Quarterlytics / Communication Services / Publishing / Informa / FY2013 Annual Report

Informa
Annual Report 2013

INF · LSE Communication Services
Claim this profile
Ticker INF
Exchange LSE
Sector Communication Services
Industry Publishing
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2013 Annual Report · Informa
Loading PDF…
Annual Report 2013

I
n
f
o
r
m
a
p
l
c

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t
&
F
n
a
n
c
a

i

i

l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

2
0
1
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In life and business we are always trying to stay  
ahead and make best use of the deluge of information 
presented to us. The vital data or research needed  
may be out there at the click of a mouse or tap of a 
screen, but knowing where to look isn’t always so easy. 

This is where Informa plays a crucial role. Our expertise means 
we can guide people through the information maze. Because we 
take the time to understand our customers’ needs, we are able 
to provide them with the specific insight and knowledge that 
enables them to make good decisions, grow their business and, 
through ongoing education, stay ahead in their respective field. 
The three divisions of Informa: Academic Publishing, Business 
Intelligence and Global Events – all play a key role in this. After 
all, insightful information is the single most valuable resource 
available to individuals and organisations.

Our Academic Publishing division publishes books and journals with 
over 93,000 titles available worldwide. Our expertise spans a broad 
range of sectors, from architecture, civil engineering, physics and 
law, to energy, nursing, education and health. We provide essential 
and world-class reference materials for academics and professionals, 
in addition to a host of handbooks and textbooks for students. 
Using the latest publishing technology, we deliver Informa titles to 
customers in the format they choose. All journals and over 50,000 
book titles are available digitally. Informa is highly respected as an 
international publisher, with a network of offices stretching from the 
UK and US to the emerging markets of India, China and South Africa.

Through our Business Intelligence division we offer a range of 
information services including breaking news and views, proprietary 
data and the latest research and analysis. The division is split into 
three parts: Informa Business Information (“IBI”), Informa Telecoms 
and Media (“ITM”) and Informa Financial Information (“IFI”).

Essential Reads

IBI provides market leading global news and analysis including 
products such as Lloyd’s List for the maritime industry and 
Citeline for the clinical drug trials market. ITM delivers strategic 
insight on the global telecoms and broadcasting industries, 
based on up-to-the minute market data and primary research. 
IFI provides real-time news, data and analysis electronically 
across key financial markets 24 hours a day. By providing 
business critical information Business Intelligence delivers 
lasting advantage to companies, organisations and governments, 
enabling them to make valuable and profitable decisions in highly 
competitive, international markets. 

Our Global Events division complements the information services 
of Business Intelligence and Academic Publishing by providing 
vital face-to-face networking opportunities enabling companies 
and individuals to develop, improve and compete. In this global 
knowledge based economy, the emphasis is on being connected. 
This is where our standing as one of the world’s largest organisers 
of exhibitions, trade conferences and seminars comes into play. 
Informa produces over 3,000 events across the world every year, 
including The Monaco Yacht Show, Broadband World Forum and 
Arab Health. All our events allow communities to meet, share 
and develop ideas, profile new products and services, build 
relationships, and ultimately do business.

•   Knowledge and information in the academic market 

An insight into how quality academic research plays such a key role in the knowledge 
economy – providing the building blocks on which all businesses can develop and grow.

•   Demand for knowledge and insight 

In the digital age there is no shortage of information; the real skill lies in filtering out 
what is essential. Find out how Informa’s supply of specialist, targeted data enables 
businesses to gain competitive advantage.

•   The rise and rise of communities and connectivity 

The digital revolution increases efficiency and lowers costs for companies but the 
importance of face-to-face interaction is still crucial. Discover how events and 
conferences fit in to this new world. 

•   Our fourth operating division 

Read about Global Support and the expertise it provides to Informa’s business 
divisions to allow them to run to their maximum potential.

P08

P10

P12

P14

COMPANY INFORMATION

Our Key Brands 

Informa’s reputation is built and largely known through its many leading 
market facing brands. The listing below features just a handful of our 
offering in the various markets and countries in which we work.

ACADEMIC PUBLISHING

Our Academic Publishing business, Taylor & Francis, comprises of the following implements:

Routledge

Psychology Press

Taylor & Francis

Focal Press

Garland Science

CRC Press

Cogent OA

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Agra Europe

CPD Cast

EPFR

iMoney Net

Medtrack

Scorecard 

Bondwatch

Citeline

CMRO

Datamonitor 
Energy

eBenchmarkers

Expert Opinion

Investment 

Ovum

Scrip

Fertecon

iLaw

Lloyd’s List

MarketLine

Primal Pictures

Verdict

Prime

GLOBAL EVENTS

Adam Smith Conferences – Russia

Cityscape – Dubai

International Sourcing Fair – Australia

Aesthetics Asia – Singapore

Com World Series – Global

Middle East Electricity – Dubai

Africa Electricity – South Africa

Construct Canada – Canada

One of a kind – Canada

Arab Health – Dubai

Art Toronto – Canada

Cross Media – UK

Palme – China

Digital TV Series – UK

Partnerships in Clinical Trials – USA

Beyond Beauty – France

EuroMediCom – Monaco

Serigrafia – Brazil

BioEurope – Germany

BioTech Showcase – USA

FanExpo - USA

Fispal – Brazil

Broadband World Series – Global

Hospital Build – Dubai

Super Return Series – Global

The Bride Show – Dubai

VitaFoods – Switzerland

ADDRESS

Gubelstrasse 11
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland

Informa House
30-32 Mortimer Street
London W1W 7RE
United Kingdom

REGISTERED OFFICE 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

22 Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE4 8PX

Produced by Informa Global Support in 
partnership with Accrue Fulton. 

