to £0.6m (2011: £1.1m).

24   trade and Other receivables

current

Trade receivables

Less: provision 

Trade receivable net

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Conference costs in advance

non-current

Other receivables

Total non-current

2012
£m

0.4

4.1

33.7

38.2

2012
£m

193.4

(24.4)

169.0

10.5

31.2

17.3

228.0

20.4

20.4

248.4

2011
£m

0.9

3.0

30.0

33.9

2011
£m

220.0

(23.6)

196.4

10.5

32.2

12.3

251.4

–

–

251.4

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 32 days (2011: 28 days). The Group has provision policies for its various 
divisions which have been determined by references to past default experience. 

Other non-current receivables primarily consists of long term receivables of £10.1m that arose as part of the disposals made 
during the year, as disclosed in Note 20, and £10.3m of loans advanced to China Medical Data Services Limited. The non-current 
receivables are repayable over the next two to ten years. 

The Group’s exposures to credit risk and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in Note 31.

Under the normal course of business, the Group does not charge interest on its overdue receivables.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

110

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
25   cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

note

30

2012
£m

23.9

(0.6)

23.3

Cash at bank and in hand has been presented on a net basis where the Group has legal right to set-off.

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risks and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities is disclosed in Note 31.

26   trade and Other payables

current

Deferred consideration

Trade payables

Accruals

Other payables

Total current

non-current

Deferred consideration

Other payables

Total non-current

2012
£m

4.1

40.6

127.4

30.2

202.3

−

3.6

3.6

205.9

2011
£m

25.0

(0.2)

24.8

2011
£m

5.0

31.7

137.3

32.9

206.9

2.8

4.3

7.1

214.0

An analysis of the maturity of debt is given in Note 31. 

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value. 

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. 
The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 37 days (2011: 45 days). 

There are no suppliers who represent more than 10% of the total balance of trade payables in either 2012 or 2011.

The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit time  
frame. Therefore, under the normal course of business, the Group is not charged interest on overdue payables.

27   deferred incOme

Subscriptions and event fees received in advance

2012
£m

308.1

2011
£m

327.0

111

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
28   prOvisiOns

contingent
consideration
£m

property
leases
£m

restructuring
provision 
£m

total 
2012
£m

contingent
consideration
£m

property
leases
£m

restructuring
provision 
£m

At 1 January

Increase in year

Utilisation 

Release

At 31 December

Included in  
current liabilities

Included in 
non-current 
liabilities

14.8

6.5

(12.1)

(1.6)

7.6

1.7

5.9

4.3

3.0

(3.0)

(1.4)

2.9

1.0

1.9

3.5

10.0

(9.4)

(0.8)

3.3

22.6

19.5

(24.5)

(3.8)

13.8

2.4

5.1

0.9

8.7

16.0

7.1

(5.4)

(2.9)

14.8

5.5

9.3

7.2

2.3

(4.4)

(0.8)

4.3

2.0

2.3

total 
2011
£m

26.7

26.9

3.5

17.5

(17.1)

(26.9)

(0.4)

3.5

(4.1)

22.6

2.9

10.4

0.6

12.2

The contingent consideration relates primarily to the acquisitions made in the year (Fertecon Limited, Sagient Research Systems Inc. 
and ICANBUY Corp). The contingent consideration will be paid between one and three years.

The property lease provision represents the estimated excess of rent payable on surplus property leases, plus dilapidation provisions, 
less rent receivable via sub leases. The property lease provisions will be fully utilised between one and five years. 

As discussed in Note 2, during 2012 the Group implemented a number of restructuring and reorganisation projects. The 
restructuring provision is expected to be substantially utilised by 31 December 2013.

29   deferred tax

accelerated
 tax
depreciation
£m

intangibles
£m

pensions
 (note 37)
£m

Other
£m

cash
flow
hedges
£m

At 1 January 2011

1.5

212.9

(2.8)

(17.5)

(6.0)

total
£m

188.1

3.6

3.2

(24.2)

(6.0)

–

(1.1)

–

0.9

–

–

–

(1.4)

2.8

0.2

0.1

4.7

–

–

–

–

(3.0)

(15.8)

(1.3)

164.7

(1.7)

−

0.7

−

−

−

−

0.4

0.8

0.3

0.6

(1.3)

(15.0)

1.3

−

−

−

−

−

−

(0.4)

12.8

(7.0)

(4.5)

(1.5)

(3.2)

160.9

–

4.6

(24.7)

(6.3)

(0.1)

186.4

−

12.4

(10.1)

(5.0)

(2.1)

(1.8)

179.8

(4.0)

(Credit)/debit to Other Comprehensive 
Income for the year

Acquisition of subsidiaries

(Credit)/charge to profit or loss for the year 
excluding UK corporation tax rate change

Charge/(credit) to profit or loss for the year 
arising from UK corporation tax rate change

Foreign exchange movements

At 1 January 2012

(Credit)/debit to Other Comprehensive 
Income for the year

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Charge/(credit) to profit or loss for the year 
excluding UK corporation tax rate change

Charge/(credit) to profit or loss for the year 
arising from UK corporation tax rate change

Disposal of qualifying assets

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2012

–

–

(3.2)

0.1

–

(1.6)

−

−

1.6

0.2

−

(0.1)

0.1

112

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. The following is the 
analysis of deferred tax balances for Consolidated Statement of Financial Position purposes:

Deferred tax liability
Deferred tax asset

2012
£m
160.9
−
160.9

2011
£m
164.7
–
164.7

The June 2010 UK Budget Statement included proposals to reduce the rate of corporation tax from 28% to 24% by 1 April 2014. 
These proposals were amended in successive UK Budget Statements and again most recently in the November 2012 UK Autumn 
Statement which included an announcement that the main rate of corporation tax would ultimately fall to 21% by 1 April 2014.

A change from 28% to 27% was enacted as at 31 December 2010. The Finance Act 2011 amended the enacted change in 2011 
from 27% to 26% and a further change to 25%, effective from 1 April 2012, was enacted as at 31 December 2011. The impact of 
this further reduction for 2011 was to reduce the Group’s deferred tax liability by £5.7m, increase profit for the year by £6.0m  
and reduce other comprehensive income by £0.3m.

The Finance Act 2012 amended the enacted change in 2012 from 26% to 24% and a further change to 23%, effective from 
1 April 2013, was enacted as at 31 December 2012. The impact of this further reduction for 2012 is to reduce the Group’s  
deferred tax liability by £4.3m, increase profit for the year by £4.5m and reduce other comprehensive income by £0.2m.

The proposed further reduction in the UK rate to 21% by 1 April 2014, if applied to the deferred tax balance at 31 December 2012, 
would reduce the deferred tax liability by approximately a further £4.4m.

At 31 December 2012 the Group has unused tax losses of approximately £27.2m (2011: £12.8m) available for offset against future 
profits. A deferred tax asset of £8.8m (2011: £4.3m) has not been recognised due to the unpredictability of future taxable profit 
streams. In addition the Group has capital losses of approximately £41.4m which will only be utilised to the extent that future 
capital gains are crystallised and accordingly a deferred tax asset of £14.5m has not been recognised.

At the reporting date, the aggregate amount of withholding tax on post acquisition undistributed earnings for which deferred 
tax liabilities have not been recognised was £22.6m (2011: £15.1m). No liability has been recognised because the Group, being in 
a position to control the timing of the distribution of intra group dividends, has no intention to distribute intra group dividends 
in the foreseeable future that would trigger withholding tax.

113

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
30   bOrrOwinGs

non-current

Bank borrowings

Private placement loan notes

Total non-current borrowings

current

Bank borrowings

Bank overdraft

note

25

2012
£m

377.2

448.5

825.7

−

0.6

826.3

2011
£m

339.9

467.0

806.9

1.9

0.2

809.0

There have been no breaches of bank covenants during the year. The bank borrowings are guaranteed by material subsidiaries of 
the Group. The Group does not have any of its property and equipment and other intangible assets pledged as security over 
bank loans. 

The Group maintains the following significant lines of credit: 

•	

•	

•	

Private placement loan notes drawn in three currency tranches of USD 597.5m, GBP 40.0m and EUR 50.0m. The note maturities 
range between five and ten years, with an average duration of 6.3 years, at a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%.

£625.0m (2011: £625.0m) revolving credit facility, of which £379.9m has been drawn down at 31 December 2012. Interest is 
payable at the rate of LIBOR plus a margin based on the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. 

£40.2m (2011: £44.6m) comprising a number of bilateral bank facilities that can be drawn down to meet short-term financing 
needs. These facilities consist of GBP 16.0m (2011: GBP 16.0m), USD 15.0m (2011: USD 15.0m), EUR 15.0m (2011: EUR 18.0m), 
AUD 4.3m (2011: AUD 2.3m), CAD nil (2011: CAD 1.0m) and BRL nil (2011: BRL 4.9m). Interest is payable at the local base rate 
plus margins that vary between 1% and 6%. 

The effective interest rate as at 31 December 2012 is 3.6% (2011: 4.1%).

The Group had the following committed undrawn borrowing facilities at 31 December:

expiry date

Within one to two years

In more than two years

The Group’s exposure to liquidity risk is disclosed in Note 31(g).

2012
£m

−

245.1

245.1

2011
£m

–

281.5

281.5

114

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
31   financial instruments 
(a) financial risk management
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

•	

Capital risk management

•	 Market risk

•	

•	

Credit risk

Liquidity risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Group’s management of capital,  
and the Group’s objectives, policies and procedures for measuring and managing risk. 

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. 
The Board has established a Treasury Committee which is responsible for developing and monitoring the Group’s financial 
instrument related risk management policies. The committee meets and reports regularly to the Board of Directors on its activities.

The Group treasury function provides services to the Group’s businesses, co-ordinates access to domestic and international 
financial markets and monitors and manages the financial risks relating to the operations of the Group through internal risk 
reports which analyse exposures by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks include market risk (including currency risk,  
fair value interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk.

The Treasury Committee has put in place policies that have been established to identify and analyse financial instrument related 
risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. These policies 
provide written principles on funding and investment policies, credit risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk. Compliance 
with policies and exposure limits is reviewed by the Treasury Committee. This Committee is assisted in its oversight role by 
Internal Audit, who undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of 
which are reported to the Audit Committee. 

capital risk management 
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising 
the return to stakeholders as well as sustaining the future development of the business. In order to maintain or adjust the capital 
structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or 
sell assets to reduce debt. The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2011.

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt, which includes borrowings (Note 30) and cash and cash equivalents  
(Note 25), and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital (Note 32), reserves and retained earnings.

cost of capital
The Group’s Treasury Committee reviews the Group’s capital structure on a regular basis and as part of this review, the 
Committee considers the weighted average cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital.

Gearing ratio
The principal financial covenant ratios under these facilities are maximum net debt to EBITDA of 3.5 times and minimum EBITDA 
interest cover of 4.0 times, tested semi-annually. At 31 December 2012 both financial covenants were comfortably achieved, with 
the ratio of net debt (using average exchange rates) to EBITDA staying at 2.1 times at 31 December 2011 and 2012.

115

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201231   financial instruments continued
(b) categories of financial instruments
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of 
measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset,  
financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 3 to the financial statements.

  notes

financial assets

Loans and receivables 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

Total financial assets

financial liabilities

Amortised cost

Bank overdraft

Bank borrowings 

Private placement loan notes

Trade payables

Accruals

Other payables

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

Derivative financial instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

24

24

25

30

30

30

26

26

26

26

28

2012
£m

169.0

30.9

23.9

−

223.8

0.6

377.2

448.5

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

−

2011
£m

196.4

10.5

25.0

2.0

233.9

0.2

341.8

467.0

31.7

137.3

37.2

7.8

14.8

5.1

Total financial liabilities

1,039.8

1,042.9

116

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
(c) market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in the market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Group’s 
income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control 
market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk.

The Group’s activities expose it mainly to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in 
interest rates. The Group enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates and by managing the risk of 
currencies of its borrowings, the Group is able to achieve a level of natural hedge of both the Statement of Financial Position net 
currency assets and also the currency earnings due to the currency interest payable. Refer to both interest rate risk and foreign 
currency risk in Note 31 (d) and (e) respectively. 

The Group does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 
potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. Risk management is carried out by a central treasury department 
(“Group Treasury”) under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board sets the Group’s treasury policy to ensure that it 
has adequate financial resources to develop the Group’s businesses and to manage the currency and interest risks to which the 
Group is exposed. Group Treasury monitors the distribution of its cash assets, borrowings and facilities so as to control exposure 
to the relative performance of any particular territory, currency or institution.

The Board and the Treasury Committee provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering 
specific areas, such as funding, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and investments of excess liquidity. 

Risk is measured in terms of impact, inherent risk and residual risk, and takes account of management’s control actions in 
mitigating against both external and internal risk events.

The risk model consolidates unique risk events and aggregated risk categories at both a business unit level and Group-wide, and 
the results are presented to the Risk Committee and the Audit Committee for discussion and review, and may drive the allocation 
of Internal Audit resources to provide assurance on significant risks in its annual plan.

(d) interest rate risk
The Group has no significant interest-bearing assets at floating rates and is exposed to interest rate risk as entities in the Group 
borrow funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest 
rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. 

The risk is managed by the Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings by the use of 
interest rate swap contracts and by the use of cross currency swaps. Hedging activities are evaluated regularly to align with 
interest rate views and defined risk appetite, ensuring optimal hedging strategies are applied, by either protecting the Statement 
of Financial Position or protecting interest expense through different interest rate cycles.

The Group’s policy is to minimise its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by using interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges to 
hedge up to 90% of forecast interest payments over a period of up to five years, based on forecast net debt levels by currency 
during that period. This policy provides a level of certainty of future interest costs by swapping floating to fixed interest 
payments which in turn assists the predictability of achieving interest-based loan covenants.

Due to adverse market conditions in Europe, the Group early terminated its floating to floating Euro cross currency swaps taken 
out in 2011. The fair value gains deferred in equity were recycled to the Consolidated Income Statement as an adjusting item. 
Further information is available in Note 2.

The Group’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk section of this note.

117

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201231   financial instruments
(d) interest rate risk continued
interest rate swap contracts
The Group draws down on its bank borrowing facilities at floating rates of interest. A portion of those are then swapped to fixed 
rates in line with the Group Treasury policy in order to manage its cash flow interest rate risk. Such contracts enable the Group to 
convert borrowings from floating rates and swap them into fixed rates. Under interest rate swaps, the Group agrees with other 
parties to exchange, at specified intervals (primarily quarterly), the difference between fixed contract rates and floating-rate 
interest amounts calculated by reference to the agreed notional amounts. 

The fair value of interest rate swaps at the reporting date is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the future 
interest rate curves at the reporting date and the credit risk inherent in the contract, and is disclosed below. The average interest 
rate is based on the outstanding balance at the end of the financial year. 

The Group did not replace the interest rate swaps that matured during the year and therefore does not have any outstanding 
contracts at the year end. 

The following table details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts outstanding  
as at the reporting date:

cash flow hedges

average contracted fixed 
interest rate 

notional principal  
amount

fair value

Outstanding receive floating, 
pay fixed contracts

Within one year

Within one to two years

2012
%

−

−

2011
%

5.66

–

2012
£m

−

−

−

2011
£m

114.8

–

114.8

2012
£m

−

−

−

2011
£m

(5.1)

–

(5.1)

At 31 December 2011, the fixed interest rates varied from 5.23% to 6.08%, and the main floating rates were EURIBOR and LIBOR. 
Gains or losses deferred in equity on interest rate swap contracts as of 31 December 2011 were recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement in the same period in which the hedged item affected net profit or loss.

The excess of the notional principal amount over group borrowings represents the de-designated interest rate swaps.

The following table details financial liabilities by interest category: 

Bank overdraft

Bank borrowings

fixed
 rate
£m

floating
 rate
£m

−

−

0.6

377.2

Private placement loan notes

448.5

Trade payables

Accruals

Other payables

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

Derivative financial instruments 
in designated hedge 
accounting relationships

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

non-
interest 
bearing
£m

−

−

−

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

−

total 
2012
£m

0.6

377.2

448.5

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

−

448.5

377.8

213.5

1,039.8

fixed 
rate
£m

–

113.6

467.0

–

–

–

–

–

5.1

585.7

floating
 rate
£m

0.2

228.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

non-
interest 
bearing
£m

−

–

–

31.7

137.3

37.2

7.8

14.8

total 
2011
£m

0.2

341.8

467.0

31.7

137.3

37.2

7.8

14.8

–

5.1

228.4

228.8

1,042.9

118

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
interest rate sensitivity analysis
A high percentage of loans are at fixed interest rates or are designated in hedging relationships, and hence the Group’s interest 
rate sensitivity would only be affected by the exposure to variable rate debt.

If interest rates had been 100 basis points higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the 
year would have decreased or increased by £3.8m (2011: £2.3m).

(e) foreign currency risk
The Group is a business with significant net US Dollar (“USD”) and net Euro (“EUR”) transactions; hence exposures to exchange 
rate fluctuations arise. In the absence of any currency conversion, cash positions in USD and other trading currencies, such as  
the EUR would develop imbalances by growing GBP debt. 