Designed by Accrue Fulton  
www.accruefulton.com

Photography by John Hyam  
www.johnhyam.com

Illustrations by John Holcroft  
www.johnholcroft.com

Printed by Pureprint Group
www.pureprint.com

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

OVERVIEW

Financial Highlights

5.0% 2.2%

Adjusted diluted 
EPS growth

Dividend per  
share growth

Financial Highlights

•  Group organic revenue growth (continuing) of 1.5% to £1,132.4m (2012: £1,110.6m)

•  Adjusted operating profit (continuing) up 1.5% to £335.5m (2012: £330.5m)

•  Adjusted diluted EPS growth (continuing) of 5.0% to 40.1p (2012: 38.2p)

•  Statutory loss of £6.4m (2012: £90.7m profit), reflecting loss from discontinued 

operations of £109.5m

•  Strong cash flow – cash conversion (continuing) increased to 99% (2012: 94%)

•  Net debt/EBITDA ratio of 2.2 times (2012: 2.1 times)

•  Deferred income growth of 8% at constant currency

•  Final dividend maintained at 12.50p; total dividend up 2.2% to 18.90p (2012: 18.50p)

Operational Highlights

•  Appointment of new Group Chief Executive

•  Strategic investment in China through the acquisition of a majority stake in Baiwen, 

the owner and operator of China Beauty Expo

•  Disposal of non-core Corporate Training businesses for USD 150m

•  Launch of open access publishing brand, Cogent OA

•  Over 275 large events held in 2013

•  Academic Publishing and Global Events performing well

Contents

Strategic Report
02  
04 

Chairman’s Statement
Informa, a culture of insight,  
intelligence and innovation 
04  Who We Are
04  Where We Do It
05  What We Do
06  Our Business Model
Knowledge and information  
in the academic market
Demand for knowledge  
and insight
The rise and rise of communities  
and connectivity
Our fourth operating division –  
Global Support
Informa Intelligence 
Group Chief Executive’s Review 
Financial Review 
Key Performance Indicators
Principal Risk Factors
Corporate Responsibility

08 

10 

12 

14 

16 
18 
23 
27 
28 
32 

Governance
34 
36 
37 
41 

Board of Directors  
Advisers 
Directors’ Report  
 Corporate Governance 
Statement 
Audit Committee Report 
Nomination Committee  
Report 
Remuneration Report 

45 
49 

50 

Financial Statements
66 
70 

 Independent Auditor’s Report
 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 
 Company Balance Sheet 
 Notes to the Company 
Financial Statements 
 Five Year Summary

71 

72 

73 

74 

75 

139 
140 

145 

1.5%

Group organic 
revenue growth

Company Information 
146 
147 

Legal Notices  
 Shareholder Information

01

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to report that it has been 
another good year for Informa. We 
delivered a solid earnings and cash 
performance in 2013, ensuring an 
attractive return for our shareholders. 
It was also a year of significant 
leadership change following the 
retirement of Peter Rigby as Chief 
Executive. In the task of appointing 
a successor, the Board was keen to 
identify somebody with an outside 
perspective that had enough objectivity 
to manage the change after such a 
long-standing predecessor, but also 
with a strong appreciation of the 
culture of the Group and the markets 
in which it operates. The Board was, 
therefore, delighted to appoint Stephen 
Carter to the role, who it feels has  
all the right attributes to be successful.

DEREK MAPP

02

INFORMA PLC

annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCPERFORMANCE AND STRATEGY 

This Strategic Report sets out our strategy 
and objectives and includes reviews of 
each of our operating businesses. Our 
core markets continue to offer good 
opportunities for us to generate attractive 
returns over the long-term. As the global 
economy continues its shift to service and 
knowledge-based industries, our businesses 
are strategically placed to benefit. 

Our Academic Publishing division had 
another good year in 2013, growing 
its revenue and profit healthily, while 
continuing to invest in new products and 
technology. For example, it successfully 
launched a new digital database, the South 
Asian Culture and History Archive, a unique 
online treasure trove encompassing over 
five million pages of valuable research 
and teaching materials on South Asia. In 
September, it launched Cogent OA, an 
innovative new open access publishing 
brand, which will launch a range of open 
access journal titles in 2014. 

Our Global Events division also had an 
encouraging year, notably in exhibitions 
and large scale conferences, which grew 
strongly. Our Middle East events business 
was particularly buoyant, with large shows 
like Arab Health, Middle East Electricity 
and Cityscape all performing very well. 

Our Business Intelligence operations 
continued to reflect the tough market 
backdrop of some of their key end markets, 
notably the financial and pharmaceutical 
sectors. Our teams are working hard to 
reverse the recent trends, improving the 
product offering and targeting new sales 
channels. Needless to say, returning the 
Business Intelligence division back to 
growth will be a key focus for the new 
management team.

Equally important, our Global Support 
division continued to drive value 
across the Group through the various 
activities it provides to our businesses 
around the globe, including finance and 
tax, acquisition integration, as well as 
management and exploitation of our 
Group-wide intellectual property.

In July, we took the decision to sell our 
Corporate Training business to Providence 
Equity Partners for USD 150m, with an 
effective date of 30 September 2013. This 
business had very different dynamics 
to the rest of our portfolio and we felt it 
would be better managed by someone 
who had a long-term commitment to  
invest and build scale in the sector. 

We believe our strategic objectives are 
best met by focusing on areas where 
we have strong brands and established 
market positions. This was reflected in 
the deployment of capital through the 
year, which included further commitment 
to our exhibition portfolio through the 

acquisitions of Apps World, FanExpo, 
and a stake in Baiwen, the owner of China 
Beauty Expo. The latter is an important 
move for us, significantly increasing our 
presence in the Chinese exhibition market, 
something that has been a key target 
for some time. Similarly, within Business 
Intelligence, we acquired EBI, a US 
pharmaceutical information service, which 
combined with Scrip make us the clear 
global source of information, news and 
commentary on the sector. In Academic 
Publishing, we bought a number of small 
book and journal businesses such as Eye 
on Education, which enrich and broaden 
our content offering. We also made a 
substantial organic investment into Cogent 
OA, a new open access publishing brand 
backed by Taylor & Francis, ensuring we 
are well positioned as this market grows.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

A number of changes to the senior 
management team took place in 2013. 
After more than 25 years as Chief 
Executive, Peter Rigby announced his 
intention to retire at the end of the year. 
Adam Walker also announced his intention 
to take up the role of Finance Director at 
GKN plc at the start of 2014. Both made 
an enormous contribution to Informa in 
their time at the Group and we wish them 
well for the future. Peter, in particular, has 
given a significant portion of his working 
life to the Group and his boundless energy, 
enthusiasm and passionate management 
style will be sorely missed. 

We were delighted to announce Stephen 
Carter as Peter’s successor and he took up 
the role at the start of 2014. The Board was 
very conscious that taking over a business 
that has been led by the same management 
for 25 years would be a significant 
challenge, and the successor would need 
to have both a good feel for its people, 
culture and operating model, but also the 
broader experience and independence 
to manage the transition effectively. We 
felt Stephen was the perfect fit, bringing 
a wealth of international experience and 
strategic understanding of the media, 
telecommunications and technology 
industries, but also good inside knowledge of 
Informa and its markets. We look forward to 
working closely with Stephen and his senior 
management team in successfully managing 
the transition and in developing the future 
strategy and direction of the Group.

We recently strengthened the Board 
further through the appointment of three 
new Non-Executive Directors: Gareth 
Bullock, Geoffrey Cooper and Helen 
Owers. These appointments serve to fill 
the void left by Stephen’s appointment as 
Group Chief Executive and to replace Dr. 
Pamela Kirby, who stands down in May, as 
well as to further broaden the knowledge 
and experience across the Board and 
leave us well placed to manage the future 

transition of the Group. Our new Non-
Executive Directors add considerable 
expertise across numerous industries  
and geographies and we look forward  
to their valuable contribution in the  
years to come.

PEOPLE AND VALUES

Informa is wholeheartedly a people 
business and all of the Group’s 
achievements are only possible due to the 
hard work, commitment and intellectual 
capacity of our employees across the 
world. I am consistently impressed by the 
quality and commitment of our teams and, 
on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank 
them all for their continued dedication in 
driving Informa forward. 

Embedded within our unique internal 
culture is a strong sense of human values 
and responsibility to the wider community. 
This lies at the heart of a well-developed 
corporate responsibility strategy, which 
is structured around People, Community 
and the Environment. We also make a firm 
commitment to the highest standards of 
professionalism in regards Content. As a 
trusted knowledge provider, this is critical 
and lies at the heart of everything we do.

We also have a strong belief in creating 
an inclusive and flexible workplace, 
ensuring every employee has the best 
opportunity to flourish, create value 
and feel valued. We have a strong track 
record of equal opportunity, with the 
latest Group statistics showing that 57% 
of total employees and 36% of senior 
managers are female. Following the 
recent appointments, a third of our Non-
Executive Directors will be female.

Our commitment to our people and strong 
belief in diversity in the workplace has led 
to several industry awards, notably fifth 
place in the 2013 CRF Institute Survey of 
Britain’s Top Employers. 

OUTLOOK

Overall, it has been a good year for 
Informa and I would like to thank all our 
stakeholders for their contribution. Our 
financial success in 2013 enabled us to 
grow our dividend once more.

As I write this retrospective report, I am 
also pleased to see good progress with our 
plan to relocate the Group headquarters 
back to the UK during 2014.

Looking forward, a new management 
team and a relocation will bring a different 
perspective, fresh ideas and energy, all of 
which should make for an exciting future. I 
am looking forward to working closely with 
them to formulate a strategy for the next 
stage of growth. I am confident Informa’s 
best years lie ahead of it.