Allied to the Group’s policy on the hedging of surplus foreign currency cash inflows, the Group will usually seek to finance its net 
investment in its principal overseas subsidiaries by borrowing in those subsidiaries’ functional currencies, primarily EUR and USD. 
This policy has the effect of partially protecting the Group’s consolidated Statement of Financial Position from movements in 
those currencies to the extent that the associated net assets are hedged by the net foreign currency borrowings.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the reporting date are 
as follows:

USD

EUR

Other

assets

liabilities

2012
£m

128.1

32.4

40.8

201.3

2011
£m

105.2

31.6

36.9

173.7

2012
£m

(744.9)

(67.7)

(58.9)

(871.5)

2011
£m

(683.2)

(136.4)

(51.2)

(870.8)

The foreign currency borrowings of £611.1m (2011: £631.5m) are used to hedge the Group’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries.

USD

EUR

average rate

closing rate

2012

1.5898

1.2308

2011

1.6047

1.1461

2012

1.6175

1.2265

2011

1.5439

1.1934

foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group receives approximately 46% of its revenues and incurs approximately 38% of its costs in USD or currencies pegged  
to USD. The Group is therefore sensitive to movements in the USD against the GBP. Each $0.01 movement in the USD to GBP 
exchange rate has a circa £3.6m impact on revenue, a circa £1.5m impact on operating profits and a circa 0.19p impact on 
adjusted diluted EPS. Offsetting this will be reductions to USD interest and USD tax liabilities. This analysis assumes all other 
variables, including interest rates, remain constant. 

The Group receives approximately 10% of its revenues and incurs approximately 9% of its costs in Euros. The Group is 
therefore sensitive to movements in the Euro against the GBP. Each €0.01 movement in the Euro to GBP exchange rate has  
a circa £1.0m impact on revenue, a circa £0.4m impact on operating profits and a circa 0.05p impact on adjusted diluted EPS. 
Offsetting this will be reductions to Euro interest and Euro tax liabilities. This analysis assumes all other variables, including 
interest rates, remain constant.

119

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
31   financial instruments continued
(f) credit risk
The Group’s principal financial assets are loans and receivables (trade and other receivables) and cash and cash equivalents, 
which represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

The Group’s credit ris is primarily attributable to its trade and other receivables. The amounts presented in the Statement  
of Financial Position are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Group’s management based on prior 
experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. 
The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties as a means of mitigating the risk of financial 
loss from defaults. 

The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited by dealing only with counterparty banks with high 
credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies such as Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. The Group’s 
exposure and the credit ratings of its counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of transactions 
concluded is spread amongst approved financial institutions. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are 
reviewed and approved by the Treasury Committee regularly.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, which is net of impairment losses, represents  
the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. 

trade receivables
Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas and the 
Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The demographics of  
the Group’s customer base, including default risk of the industry and country in which the customers operate, has less of an 
influence on credit risk.

The Group does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having 
similar characteristics. The Group defines counterparties as having similar characteristics if they are related entities. 
Concentration of credit risk did not exceed 5% of gross monetary assets at any time during the year. 

The Group establishes a provision that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other receivables and 
investments when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. The main components of this provision are a specific 
loss component that relates to individually significant exposures, and a collective loss component established for groups of 
similar assets in respect of losses that have been incurred but not yet identified. The collective loss provision is determined by 
reference to past default experience. 

Before accepting any new customer, the Group uses an external credit rating system to assess the potential customer’s  
credit quality. 

All customers have credit limits set by credit managers and are subject to standard terms of payment for each division. As the 
events division works on a prepaid basis they are not subject to the same credit controls and they have a low bad debt history. 
The Group is exposed to normal credit risk and potential losses are mitigated as the Group does not have significant exposure to 
any single customer.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. 

120

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012ageing of trade receivables:

Not past due
Past due 0 – 30 days
Past due over 31 days
Books provision (see below)

Gross 2012
£m
89.3
59.6
44.5
−
193.4

provision 2012
£m
(0.1)
(0.5)
(14.0)
(9.8)
(24.4)

Gross 2011
£m
91.6
86.2
42.2
–
220.0

provision 2011
£m
–
(0.8)
(12.7)
(10.1)
(23.6)

Trade receivables that are less than three months past due for payment are generally not considered impaired. For trade receivables 
that are more than three months past due for payment, there are debtors with a carrying amount of £5.8m (2011: £3.3m) which  
the Group has not provided for, as there has not been a significant change in the credit quality and the amounts are considered 
recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances. 

A provision relating to returns on books of £9.8m (2011: £10.1m) has been disclosed separately in the table above. This provision  
is based on Management’s best estimate of previous seasonal sales and returns trends, and is included as part of the overall 
provision balance. 

movement in the provision:

Balance at beginning of the year

Provision recognised

Receivables written off as uncollectible

Amounts recovered during the year

2012
£m

23.6

10.8

(2.5)

(7.5)

24.4

2011
£m

22.1

9.4

(3.5)

(4.4)

23.6

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade 
receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to  
the customer base being large and unrelated. Accordingly, the directors believe that there is no further credit provision required in 
excess of the above amounts.

There are no customers who represent more than 10% of the total gross balance of trade receivables in both 2012 and 2011.

121

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
31   financial instruments continued
(g) liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. Ultimate responsibility  
for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, though operationally it is managed by Group Treasury. Group 
Treasury have built an appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and 
long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves, 
banking and other debt facilities and reserve borrowing facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Included in Note 30 is a summary of additional undrawn facilities 
that the Group has at its disposal to further reduce liquidity risk. 

Historically and for the foreseeable future the Group has been and is expected to continue to be in a net borrowing position.  
The Group’s policy is to fulfill its borrowing requirements by borrowing in the currencies in which it operates, principally GBP, 
USD and EUR; thereby providing a natural hedge against projected future surplus USD and EUR cash inflows as well as spreading 
the Group’s interest rate profile across a number of currencies. 

liquidity and interest risk tables
The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial assets and liabilities.

The table below has been drawn up based on the contractual maturities of the financial assets including interest that will  
be earned on those assets except where the Group anticipates that the cash flow will occur in a different period.

31 december 2012

non-derivative financial assets

Non-interest bearing

Fixed interest rate instruments

derivative financial assets

Derivative financial instruments in  
designated hedge accounting relationships

31 december 2011

non-derivative financial assets

Non-interest bearing

derivative financial assets

Derivative financial instruments in 
designated hedge accounting relationships

carrying
amount
£m

contractual 
cash flows1
£m

less than 
1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years
£m

Greater 
than
5 years
£m

205.2

18.6

223.8

−

223.8

231.9

231.9

2.0

233.9

205.2

46.6

251.8

−

251.8

231.9

231.9

2.0

233.9

203.5

1.1

204.6

−

204.6

231.9

231.9

0.7

232.6

0.2

1.1

1.3

−

1.3

–

–

1.3

1.3

−

7.5

7.5

−

7.5

–

–

–

–

1.5

36.9

38.4

−

38.4

–

–

–

–

¹  Under IFRS 7 contractual cash flows are undiscounted and therefore may not agree with the carrying amounts in the Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position.

122

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
The following tables have been drawn up based on the earliest date on which the Group can settle its financial liabilities.  
The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

31 december 2012

non-derivative financial liabilities

Variable interest rate instruments

Fixed interest rate instruments

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

derivative financial liability

Derivative financial instruments in  
designated hedge accounting relationships

carrying
amount
£m

contractual
cash flows1
£m

less than
1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years
£m

377.8

448.5

201.8

4.1

7.6

380.9

576.0

201.8

4.1

7.6

380.9

19.4

198.2

4.1

1.7

1,039.8

1,170.4

604.3

−

−

1,039.8

1,170.4

−

604.3

−

19.4

3.6

−

5.4

28.4

−

28.4

Greater
than
5 years
£m

−

271.8

−

−

−

−

265.4

−

−

0.5

265.9

271.8

−

265.9

−

271.8

¹  Under IFRS 7 contractual cash flows are undiscounted and therefore may not agree with the carrying amounts in the Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position.

31 december 2011

non-derivative financial liabilities

Variable interest rate instruments

Fixed interest rate instruments

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

derivative financial liability

Derivative financial instruments in  
designated hedge accounting relationships

carrying
amount
£m

contractual
cash flows1
£m

less than
1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years
£m

228.4

580.6

206.2

7.8

14.8

231.2

735.1

206.2

7.8

14.9

2.5

20.2

199.1

5.0

5.5

1,037.8

1,195.2

232.3

5.1

5.5

1,042.9

1,200.7

5.5

237.8

–

20.2

7.1

2.8

8.3

38.4

–

38.4

228.7

244.2

–

–

1.1

474.0

–

474.0

Greater
than
5 years
£m

–

450.5

–

–

–

450.5

–

450.5

¹  Under IFRS 7 contractual cash flows are undiscounted and therefore may not agree with the carrying amounts in the Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position.

The Group draws down on its bank borrowing facilities at floating rates of interest. In 2011, a portion of those were then swapped 
to fixed rates in line with the Group treasury policy. The swaps with principal amount of £114.8m all matured in 2012. 

Interest payments of £5.5m on these borrowing facilities were included in the contractual cash flows of the designated financial 
instruments and were all due in 2012.