Derek Mapp
Chairman

03

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCSTRATEGIC REPORT

Informa, A culture of insight, intelligence and innovation

Who we are

Informa is one of the world’s leading knowledge providers. We create and deliver highly 
specialised information through publishing, events, training, market intelligence and 
expertise, providing valuable knowledge to individuals, businesses and organisations 
around the world. With over 6,500 employees working in over 100 offices in 24 countries, 
we have global reach and breadth of offer.

In all our businesses we have the technology to deliver dynamic, multi-platform solutions 
tailored to our customers’ needs, we have leading product brands in the various markets  
we work in, and we have a strong focus on operational efficiency and managerial excellence.

Where we do it

386.8

159.4

253.1

118.7

100.9

41.6

21.6

50.3

UK

Europe (Excl UK)

North America

South America

Africa

Oceania

Asia

Middle East

2013  

Revenue
(£m)

159.4

253.1

386.8

41.6

21.6

50.3

118.7

100.9

04
04

INFORMA PLC

annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

What we do

ACADEMIC PUBLISHING 

Our Academic Publishing business, Taylor & Francis, 
comprises of the imprints Routledge, Psychology Press, 
Garland Science, CRC Press, Focal Press and Cogent OA. 
They are a leading international academic publisher with 
over two centuries of experience producing high level 
academic journals and books. Its main subject areas are 
behavioural and social sciences, humanities and science, 
technology and medicine. We offer 93,000 titles and over 
1,700 journal titles for a wide ranging audience including 
researchers, students, academics and, to some extent, the 
cross over professional market.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE 

Our Business Intelligence division serves the information 
needs of corporations and governments worldwide  
in a large range of sectors, including IT, telecoms and 
media, life sciences and healthcare, banking and  
financial services, maritime, automotive and logistics, 
agricultural commodities, energy consumer packaged 
goods and retail.

GLOBAL EVENTS 

Global Events represents a considerable area of expertise. 
With long established and highly experienced teams 
working in the various businesses around the world, 
we have established an enviable reputation as one of 
the world’s largest publicly owned events, conference 
and training organisers. Many of our large events such 
as The Monaco Yacht Show, Super Return, Arab Health 
and Cityscape have become the premier shows in the 
respective sectors.

GLOBAL SUPPORT 

Informa’s Global Support division provides services, 
support and expertise to the businesses within Informa 
as well as communicating Informa’s performance 
externally. It consists of a number of departments which 
are responsible for specific tasks such as accounting, 
compliance, human resources, technology, legal, tax and 
customer support. By supporting the businesses in this 
manner our management teams can focus their effort on 
growing and developing their product offerings.

Revenue

32%
5.3%

Revenue (continuing)

Organic Revenue*

31%
3.9%

Revenue (continuing)

Organic Revenue*

37%
3.0%

Revenue (continuing)

Organic Revenue*

United Kingdom  
North America  
Europe 
RoW    

16%
46%
13%
25%

Revenue

United Kingdom  
North America  
Europe 
RoW    

15%
47%
20%
18%

Revenue

United Kingdom  
North America  
Europe 
RoW    

11%
14%
33%
42%

Employees

Shared Services  
Technology 
Other  

65%
20%
15%

* In this document “organic” refers to results adjusted for material acquisitions and disposals and the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

INFORMA PLC

05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Informa, a culture of insight, intelligence and innovation continued

Business Model

Resources and 
Relationships

Value Created

People

•  Over 6,500 employees

Financial

•  Headroom to grow and invest

•  EBITDA to net debt of 2.2 times

Infrastructure

•  Presence in 24 countries

•  Shared service centre 

structure

•  IP management

Insight

•  Market leading expertise

•  Multiple sector depth

06

Subscriptions
+2.0%

Advertising
-5.5%

Attendees
-4.1%

Informa

Copy Sales
+5.8%

Exhibitors
+14.0%

Sponsorship
+6.5%

Subscriptions
Subscription revenue is 
generated from customers 
who either receive a series 
of publications, or as is 
the norm nowadays, have 
access to the data online. 
Our subscriptions typically 
last for a period of three 
months to a year and are 
paid prior to the product 
being delivered/made 
available. Subscription 
revenue is recognised 
over the period of the 
subscription.

Attendees
In order to gain access to 
many of our events there is 
an entry charge. This can 
be as small as a few pounds 
for a consumer show up to 
several thousand pounds 
for a niche, must attend, 
industry event. Depending 
on the type of event, the 
monies are usually collected 
in advance or at the door. 
Revenue is recognised when 
the event is held.

Exhibitors
Exhibitor revenues represent 
space sold at our events 
in order for our clients 
to raise awareness and/
or sell their products and 
services. It is an ideal way 
for our customers to forge 
new relationships through 
face-to-face meetings, sell 
or showcase their products. 
Exhibitor space at an event 
ranges from several booths 
at a conference to 400,000 
square metres and is 
recognised as revenue  
when the event is held.

Sponsorship
In all of our leading events 
we have partners that 
want to be associated with 
the event. Through their 
participation they can 
create, develop and increase 
brand awareness, furthering 
their credibility within a 
target audience to develop 
contacts and exposure for 
their business. This revenue 
is recognised when the 
event is held.

Copy Sales
Copy sales are the sales of 
one-off information. The 
medium can be a book, a 
single journal or a report, 
delivered in hard copy or 
electronic format. Revenue 
is recognised on the sale of 
the product.