123

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
31   financial instruments continued
(h) fair value of financial instruments
The fair value is defined as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in an arm’s length transaction 
between informed and willing parties and is calculated by reference to market rates discounted to current value. 

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

•	

•	

•	

the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded on active liquid 
markets is determined with reference to quoted market prices;

the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities (excluding derivative instruments) is determined in accordance 
with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current 
market transactions and dealer quotes for similar instruments; and

the fair value of derivative instruments is calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, use is made  
of discounted cash flow analysis using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional 
derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives.

The directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the 
financial statements approximate to their fair values due to the short maturity of the instruments or because they bear interest  
at rates approximate to the market.

carrying
amount 
2012
£m

estimated
fair value 
2012
£m

carrying
amount
2011
£m

estimated
fair value
2011
£m

notes

24

24

25

30

30

30

26

26

26

26

28

169.0

30.9

23.9

0.6

377.2

448.5

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

169.0

30.9

23.9

0.6

377.2

448.5

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

196.4

10.5

25.0

0.2

341.8

467.0

31.7

137.3

37.2

7.8

14.8

196.4

10.5

25.0

0.2

341.8

467.0

31.7

137.3

37.2

7.8

14.8

financial assets

Loans and receivables

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

financial liabilities 

Amortised Cost

Bank overdraft

Bank borrowings 

Private placement loan notes

Trade payables

Accruals 

Other payables

Deferred consideration

Contingent consideration

124

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012(i) fair value measurements recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position
The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, 
grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

•	

•	

•	

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities.

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability  
that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

financial assets

Derivative financial instruments in designated  
hedge accounting relationships 

financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments in designated  
hedge accounting relationships

financial assets

Derivative financial instruments in designated  
hedge accounting relationships

financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments in designated  
hedge accounting relationships 

32  share capital

authorised

202,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2011: 202,500,000,000 of 0.1p each)

issued and fully paid

602,707,165 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2011: 601,202,853 of 0.1p each)

At 31 December 2011

Issued in respect of share option schemes and other entitlements

At 31 December 2012

share options
As at 31 December 2012, there were no outstanding share options.

level 1
2012
£m

level 2
2012
£m

level 3
2012
£m

−

−

−

−

−

−

level 1
2011
£m

level 2
2011
£m

level 3
2011
£m

–

–

2.0

5.1

–

–

2012
£m

202.5

2012
£m

0.6

number of
shares

601,202,853

1,504,312

602,707,165

total
2012
£m

−

−

total
2011
£m

2.0

5.1

2011
£m

202.5

2011
£m

0.6

£m

0.6

−

0.6

125

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
33  capital and reserves 
This note provides further explanation for the “Other reserves” listed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

reserve
for shares
to be
issued 
£m
4.8

merger
reserve 
£m
496.4

Other
reserve 
£m
(1,718.6)

esOp
trust
shares 
£m
(0.4)

–

–

–

–
3.0
–
(1.6)
6.2

−

−

−

−
3.8
−
(4.1)
5.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
496.4

–
–
–
–
(1,718.6)

−

−

−

−

−

−

−
−
−
−
496.4

−
−
−
−
(1,718.6)

–

–

–

–
–
(0.1)
0.3
(0.2)

−

−

−

−
−
(0.1)
−
(0.3)

hedging
reserve
£m
(9.9)

translation
reserve
£m
49.3

total
£m
(1,178.4)

11.6

–

11.6

–

(13.1)

(13.1)

(4.7)

6.9
–
–
–
(3.0)

4.3

−

–

(4.7)

(13.1)
–
–
–
36.2

(6.2)
3.0
(0.1)
(1.3)
(1,183.0)

−

4.3

(42.3)

(42.3)

(1.3)

−

(1.3)

3.0
−
−
−
−

(42.3)
−
−
−
(6.1)

(39.3)
3.8
(0.1)
(4.1)
(1,222.7)

at 1 January 2011
Decrease in fair value of 
cash flow hedges
Loss on translation of  
foreign operations
Tax relating to components  
of other comprehensive  
income (Note 29)
total comprehensive income/
(expense) for the year
Share award expense
Own shares purchased
Transfer of vested LTIPs
at 1 January 2012
Decrease in fair value of  
cash flow hedges
Loss on translation of  
foreign operations
Tax relating to components  
of other comprehensive  
income (Note 29)
total comprehensive  
income for the year
Share award expense
Own shares purchased
Transfer of vested LTIPs
At 31 December 2012

reserve for shares to be issued
This reserve relates to share options granted to employees under the employee share option plan. Further information about 
share-based payments to employees is set out in Note 10. 

merger reserve
The merger reserve has not changed since 2004, when it was created from the business combination with Taylor & Francis Group plc.

Other reserve
Other reserve includes the inversion accounting reserve of £1,641.8m, which was created from the new equity structure in 
June 2009. It also includes a redemption reserve, which is the reserve fund into which profits are allocated for the purpose of 
redeeming or buying back shares in the Company.

126

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012esOp trust shares
As at 31 December 2012 the Informa Employee Share Trust held 108,422 (2011: 70,348) ordinary shares in the Company at a cost of 
£108 (2011: £70) and a market value of £0.5m (2011: £0.2m). 41,660 shares (2011: 46,527) held by the Employee Share Trust have not 
been allocated to individuals and the remaining shares have been allocated to individuals in accordance with the Deferred Share 
Bonus Plan as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 56. Dividends on the shares held by the Employee Share 
Trust are waived. 

At 31 December 2012 the Group held 0.0% (2011: 0.0%) of its own called up share capital.

hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging 
instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred. 

translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of 
foreign operations, as well as from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary.

34  nOn-cOntrOllinG interest
The Group’s non-controlling interest at 31 December 2012 was composed entirely of equity interests and represents the minority 
shares of Agra CEAS Consulting Limited (18.2%) and Bureau European de Recherches SA (18.2%).

The Group disposed of its share in China Medical Data Services Limited (49.9%) and its wholly owned subsidiary Asia Gateway 
Healthcare Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd during the year. Further information is disclosed in Note 20.

The Group’s non-controlling interest at 31 December 2011 was composed entirely of equity interests and represents the minority 
shares of Agra CEAS Consulting Limited (18.2%), Bureau European de Recherches SA (18.2%), China Medical Data Services Limited 
(49.9%) and its wholly owned subsidiary Asia Gateway Healthcare Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

35  OperatinG lease arranGements

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised  
in Consolidated Income Statement for the year

2012
£m

22.3

2011
£m

26.0

At the reporting date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year

Within two to five years

After five years

2012

land and 
buildings
£m

24.5

52.3

24.7

101.5

Other
£m

0.8

0.7

−

1.5

2011

land and 
buildings
£m

22.4

51.8

23.9

98.1

Other
£m

1.1

1.1

–

2.2

Operating lease payments on land and buildings represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its properties. Leases  
are negotiated for an average term of six years and rentals are fixed for an average of three years.

127

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
notes

21

17

10

2

20

2

11

12

2

2012
£m

67.0

7.0

148.9

3.8

(1.6)

27.5

(1.0)

−

(0.2)

41.4

(10.5)

81.3

(2.6)

22.3

(41.8)

341.5

2011
£m

88.6

6.7

151.0

3.0

(2.9)

(0.1)

−

0.3

0.3

47.6

(5.8)

54.3

0.2

(0.9)

(26.7)

315.6

36  nOtes tO the cash flOw statement

Profit before tax

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation of property and equipment

Amortisation of other intangible assets 

Share-based payment

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration

Loss/(profit) on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

(Profit)/loss on disposal of software

Finance costs

Investment income

Impairment 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

Decrease/(increase) in receivables

Decrease in payables

Cash generated by operations

analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand

Bank overdraft

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank loans due in less than one year

Bank loans due in more than one year

Private placement loan notes due  
in more than one year

at 
1 January 2012
£m

non-cash 
items
£m

cash flow
£m

 exchange 
movement
£m

at 
31 december 2012
£m

25.0

(0.2)

24.8

(1.9)

(339.9)

(467.0)

(784.0)

−

−

−

−

(0.8)

(0.3)

(1.1)

0.6

(0.4)

0.2

1.7

(45.6)

−

(43.7)

(1.7)

−

(1.7)

0.2

9.1

18.8

26.4

23.9

(0.6)

23.3

−

(377.2)

(448.5)

(802.4)

Included within the cash flow movement of £43.7m is £44.0m (2011: £368.3m) of repayment of borrowings and £80.0m  
(2011: £366.4m) of loans drawn down.

The net movement caused by non-cash items arises from arrangement fee amortisation of £1.1m (2011: £2.7m).

128

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
37  retirement benefit schemes
The Group operates three defined benefit pension schemes, the Informa Final Salary Scheme, the Taylor & Francis Group Pension 
and Life Assurance Scheme and the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension and Benefits Scheme (the “Group Schemes”) for all qualifying 
UK employees providing benefits based on final pensionable pay. Contributions are determined by a qualified actuary on the 
basis of triennial valuations using the projected unit method. 

charge to operating profit
The charge to operating profit for the year in respect of pensions was £9.3m (2011: £9.1m). The net pension charge for the defined 
benefit schemes in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year was £0.8m (2011: £0.3m), of which £nil (2011: £0.3m) was 
charged to operating profit. The Group also operates defined contribution schemes, and contributions charged to the 
Consolidated Income Statement during the year were £9.3m (2011: £8.8m).

defined benefit schemes
informa final salary scheme
The latest full actuarial valuation of the Informa Final Salary Scheme was carried out at 31 March 2011. An actuarial valuation was 
carried out for IAS 19 purposes as at 31 December 2012 by a qualified independent actuary. The Scheme was closed to new 
entrants on 1 April 2000 and closed to future accrual on 1 April 2011. The Group’s contribution over the year was £2.9m. The 
Employer expects to pay £4.0m to the Scheme during the accounting year beginning 1 January 2013 in respect of the deficit 
payments. The market value of the scheme’s assets as at 31 December 2012 was £55.8m which represented 84% of the benefits 
(valued on an IAS 19 basis) that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. 

The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the IAS 19 valuation are those relating to the discount rate, 
rate of return on investments and the rates of increase in salaries, price inflation and pensions. The assumptions adopted are:

Discount rate

Rate of return on investments 

Rate of price inflation pre-retirement

Rate of increase in pensions in payment – non pensioners

Rate of increase in pensions in payment – pensioners

Rate of increase in salaries

2012

4.4% p.a.

6.1% p.a.

2.4% p.a.

3.8% p.a.

2.9% p.a.

4.1% p.a.

2011

4.9% p.a.

4.4% p.a.

1.8% p.a.

3.7% p.a.

2.8% p.a.

4.3% p.a.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the Informa Final Salary Scheme liabilities are set out below:

assumption

Discount rate

change in assumption

impact on scheme liabilities

Increase/decrease by 0.1%

Decrease/increase by £1.5m

Rate of price inflation pre-retirement

Increase/decrease by 0.25%

Increase/decrease by £3.0m

Rate of increase in salaries

Increase/decrease by 0.25%

Increase/decrease by £0.6m

Rate of mortality

Increase/decrease by 1 year

Increase/decrease by £1.7m

taylor & francis Group pension and life assurance scheme
The latest full actuarial valuation of the Taylor & Francis Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme was carried out  
at 30 September 2011. An actuarial valuation was carried out for IAS 19 purposes as at 31 December 2012 by a qualified 
independent actuary. The Scheme was closed to new entrants on 1 April 2000 and closed to future accrual on 1 April 2011.  
The Group’s contribution over the year was £0.8m. The Employer expects to pay £0.3m to the scheme during the accounting 
year beginning 1 January 2013 in respect of the deficit. The market value of the scheme’s assets as at 31 December 2012 was 
£19.8m which represented 94% of the benefits (valued on an IAS 19 basis) that had accrued to members, after allowing for 
expected future increases in earnings. 

129

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
37  retirement benefit schemes
defined benefit schemes continued 
The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the IAS 19 valuation are those relating to the discount rate, 
rate of return on investments and the rates of increase in salaries, price inflation and pensions. The assumptions adopted are:

Discount rate
Rate of return on investments 
Rate of price inflation pre-retirement
Rate of increase in pensions in payment – non pensioners
Rate of increase in pensions in payment – pensioners
Rate of increase in salaries

2012
4.4% p.a.
5.0% p.a.
2.4% p.a.
3.8% p.a.
2.9% p.a.
4.1% p.a.

2011
4.9% p.a.
4.6% p.a.
1.8% p.a.
3.7% p.a.
2.8% p.a.
4.3% p.a.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the Taylor & Francis Group Pension and Life Assurance 
Scheme liabilities are set out below:

assumption
Discount rate
Rate of price inflation pre-retirement
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of mortality

change in assumption
Increase/decrease by 0.1%
Increase/decrease by 0.25%
Increase/decrease by 0.25%
Increase/decrease by 1 year

impact on scheme liabilities
Decrease/increase by £0.4m
Increase/decrease by £0.7m
Increase/decrease by £0.1m
Increase/decrease by £0.5m

achieve learning (uk) pension & benefits scheme
The latest full actuarial valuation of the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension & Benefits Scheme was carried out at 31 December 2009. 
The results have been updated to 31 December 2012 by a qualified independent actuary. The scheme was closed to future 
accrual of pensions at the time of the acquisition of IIR Holdings Limited in 2005. The Group’s contribution over the year was 
£150,000. The Employer expects to pay £150,000 to the scheme during the accounting year beginning 1 January 2013 in respect 
of the deficit. The market value of the scheme’s assets as at 31 December 2012 was £6.2m which represented 98% of the benefits 
(valued on an IAS 19 basis) that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in inflation.

The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the IAS 19 valuation are those relating to the discount 
rate, rate of return on investments and the rates of increase in price inflation and pensions. The assumptions adopted are:

Discount rate
Rate of return on investments
Rate of price inflation pre-retirement
Rate of increase in pensions in payment – non pensioners
Rate of increase in pensions in payment – pensioners

Rate of increase in salaries

2012
4.4% p.a.
6.5% p.a.
2.4% p.a.
3.8% p.a.
2.9% p.a.

n/a

2011
4.9% p.a.
5.3% p.a.
1.8% p.a.
3.7% p.a.
2.8% p.a.

n/a

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension & Benefits Scheme 
liabilities are set out below:

assumption
Discount rate
Rate of price inflation pre-retirement
Rate of mortality

change in assumption
Increase/decrease by 0.1%
Increase/decrease by 0.25%
Increase/decrease by 1 year

impact on scheme liabilities
Decrease/increase by £0.1m
Increase/decrease by £0.3m
Increase/decrease by £0.1m

130

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
Amounts recognised in respect of these defined benefit schemes are as follows:

analysis of the amount charged to operating profit 

Current service cost

Total operating charge

analysis of finance (cost)/income

Expected return on pension scheme assets

Interest cost on pension scheme liabilities

Net finance (cost)/income

Amounts recognised in respect of these defined benefit schemes are as follows:

analysis of amount recognised in the consolidated  
statement of comprehensive income

Actual return less expected return on scheme assets

Experience (loss)/gain

Change in actuarial assumptions

Actuarial loss

movement in deficit during the year 

Deficit in Scheme at beginning of the year

Current service cost

Contributions

Other net finance (cost)/income

Actuarial loss

Deficit in Scheme at end of the year

2012
£m

−

−

3.4

(4.2)

(0.8)

2012
£m

2.8

(0.4)

(10.9)

(8.5)

(12.1)

−

3.9

(0.8)

(8.5)

(17.5)

2011
£m

(0.3)

(0.3)

4.4

(4.3)

0.1

2011
£m

(5.8)

1.5

(0.8)

(5.1)

(10.5)

(0.3)

3.7

0.1

(5.1)

(12.1)

131

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
37  retirement benefit schemes
defined benefit schemes continued
The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in respect of the Group Schemes are as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of Scheme assets

Deficit in Scheme and liability recognised in the Consolidated  
Statement of Financial Position

Changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations are as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation

Service cost

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial gains and losses

Closing defined benefit obligation

Changes in the fair value of Scheme assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of Scheme assets

Expected return on Scheme assets

Actuarial gains and losses

Contributions from the sponsoring companies

Benefits paid 

Closing fair value of Scheme assets

2012
£m

(99.3)

81.8

(17.5)

2012
£m

(85.8)

−

(4.2)

2.0

(11.3)

(99.3)

2012
£m

73.7

3.4

2.8

3.9

(2.0)

81.8

2011
£m

(85.8)

73.7

(12.1)

2011
£m

(83.6)

(0.3)

(4.3)

1.7

0.7

(85.8)

2011
£m

73.1

4.4

(5.8)

3.7

(1.7)

73.7

132

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
 
 
The assets of the Taylor & Francis Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme are held in managed funds and cash funds operated 
by Zurich Assurance Ltd and Legal & General. The assets of the Informa Final Salary Scheme are held in managed funds and cash 
funds operated by Skandia Investment Management. The assets of the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension and Benefits Scheme are 
managed by Schroder Investment Management Ltd. The fair value of the assets held and the expected rates of return assumed 
are as follows:

expected rate of return 
year commencing 
31 december 2012
%

fair value at 
31 december 2012
£m

expected rate of return 
year commencing
31 december 2011
%

fair value at 
31 december 2011
£m

equities

Achieve Learning

Taylor & Francis 

Informa

bonds

Achieve Learning

Taylor & Francis 

Informa

cash

Achieve Learning

Taylor & Francis 

Informa

property

Achieve Learning

Taylor & Francis 

Informa

diversified Growth fund

Achieve Learning

Taylor & Francis 

Informa

7.5

7.5

7.5

3.5

3.4

2.8

0.5

0.5

0.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

4.9

6.9

31.2

0.9

6.0

7.8

0.4

3.1

4.7

−

1.2

2.1

−

2.6

10.0

81.8

6.0

6.0

6.0

3.8

3.8

3.0

0.5

0.5

0.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

−

−

−

4.5

8.8

29.8

0.8

5.4

7.5

0.4

2.6

10.6

–

1.2

2.1

–

−

−

73.7

The expected return on assets assumptions are derived by considering the expected long-term rates of return on plan 
investments. The overall rate of return is a weighted average rate of return of each asset class. The long-term rates of return on 
equities and property are derived from considering current long-term fixed interest government bond rates with the addition  
of an appropriate future risk premium. The long-term rates of return on bonds and cash investments are set in line with market 
yields currently available.