Advertising
Advertising represents 
the sale of space either 
virtually or in a hard copy 
publications. There are 
products where advertising 
is the main driver and 
others where advertising 
is simply a supplemental 
earnings stream. This 
revenue stream is volatile, 
which makes advertising 
led products risky, but for 
products where advertising 
is non-core it is a low cost 
source of revenue. Revenue  
is recognised on publication.

Value Reinvested

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCValue Added

Value Protected

Outcomes

Leveraging knowledge

Strategy

People

Leverage our deep knowledge  

An evolving, innovative model 

and network to provide the  

insight our customers need. 

Developing specialist knowledge  

and proprietary content.

creating sustainable value over  

the short, medium and long term.

•  Britain’s 5th top employer

•  Development of individuals 

across the businesses

Environmental

• 

Intensity ratio of just 
1.73 tonnes of CO2 per 
employee

Financial

•  Significant returns to 

shareholders and to 

reinvest in the business

•  Cash conversion 

consistently high

Insight

•  Externally recognised 

Building communities

Risk management

Creating platforms that facilitate 

A balanced approach.

interaction, debate and innovation, 

helping to cultivate relationships  

and build communities.

Harness technologies

Market insight

Develop technology to drive efficiency 

and increase flexibility, improving the 

Thought leaders/expertise in a 

dynamic market.

customer experience. Embedding 

our content and insight into our 

customer workflow, and leveraging 

technology to stimulate interaction 

within communities, ultimately driving 

improved decision making and a 

higher return on investment.

Geographic penetration

Performance monitoring

Leveraging our global reach  

and support network to drive 

penetration of both existing and  

new products into new markets.

Focused on the issues that are 

materially important to the business.

Value Reinvested

07

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCSTRATEGIC REPORT

Knowledge and information in the academic market

The critical role of education and research in the knowledge economy

The modern world is defined by change 
and innovation. In the 19th century the 
Industrial Revolution heralded the start 
of mass production. In the same way, 
the Digital Revolution of the late 20th 
and early 21st century introduced the 
Information Age. 

In the current knowledge-based economy, 
the source of innovation is typically the 
research community, whether through 
commercial research and development 
teams, in laboratories, or in universities. 
Their expertise provides the building 
blocks on which all areas of business 
can build in order to develop and grow. 
Ongoing education enables individuals 
and organisations to stay ahead in their 
respective fields.

Human capital remains a key component 
of value in this knowledge-based economy. 
The workforce in the Information Age must 
be computer literate, well versed in using 
and interpreting data, and able to develop 
algorithms and run simulations. 

High quality, specialist education is 
crucial to ensuring those entering the 
workforce have the skill sets to contribute 
most effectively and that those already 
employed continually develop their 
expertise. Emerging markets such as China 
and India are competing aggressively 
in this global skills race following huge 
investment in education infrastructure 
and IT skills development.

As people across the world become 
more skilled at accessing information via 
technology, so readily accessible research 
from trusted and authoritative sources 
becomes increasingly valuable. 

08

Informa insight – Academic Publishing

Informa is a leading publisher of academic journals and books.  
These are reported within our Academic Publishing division 
and include over 1,700 journals and over 93,000 book titles. 

Our journals are a validation and distribution platform for high 
level academic research, with only those research articles 
reaching a certain quality threshold, as determined through a 
rigorous peer review process, being passed fit for publication. 
When linked with the highest standards of online publication, this 
ensures that our journal brands are trusted and relied upon by 
researchers worldwide. Our journals are, thus, an integral element 
of the global research value chain. 

Our books are a reference and learning tool in similar, 
specialised subject areas to our journals, but offering a more 
complete study of particular themes across the spectrum of 
teaching through to research.

All our journals and front list of books are available in digital 
format, with modern search technology enabling researchers 
to identify and extract relevant data and information 
quickly and accurately. Ongoing digital innovation creates 
opportunities to leverage our content and expertise into new 
products and services. 

The largest customer segment for our journals and books is 
university libraries around the globe. The significant investment 
behind secondary education and learning infrastructure in 
developing markets therefore, offers a rich opportunity for our 
business to target in the future. Currently, Academic Publishing 
generates around 14% of its revenue in emerging markets. 

Revenue

Subscriptions  
Copy Sales 

51%
49%

Objective

Activity in 2013

Progress

Outcome

To develop new open access 
business models and products

Launch of Cogent OA, 
a bespoke open access 
publishing unit

Team recruited and a  
portfolio of new journals  
in development for launch  
in 2014

Greater choice and flexibility 
for authors and funding 
bodies; increased distribution 
of research

To develop our ebook 
proposition

Expanded ebook product 
range and quality; improved 
digital distribution and 
marketing

All new titles available 
electronically and over 20% of 
book revenue generated from 
ebooks (versus 16% in 2012)

Format flexibility and product 
innovation for customers; 
production efficiency

Leverage our digital expertise 
into new product categories

Development of the South 
Asian Culture and History 
Archive, a unique digital 
collection of over five  
million pages of material

Archive launched and first 
sales of the product secured

Creation of a new digital 
database product category with 
minimal investment; a unique 
student learning resource

09

STRATEGIC REPORT

Demand for knowledge and insight

Specialist business information drives competitive advantage 

The days of information on file, in the 
office, are disappearing. Technological 
advances mean a far more mobile 
workforce can access important business 
information from multiple sources, 
anywhere in the world, at any time. 