The Group Schemes’ assets do not include any of the Group’s own financial instruments, nor any property occupied by, or other 
assets used by, the Group.

133

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
37  retirement benefit schemes
defined benefit schemes continued
The history of the Group Schemes for the current and prior years is as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of Scheme assets

Deficit in the Scheme and liability recognised in 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Related deferred tax assets

Deficit net of deferred tax assets

experience adjustments on scheme liabilities:

Amount (£m)

Percentage of Scheme liabilities (%)

experience adjustments on scheme assets: 

Amount (£m)

Percentage of Scheme assets (%)

2012
£m

(99.3)

81.8

(17.5)

4.0

(13.5)

(0.4)

(0.4)

2.8

3.5

2011
£m

(85.8)

73.7

(12.1)

3.0

(9.1)

1.3

1.6

(5.8)

(7.8)

2010
£m

(83.6)

73.1

(10.5)

2.8

(7.7)

2.2

2.6

3.6

4.9

2009
£m

(74.7)

63.4

(11.3)

3.1

(8.2)

0.5

0.7

6.8

10.7

2008
£m

(63.0)

52.7

(10.3)

2.8

(7.5)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(11.2)

(21.2)

Following the completion of the triennial valuations of the main defined benefit schemes, a revised deficit funding plan has 
been agreed with the trustees to eliminate the deficits in the three schemes. The contributions for the ongoing service will be 
£nil in 2013 as all three schemes are closed to future accrual of benefits. In addition, the contributions paid towards reducing the 
scheme deficits will increase from £3.9m in 2012 to £4.5m in 2013 and decrease to £3.2m in 2014.

38  related party transactiOns
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and 
are not disclosed in this note. The transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are disclosed below. The following 
transactions and arrangements are those which are considered to have had a material effect on the financial performance and 
position of the Group for the period.

transactions with directors
There were no material transactions with Directors of the Company during the year, except for those relating to remuneration 
and shareholdings. For the purposes of IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, Executives below the level of the Company’s Board  
are not regarded as related parties. 

Further information about the remuneration of individual Directors is provided in the audited part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 59 to 61 and Note 9.

transactions with joint ventures 
During the period the Group received revenue of £1.8m (2011: £2.4m) from Lloyd’s Maritime Information Services Limited,  
a joint venture.

During the period the Group received revenue of £0.5m (2011: £nil) from SIAL Brasil Feiras Professionals LTDA, a joint venture.

Other related party disclosures
At 31 December 2012, the Group has guaranteed the total pension scheme liability of £17.5m (2011: £12.1m).

39  events after the repOrtinG date
On 5 February 2013, the Group was awarded a 30-year licence to manage Agrishow in Brazil, the largest agrifoods event  
in Latin America.

134

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012 
Independent Auditor’s Report 

to the Members of Informa plc

OpiniOn On financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements: 

•	

•	

•	

give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2012;

have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

have been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

matters On which we are required  
tO repOrt by exceptiOn
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 we are required  
to report to you if, in our opinion:

•	

•	

•	

proper accounting records have not been kept by the 
Company, or proper returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or

the financial statements are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or

 we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit.

ian waller
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Recognized Auditor 
London, UK

21 February 2013

We have audited the financial statements (the  
“financial statements”) of Informa plc for the year ended 
31 December 2012 which comprise the Company Balance 
Sheet and the related notes 1 to 10. 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).

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as  
a body, in accordance with Article 113A of the Companies 
(Jersey) Law 1991. Our audit work has been undertaken so  
that we might state to the Company’s members those matters 
we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we 
do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than 
the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our 
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

respective respOnsibilities  
Of directOrs and auditOr
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our  
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on  
the financial statements in accordance with applicable  
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
 Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

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.

135

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Company Balance Sheet

As at 31 December 2012

fixed assets

Investment in subsidiary undertakings

Property and equipment

current assets

Debtors due within one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

net current liabilities

net assets

capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Reserve for shares to be issued

ESOP Trust shares

Profit and loss account

equity shareholders’ funds

notes

3

4

5

6

7

8

8

8

8

8

2012
£m

2,123.7

−

2,123.7

18.3

0.4

18.7

(27.4)

(8.7)

2011
£m

2,002.6

0.1

2,002.7

6.7

0.4

7.1

(15.1)

(8.0)

2,115.0

1,994.7

0.6

2.1

7.5

(0.3)

2,105.1

2,115.0

0.6

1.6

5.6

(0.2)

1,987.1

1,994.7

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 February 2013 and were signed on its behalf by:

peter rigby 
Chief Executive 

adam walker
Finance Director

136

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2012

1  cOrpOrate infOrmatiOn
Informa plc (the “Company”) was incorporated under Jersey Company Law on 11 March 2009, as a public company limited by 
shares with the name Informa Limited and changed its name on 29 April 2009 to Informa plc. The principal legislation under 
which the Company operates is the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and regulations made there under, although the Company  
is domiciled in Switzerland and therefore operates under Swiss tax laws.

principal activity and business review
Informa plc is the parent company of the Informa Group (the “Group”) and its principal activity is to act as the ultimate holding 
company of the Group.

The shares of the Company are listed on the London Stock Exchange and trading in these shares commenced on 30 June 2009.

2  accOuntinG pOlicies
basis of accounting
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis (for further analysis – refer to Directors’ 
Report on page 42) and under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (“UK GAAP”). 

The Company’s financial statements are presented in pounds sterling being the Company’s functional currency. 

The Directors’ Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Directors’ Remuneration Report disclosures are on pages 39 to 61  
of this report.

profit and loss account
Pursuant to Article 105 of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, the Company’s revenue for the period is £nil (2011: £nil), profit before 
tax for the year is £122.9m (2011: £11.9m) and profit after tax for the year is £122.8m (2011: £11.8m).

cash flow statement
The Company’s results for the year ended 31 December 2012 are included in the consolidated financial statements of Informa 
plc, which are publicly available. Consequently, the Company has taken advantage of the exemption from preparing a cash flow 
statement under the terms of FRS 1 (Revised 1996) Cash Flow Statements. 

related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 Related Party Disclosures, that transactions with wholly owned 
subsidiaries, do not need to be disclosed.

financial instruments
The Informa plc consolidated financial statements contain financial instrument disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: 
Disclosures and these would also comply with the disclosures required by FRS 29 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. Accordingly, 
the Company has taken advantage of the exemptions provided in paragraph 2D of FRS 29 not to present separate financial 
instrument disclosures for the Company.

investments in subsidiaries
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less any provision for impairment. Where the recoverable amount of the 
investment is less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recognised.

esOp trust shares
Own shares deducted in arriving at shareholders’ funds represent the cost of the Company’s ordinary shares acquired by the 
Employee Share Option Plan (“ESOP”) trusts in connection within certain of the Company’s employee share schemes.

cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that  
are readily convertible (with a maturity of three months or less) to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant  
risk of changes in value.

property and equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision for impairment. Depreciation is 
provided to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of property and equipment on a straight line basis over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets. The rates of depreciation are as follows:

Equipment, fixtures and fittings 

3 – 5 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the net sale proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the Income Statement.

137

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Company Financial Statements CONTINUED

2  accOuntinG pOlicies continued
share-based payments
The Company issues equity settled share-based payments to certain employees. A fair value for the equity settled share awards 
is measured at the date of grant. The fair value is measured using the Binomial or Monte Carlo model of valuation, which are 
considered to be the most appropriate valuation techniques. The valuation takes into account factors such as non-transferability, 
exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. To assign a fair value to share awards granted under the Share Matching 
Plan where the proportion of the award released is dependent on the level of total shareholder return, the Monte Carlo 
Simulation methodology is considered the most appropriate.

In terms of FRS 20 Share-based payment, where a parent grants rights to its equity instruments to employees of a subsidiary, and 
such share-based compensation is accounted for as equity-settled in the consolidated financial statements of the parent, the 
subsidiary is required to record an expense for such compensation, with a corresponding increase recognised in equity as a 
contribution from the parent. Consequently, in accordance with UITF 44 FRS 20 (IFRS 2) – Group and Treasury Transactions the 
Company has recognised an addition to fixed asset investments of the aggregate amount of these contributions that have 
accrued in the period with a corresponding credit to equity shareholders’ funds.

foreign currencies
Foreign currency transactions arising from operating activities are translated from local currency into pounds sterling at the 
exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at  
the year-end are translated at the period end exchange rate. Foreign currency gains or losses are credited or charged to the  
Profit and Loss account as they arise.

interest income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, 
which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that 
asset’s net carrying amount.

interest expense 
Finance costs of debts are capitalised against the debt value on first drawdown of the debt and are recognised in the Profit and 
Loss account at a constant rate over the life of the debt.

3 

investment in subsidiary undertakinGs

At 1 January 2012

Additions

At 31 December 2012

£m

2,002.6

121.1

2,123.7

On 18 December 2012, the Company subscribed for 120,000,000 ordinary shares of £1 each in Informa Group Holdings Limited,  
a subsidiary undertaking, for total consideration of £120.0m. 

The remaining addition of £1.1m relates to the fair value of the share incentives issued to employees of subsidiary undertakings 
during the year, in accordance with UITF 44 FRS 20 (IFRS 2) – Group and Treasury Transactions.

The listing below shows the subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2012 which affected the profit or net assets of the Company:

company

country of registration  
and operation

Informa Group Holdings Limited

England and Wales

Informa International Holdings Limited

IIR Hungary Limited

Informa IP LLC

Informa Finance GmbH

Informa IP GmbH

Bermuda 

Bermuda 

USA

Switzerland

Switzerland

principal activity

Holding company

Holding company

Non trading company

Business information

Finance

Business information

Ordinary
shares held

100%

55%

55%

100%

100%

100%

The proportion of voting power held is the same as the proportion of ownership interest.

138

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20124  prOperty and equipment

cost

At 1 January 2012

Additions

At 31 December 2012

depreciation

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2012

carrying amount

At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

5  debtOrs due within One year

Amounts owed from group undertakings

Other debtors and prepayments

6  creditOrs: amOunts fallinG due within One year

Amounts owed to group undertakings

Other creditors and accruals

equipment, fixtures 
and fittings 
£m

0.1

−

0.1

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

−

0.1

2011
£m

6.4

0.3

6.7

2011
£m

12.5

2.6

15.1

2012
£m

18.0

0.3

18.3

2012
£m

24.8

2.6

27.4

Amounts owed to group undertakings falling due within one year are unsecured, interest bearing and repayable on demand.

7  share capital

authorised

2012
£m

2011
£m

202,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2011: 202,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each)

202.5

202.5

issued and fully paid

602,707,165 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2011: 601,202,853 ordinary shares of 0.1p each)

At 31 December 2011

Issued in respect of share option schemes and other entitlements

At 31 December 2012

2012
£m

0.6

number of 
shares

601,202,853

1,504,312

602,707,165

2011
£m

0.6

£m

0.6

−

0.6

139

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements CONTINUED

8  capital and reserves

at 1 January 2011

Options exercised

Share-based payment charge

Transfer of vested LTIPs

Own shares purchased

Own shares sold

Profit for the year

Dividend paid

at 1 January 2012

Options exercised

Share-based payment charge

Transfer of vested LTIPs

Own shares purchased

Profit for the year

Dividend paid

at 31 december 2012

share
capital
£m

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

−

−

−

−

−

−

share 
premium
account
£m

reserve for 
shares to 
be issued
£m

esOp 
trust 
shares 
£m

profit 
and loss
 account
£m

total
£m

1.3

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

0.5

−

−

−

−

−

2.6

–

3.0

–

–

–

–

–

5.6

−

3.8

(1.9)

−

−

−

7.5

(0.4)

1,984.1

1,988.2

–

–

0.3

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

11.8

(9.4)

0.3

3.0

0.3

(0.1)

0.6

11.8

(9.4)

(0.2)

1,987.1

1,994.7

−

−

−

(0.1)

−

−

−

−

3.0

−

122.8

(7.8)

0.5

3.8

1.1

(0.1)

122.8

(7.8)

(0.3)

2,105.1

2,115.0

0.6

2.1

As at 31 December 2012 the Informa Employee Share Trust held 108,422 (2011: 70,348) ordinary shares in the Company at a cost of 
£108 (2011: £70) and a market value of £0.5m (2011: £0.2m). 41,660 shares (2011: 46,527) held by the Employee Share Trust have not 
been allocated to individuals and the remaining shares have been allocated to individuals in accordance with the Deferred Share 
Bonus Plan as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 56. Dividends on the shares held by the Employee Share 
Trust are waived. 

During the year equity dividends of £7.8m (2011: £9.4m) were paid by the Company to those shareholders who did not elect to 
receive dividends under the Dividend Access Plan (“DAP”) arrangements. In total, dividends of £107.3m (2011: £87.2m) were paid 
in the period of which £99.5m (2011: £77.8m) were paid by Informa DAP Limited under the DAP arrangements. Further details of 
the proposed dividend and DAP arrangements are given in Note 14 to the Group financial statements.

9  share-based payments
Details of the share-based payments are disclosed in the Group financial statements (Note 10).

10  pOst balance sheet events
There have been no significant events since the reporting date.

140

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
Five Year Summary

results

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Statutory operating profit

Statutory profit before tax

Profit attributable to equity holders of Informa plc

assets employed

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Net assets

financed by

Equity

Non-controlling interest

key statistics (in pence)

Earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

2012
£m

2011
£m

2010
£m

2009
£m

2008
£m

1,232.5

1,275.3

1,226.5

1,221.7

1,278.0

349.7

124.4

67.0

90.7

336.2

130.3

88.6

75.4

2,640.9

293.2

2,755.6

320.1

(1,016.4)

(1,003.0)

(594.1)

1,323.6

(692.3)

1,380.4

313.2

164.0

125.0

98.9

2,820.9

299.5

(867.8)

(851.7)

1,400.9

309.5

145.7

96.5

105.6

305.8

164.6

109.0

84.9

2,859.1

279.6

3,123.5

337.7

(1,152.6)

(1,592.9)

(656.6)

1,329.5

(795.3)

1,073.0

1,323.6

1,382.1

1,400.9

1,328.6

1,071.8

−

(1.7)

–

0.9

1.2

1,323.6

1,380.4

1,400.9

1,329.5

1,073.0

15.1

15.0

40.8

40.7

12.5

12.5

37.9

37.8

16.5

16.5

34.8

34.8

18.8

18.8

34.3

34.3

16.8

16.8

33.9

33.9

141

Informa plcOverviewfinancial statementsAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 
 
Legal Notices

nOtice cOncerninG fOrward-lOOkinG statements
This Annual Report contains forward looking statements. Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in such 
forward looking statements are reasonable, these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a 
number of risks and uncertainties and actual results and events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as 
reflected in such forward looking statements. The terms “expect”, “should be”, “will be” and similar expressions identify forward 
looking statements. Factors which may cause future outcomes to differ from those foreseen in forward looking statements 
include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions and business conditions in Informa’s markets; exchange rate 
fluctuations, customers’ acceptance of its products and services; the actions of competitors; legislative, fiscal and regulatory 
developments; changes in law and legal interpretation affecting Informa’s intellectual property rights and internet 
communications; and the impact of technological change. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of 
publication of this Annual Report. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any 
obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained in this 
document to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which  
any such statement is based.

The Group warns investors that a number of important factors, including those in this Annual Report, could cause actual results 
to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those 
discussed under “Risks and Uncertainties” on pages 28 to 31 of this Annual Report.

website
Informa’s website www.informa.com gives additional information on the Group. Information made available on the website  
does not constitute part of this Annual Report.

142

Informa plcAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Shareholder Information

reGistrars 
Informa’s registrars are Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited (“Computershare”). The Shareholder Helpline run by 
Computershare is available between Monday and Friday, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. The number to call is 0870 707 4040, if you are 
calling from outside the UK please call: +44 870 707 4040. This helpline deals with various share related queries.

They also offer a free online service which enables you to:

•	

•	

•	

•	

view and manage all of your shareholdings; 

register for electronic communications; 

buy and sell shares instantly online with the dealing service; and

deal with other matters such as a change of address, transfer shares or replace a lost certificate.

You can register for the online service quickly and easily by going to www.investorcentre.co.uk/je and clicking on the ‘Register’ 
button. You will be asked for various information including the following:

•	

•	

•	

•	

the company in which you hold shares or loan notes managed by Computershare;

shareholder reference;

your postcode; and

your current email address. 