There is no shortage of data; the  
challenge lies in filtering, understanding 
and interpreting what is available. Market 
intelligence and informed, data backed 
decision making is the new currency of 
competitive advantage.

The ready availability of information means 
there are fewer barriers to entry in many 
areas of business, intensifying competition 
and squeezing margins. This has forced 
companies and individuals to focus efforts 
and become experts in niche areas. 

While companies may be focusing 
on niche markets, because business 
opportunities are increasingly global,  
their horizons are increasing, not 
narrowing. Location is no longer a 
constraint in the knowledge economy, 
with the internet making the “global 
village” a reality. Best practices and 
processes migrate quickly and global 
industry standards are increasingly 
evident. Companies need to be  
constantly up to speed with what  
is happening in their sphere.

Data is now recognised as a strategic asset 
and highly focused, insightful information 
in a fast changing environment can lead to 
greater differentiation, smarter decisions, 
better results and growth.

10

Revenue

Subscriptions  
Copy Sales 
Advertising 

82%
13%
5%

Informa insight – Business Intelligence

Informa owns a large number of specialist business 
information and data products servicing multiple sectors. 
These are reported within our Business Intelligence division 
and we operate around 100 products in our business 
information portfolio. The common thread across them 
is a focus on niche customer segments, providing highly 
specialised, rich data and information. Moreover, the vast 
majority of our content is proprietary, created by skilled 
teams of journalists, editors and analysts.

We were quick to recognise the technological shift across the 
information industry and have made significant investments to 
migrate our products from traditional print format onto digital 
platforms, with over 90% of Business Intelligence’s revenue now 
generated electronically. 

Our two biggest end markets are the financial services and 
pharmaceutical industries, representing approximately 60% 
of Business Intelligence’s revenue. While the health of these 
sectors is a key driver of our own performance, we believe that 
the need for specialist business information that drives improved 
decision making and increases return on investment, transcends 
macro factors and goes to the heart of business performance in 
all sectors in the modern environment. This creates significant 
opportunities for Business Intelligence, if it can leverage its 
content and brands more effectively into workflow tools that are 
embedded in the daily decision making process of our customers. 

The real challenge for Business Intelligence is the pace of change 
in its markets. Technology is constantly evolving, offering new 
tools that drive greater efficiency and insight. Customer demands 
grow in tandem, with information investment driven increasingly 
by performance impact and global reach. These dynamics 
require flexible and informed management and a commitment to 
consistently invest behind products, processes and platforms.

Objective

Activity in 2013

Progress

Outcome

To become a digital only 
information business

Moving the Lloyds List 
product portfolio to  
be published solely in  
digital format

The last print version of  
Lloyds List was published  
in December. Future editions 
are digital-only

Minimal customer impact, 
neutral financial impact,  
focused digital product 
innovation going forward

To expand our global  
presence, particularly  
in fast growth markets

Establishment of a  
partnership in China  
to exploit granular  
medical data

Data extraction and 
validation process in place  
and first data collected

Unique opportunity  
to commercialise  
specialist Chinese  
medical data from 2014

To provide data rich  
intelligence with relevant 
opinion and analysis

Embed targeted data driven 
subscription products with 
major client groups

Clinical Research Organisations 
(“CRO”) targeted for core 
growth of SiteTrove product

Over 33% growth both  
volume and value of 
CRO subscribers

11

STRATEGIC REPORT

The rise and rise of communities and connectivity

The power of communities in the knowledge economy

The networking power of digital 
communications and social media brings 
like minded individuals and companies 
across the world closer together. 

Community networks enable the rapid 
dissemination of news and data, the 
sharing of ideas, best practice and 
implementation of global standards. 
They can also help identify new  
customers and forge commercial 
relationships that ultimately drive  
global trade.

By improving lines of communication,  
the Digital Revolution undoubtedly 
increases efficiency and lowers costs for 
companies and individuals. But the flipside 
is that the level of face-to-face interaction 
across communities diminishes and human 
rapport is marginalised. 

Face-to-face meetings allow people to 
hear tone of voice and emphasis, as well 
as to pick up on facial expressions and 
body language that online communications 
cannot do. Trust is an essential part of 
business relationships and it is easier to 
develop this through personal interaction 
than via cyberspace.1

Platforms that bring communities together 
in real-time outside of the digital ecosystem, 
have an important role in initiating, 
strengthening and expanding relationships 
that otherwise would be superficial or not 
exist at all. One meeting or conference can 
be worth a hundred emails or tweets. Such 
events become increasingly valuable in the 
knowledge economy. 

12

1 http://www.iacconline.org/content/files/WhyFace-to-FaceBusinessMeetingsMatter.pdf

Revenue

Attendee  
Exhibitor    
Sponsorship 
Advertising 

42%
40%
16%
2%

Informa insight – Global Events

Informa is one of the leading organisers of exhibitions and 
conferences in the world. We produce over 3,000 events 
annually, in over 70 countries. 

Our conferences and exhibitions enable companies from all over 
the globe to meet face-to-face, share ideas, establish forums and 
ultimately build new working relationships. We deliver real value 
by connecting people, enabling them to develop transparency and 
trust in a way that is just not possible online. 

Global Events offer not only the opportunity to showcase new 
technology, products and services but provide an ideal platform 
to network, develop fresh leads and secure new and profitable 
business in both developed and emerging markets. 

Thought leaders and industry experts can shape discussion and 
debate through presentations at our conferences. We create and 
manage conferences across the globe and cover a broad range 
of sectors. We examine the latest discoveries, trends, technology 
and assess the impact of regulation. By bringing people together 
we help individuals and businesses learn from one another. 

Our focus on geographic expansion underlines our commitment to 
repeat leading and successful business events in new countries. By 
introducing these events to new regions we help more businesses 
connect but also increase the visibility of Informa globally. 

The recent acquisition of a stake in Baiwen, the owner and organiser 
of the annual China Beauty Expo (“CBE”), demonstrates our intention 
to take Informa’s expertise and experience into new markets.

Through another acquisition, global events and partnering 
software provider EBD Group (“EBD”), we are able to bring 
people together in a new way. By intricately profiling and 
partnering our delegates, we help them identify business 
opportunities and develop strategic relationships. 

In addition to full-scale exhibitions and conferences, we have a 
large training element to our Global Events business. We offer 
niche training courses and seminars providing businesses with 
the opportunity to develop their expertise and grow. 

Objective

Activity in 2013

Progress

Outcome

To expand our  
exhibition presence  
in fast growth markets

Acquisition of a stake  
in Baiwen, the owner  
of CBE

Leverage our existing expertise 
in the Beauty segment to grow 
CBE and launch new events 
into China

Established a local exhibition 
presence in China with a 
leading global event in an 
attractive sector

Enhance the engagement  
and value for attendees at  
our conferences

Acquisition of EBD and it’s 
partnering360 software

Established a plan to roll out 
partnering concept to other 
established conferences in the 
Group through 2014

Addition of EBD brand and 
knowhow of partnering concept. 
Successful rollout should 
increase conference value and 
improve rebooking rates

Reduce the Group’s  
exposure to small  
domestic conferences

Reduce the volume  
of conferences produced  
and disposal of certain 
conference assets

Exit from conference activities 
in Italy, Spain and Portugal 
with no impact on the rest  
of the Group

Increased weighting of Global 
Events revenue to exhibitions 
and LSEs, reducing volatility 
and improving the growth 
profile and quality of earnings

13

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our fourth operating division

At the heart of everything 

Global Support is right at the heart of 
Informa. It’s the Team behind the Teams 
that deliver our events, books and 
subscription products every year. The 
decisions made at Global Support are 
pivotal to the success of our individual 
businesses around the world.

Our established centres of excellence in 
accounting, compliance, human resources, 
IT, legal, tax and customer service, 
provide essential support to help all 
Informa’s divisions run to their maximum 
productivity. Global Support ensures we 
meet our obligations, protect our assets, 
collaborate across divisions where possible 
and ensure all operations consistently run 
to the highest standards. 

The assurance Global Support provides 
means the businesses themselves are free 
to focus on what they do best, that is to 
take advantage of new opportunities in 
their respective fields. 

14

LEGAL

Informa’s Legal team provides expert 
advice to the Group and are regularly 
involved in negotiating commercial 
contracts, assisting with corporate 
transactions and offering specialist legal 
support at both Group level and to the 
various businesses. 

SHARED SERVICE CENTRES

By applying their professional expertise 
in finance and customer operations, our 
Shared Service Centres enable each of our 
divisions to focus on global operational 
activities. Financial support includes 
general ledger, accounts payable, accounts 
receivable (invoicing through to credit 
control), payroll, taxation, compliance 
and decision support work, including 
budgeting and forecasting. Customer 
operations support extends from initial 
purchase to actual product delivery. 

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is at the heart of Informa’s 
global strategy. From customer selfservice 
and profile management to research and 
data provisioning, our technology offering 
opens up new channels of information and 
knowledge to all our key stakeholders – 
internal and external.

Blending best of breed platforms with  
cutting edge customised internal 
development, Informa’s technology 
offering results in state-of-the-art digital 
product delivery, CRM, web experience 
and eCommerce. Seamless integration 
ensures a 360 degree view of customers 
and prospects and that every process from 
financial transactions to data visualisation 
is fast, reliable and accurate. 

Global Suport

CORPORATE FINANCE

The Corporate Finance team co-ordinates 
Informa’s acquisition and disposal activity 
and also incorporates the Treasury team, 
managing the debt finances of Informa and 
making the most effective use of cash by 
reducing borrowings where possible and/
or investing in new businesses. 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (“CR”)

Our CR programme, “Louder than Words”, 
is managed centrally by a small team, 
reporting into Emma Blaney, Group 
HR Director. “Louder than Words” has 
four priority areas; our content, people, 
environment and community. 

The central CR team has a global remit 
and acts as a catalyst for ideas relating to 
these key areas. The team work closely 
with 21 CR leaders across the Group who in 
turn liaise with their local CEO/MD to align 
with the “Louder than Words” programme 
whilst tailoring to their geographical 
location and business priorities. 