GlObal payments service
This service provided by Informa’s Registrar enables shareholders to have dividend payments paid directly into their bank 
account in their chosen local currency. To view terms and register for this service, please visit www.investorcentre.co.uk/je. 

dividend
Informa usually pays a dividend to all shareholders twice each year. Informa operates a Dividend Access Plan which is open to all  
its shareholders. Those shareholders who hold fewer than 100,000 shares are deemed to consent to receive their dividends from  
a UK resident Informa company. However if a shareholder holding over 100,000 shares wishes to do so may elect to join the 
Dividend Access Plan by completing an Election Form. This form is available from Informa’s Registrars by calling 0870 707 4040,  
if you are calling from outside the UK please call: +44 870 707 4040. If you hold over 100,000 shares and do not elect to join the 
Dividend Access Plan you will receive your dividends from Informa plc which is domiciled in Switzerland.

Alternatively, shareholders can elect to receive shares instead of cash from their dividend allocation through the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”).

Shareholders can also arrange for dividends to be paid by mandate directly to a UK bank or building society account through  
the BACSTEL-IP (Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services) system. For the benefit of shareholders resident in any of the eurozone 
countries, the Company offers the option to receive dividends in euros.

share dealinG
If shareholders wish to buy or sell any Informa shares, they can do so by calling the Company’s stockbrokers, Equiniti Financial 
Services Limited on 0808 208 4433. Instructions on how to deal will be provided over the phone. The helpline is open 8.00 am 
to 4.30 pm UK time, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays.

143

Informa plcCompany  InformatIonAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012Informa plc

Shareholder Information CONTINUED

crest electrOnic prOxy vOtinG
The Company will be accepting proxy votes through the CREST Electronic Proxy Voting system.

shareGift
ShareGift (Registered Charity no. 1052686) is an independent charity which specialises in accepting donations of small numbers 
of shares which are uneconomic to sell on their own. ShareGift is particularly designed to accept unwanted shares and uses the 
ultimate proceeds to support a wide range of UK charities. Over £14m has been given by ShareGift so far to over 1,700 different 
UK charities. Further information about ShareGift can be found on their website, www.ShareGift.org or by calling 020 7930 3737.

electrOnic sharehOlder cOmmunicatiOn
As part of Informa’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and in particular our ongoing commitment to reduce our 
environmental impact, we offer all shareholders the opportunity to elect to register for electronic communications. For further 
information please visit www.informa.com/Investor-relations/.

prOtectinG yOur investment frOm share reGister fraud
Over the last few years a number of companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls 
or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from brokers who target existing shareholders offering to 
sell what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. They can be extremely persuasive and very 
persistent. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free 
company reports.

If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

•	 Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation

•	

•	

Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved. You can check at www.fsa.gov.uk/
registerReport the matter to the FSA either by calling 0845 606 1234

Inform our Registrar on 0870 707 4040

tips On prOtectinG yOur sharehOldinG
•	

Ensure all your certificates are kept in a safe place or hold your shares electronically in CREST via a nominee.

•	

•	

•	

Keep all correspondence from the Registrars in a safe place, or destroy correspondence by shredding it.

If you change address inform the Registrars. If you receive a letter from the Registrars regarding a change of address and 
you have not recently moved, contact them immediately.

Know when the dividends are paid and consider having your dividend paid directly into your bank (contact the Registrars).  
If you change your bank account, inform the Registrars of the details of your new account. Respond to any letters the 
Registrars send to you about this.

•	

If you are buying or selling shares, only deal with brokers registered in the UK or in your country of residence.

144
144

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2012

Informa plcNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements CoNtiNuedAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 december 2012Informa plc

Who we are

our vision 
our aim is to be the world’s best knowledge provider in all the sectors and 
markets in which we work. we will achieve this by supporting people who 
are passionate about what they do, seeking partners who share our goals, 
focusing on results and, at all times, continuously innovating to provide the 
highest quality products and services in our fast-moving businesses.

these actions, along with our unifying and firmly held guiding 
principles below, will drive us forward to become a truly world-class 
company valued by our people and stakeholders and respected by 
our peers.

OuR guiding pRinciples
Our guiding principles represent a clear statement of what we believe in, they define our goals and provide a focus for all 
our activities.

commercially focused
As a business we have an 
obligation to all our 
shareholders to be as 
profitable as we can. We 
achieve this by understanding 
our customers needs, 
constantly refining our offer 
and identifying potential new 
revenue streams. This ensures 
our products and services 
deliver real value to individuals 
and their organisations.

Acting with responsibility
We aim to be honest and fair 
in all we do. We treat people 
with respect regardless of 
their background, lifestyle or 
position. Our commitment  
to Corporate Responsibility 
reflects our recognition that 
our customers, people, 
shareholders and 
communities increasingly 
favour companies that work 
in a responsible and 
sustainable way.

Freedom to succeed
We give our people the 
space and support they 
need to perform their roles  
to the best of their ability, we 
encourage them to make 
their own decisions and be 
responsible for the outcomes 
and not be hampered by 
bureaucracy or consensus 
decision making.

excellence in all we do
We put quality first, 
constantly looking for better 
and more innovative ways to 
create, produce and deliver 
our product and services. We 
keep our customers in mind 
at all times and always try to 
meet and exceed their 
expectations by delivering 
the best possible results.

How we are creating value

OuR FOuR stRAtegic Business dRiveRs
Our business strategy is based around four key areas. These provide a focus for our talented business teams and clearly 
define how we add value, not only to our own business, but to our customers’ businesses too. 

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme

digitAl 
excellence

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn

Resilient 
events

high QuAlity 
suBscRiptiOn 
incOme
The drive to higher value 
corporate subscriptions 
continues to be core to  
the strategy of the various 
subscription led businesses. 
These high value sales are 
underpinned by our 
specialist knowledge  
and proprietary content, 
consequently strengthening 
our position in both digital 
and print formats. 

digitAl excellence
Digital marketing, social 
media and online services 
bring us closer to our key 
audiences and present 
opportunities to produce 
more targeted, richer and 
relevant information. Our 
engagement and delivery  
on these platforms increases 
customer loyalty, retention 
and price leverage. Digital 
delivery also provides 
operational efficiencies, 
reduces our carbon emissions 
and moves us towards a 
more sustainable business. 

Resilient events
Our diverse range of robust 
and market leading events 
include large, full-scale 
exhibitions and conferences 
through to extremely  
niche training courses and  
seminars all of which provide  
an excellent opportunity  
for growth and high 
quality earnings. 

geOgRAphic 
expAnsiOn
We continue our tactic  
to grow and expand our 
businesses into new 
regions and territories  
and the emerging growth 
markets represent a clear 
opportunity to take our 
knowledge and expertise  
to new people and 
communities. 

Produced by Informa Group in partnership with Fulton Design

Designed by Fulton Design www.fulton-design.co.uk

Printed by Geoff Neal Litho Ltd

This report is printed on Core Silk paper. Both papers contain 
material sourced from well-managed forests, certified in 
accordance with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

Bringing 
Knowledge  
to life

Businesses, professionals and 
academics worldwide turn to informa 
for unparalleled knowledge, up-to-
the minute information and highly 
specialist skills and services.

Our ability to deliver high quality 
knowledge and services through 
multiple channels, in dynamic and 
rapidly changing environments, 
makes our offer unique and  
extremely valuable to individuals  
and organisations.

How we have performed

FinAnciAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Record adjusted diluted EPS up 7.7% to 40.7p (2011: 37.8p), 
ahead of market expectations

Full year dividend increased by 10.1% – second interim 
dividend of 12.5p giving a total 2012 dividend of 18.5p 
(2011: 16.8p)

Revenue broadly flat despite Robbins Gioia and European 
Conference disposals – £1.23bn (2011: £1.28bn)

•	 Adjusted operating profit up 4.0% to £349.7m  

(2011: £336.2m); organic growth of 2.8%

•	

Record adjusted operating margin of 28.4% (2011: 26.4%)

•	 Adjusted profit before tax of £317.4m up 7.3% (2011: £295.9m)

•	

•	

•	

Statutory profit after tax of £90.7m (2011: £74.3m)

Strong cash generation – operating cash flow up 5.7%  
to £329.0m (2011: £311.2m)

Balance sheet strength maintained – net debt/EBITDA 
ratio of 2.1 times (2011: 2.1 times)

OpeRAtiOnAl highlights

•	

•	

•	

Proactive portfolio management drives significant 
improvement in the quality of Group earnings

Total product rationalisation reduced Group revenue by 2%

Investment in new products, geo-cloning and  
platform development

•	 Acquisition of MMPI and Zephyr in 2012 – both performing well

•	

•	

•	

Long-term contract to manage Agrishow from 2013,  
the largest agrifoods event in Latin America 

Strong emerging market growth – now 18% of Group 
revenue (2011: 14%)

Resilient core revenue stream – 67% of publishing 
revenues from subscriptions

•	 Digital excellence – 74% of publishing revenues fully digitised

Annual Report 2012

Want to know more?
www.ar2012.informa.com

See “Chief Executive’s Review”, page 04

!

Gubelstrasse 11
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
Telephone: 00 41 41 444 1344
Fax: 00 41 41 444 1355

For more information
www.informa.com

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