The CR team is also responsible for 
responding to third-party information 
requests such as the Climate Disclosure 
Leadership Index and Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index, brokering relationships 
with community partners and collecting 
key performance indicators relating to 
the four priorities. 

GROUP FINANCE

Accounting for Informa’s businesses 
globally is completed in a number of 
regionalised Shared Service Centres. 
Our Group Finance team consolidate 
the financial and non-financial data 
supplied by those centres. This provides 
a single source of internal and external 
information. The internal management 
information is used by the various Informa 
divisions, Global Support and the Board 
for analysis and decision making. The 
external statutory information is available 
to investors and analysts to track the 
performance of Informa.

GROUP MARKETING

The central Group Marketing team 
comprises experienced staff who have 
worked in various operational roles across 
the business. Their level of hands-on 
expertise offers invaluable support. 

With key people based in the UK, Europe, 
US and Asia/Pacific, Group Marketing 
provides local knowledge, working in local 

time with the marketing function across all 
Informa businesses. Group Marketing brings 
fresh thinking to our products and services, 
identifying ways to increase revenues, 
improve productivity and reduce costs. 

GROUP TAX

Working alongside Group Finance, our 
Group Tax function looks after the tax 
affairs of the Company. It takes the lead 
in ensuring tax compliance is maintained 
globally. Its task is to ensure the Group is 
managed in a tax efficient manner, whilst 
paying all the tax that it is required to by 
law and ensuring the Group is not involved 
in tax practices that could harm the 
Group’s reputation. 

HUMAN RESOURCES / TALENT

Our people are the driving force of 
our business, they are our lifeblood 
and deserve the best HR Skills. We 
pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial 
culture, so finding and retaining the right 
people who share our values, drive and 
enthusiasm is critical to our success.

Our HR Teams around the world  
focus on talent management, working  
with our business leaders to ensure  
we are attracting, developing and  
retaining talent through recognition, 
nurturing, development opportunities  
and remuneration.

HR is seen as a core management 
responsibility which is pivotal to our 
success. Senior Managers are intrinsically 
part of our programs which ensure we 
continue to attract and retain the best of 
breed in every field and function in which 
we work. 

INFORMA IP GMBH (“IPCo”)

IPCo is the Group’s centre for protecting 
Informa’s key Intellectual Property assets –  
creative ideas that involve high levels of 
skill and effort. IPCo protects these assets 
through legal and regulatory actions 
and fosters a culture of innovation that 
encourages the creation of new assets. 
The team has expertise in finance, law, 
brand management and protection, 
training, new product development and 
systems architecture. The IPCo team 
operates across Informa, at both Group 
and divisional level, to enhance Intellectual 
Property assets. 

15

Informa Intelligence: talent, passion and professionalism

A business is only as good as the people it employs. The breadth and depth of talent within Informa has been central to 
its success over the years. The Company places great value on innovation, insight, social awareness, and expertise.  
We showcase some of the people within Informa that encapsulate these qualities.

Patrice Gallimore

Managing Editor,  
Informa Business Information

London, UK

I am involved in One Young World, an annual Summit where the most valuable young 
talent from global and national companies, NGO’s, universities and other forward-thinking 
organisations are joined by world leaders. To see so many people gather with the same 
ideals is amazing. Attending exceeded any possible expectation I had. It was inspiring 
to see people even younger than me doing incredibly brave and significant projects, 
perhaps building businesses or non-profits. My personal aim is to bring a food education 
to kids in the New York area. Informa has supported me so well and offered me a lot of 
development which I’m ecstatic about. Since I’ve been in this role, so many things have 
happened. What’s more, I’m more confident now, I feel I can and do so much and I really 
appreciate the company for that.

Yang Zhang 

Senior Marketing Manager, 
Informa Australia

Australia

I started my first job as Marketing Manager in the London office after graduating with 
a master’s degree in international management. I had the chance to work on a variety 
of industry events straight away. Within a few months, I was given the opportunity to 
specialise on larger scale events, including a successful launch event which continued to 
run for five years.

When Informa acquired IBC and formed Informa Maritime & Energy a year and half after 
I joined the company, I was trusted to manage a team on my own and was promoted to 
divisional marketing manager.

After two years with the London office, I decided to move to Australia. It’s great working 
for a global company like Informa because you get the opportunity to relocate. It’s been 
three and half years since my move – I am now the senior marketing manager for the 
Maritime and Transport Division in the Sydney office, responsible for the planning and 
execution of marketing campaigns for events ranging from niche technical workshops 
through to large scale annual conferences and exhibitions with attendees up to 7,000.

The strong personal and professional relationships developed over the years are just one 
of the reasons that I love working at Informa. The management here is very open-minded 
and receptive of my ideas, allowing me to be creative and giving me a level of professional 
autonomy that I enjoy.

Kristian Sylwan 

Project Manager,  
Informa Sweden

Sweden

As project manager, I get to see events from the planning stages right through  
to completion. As well as identifying commercially viable topics for future events,  
I’m responsible for researching topics, inviting the right speakers, negotiating fees  
and copywriting.

I started at Informa at a junior level three years ago and have managed to reach a 
senior level within that time – giving me more responsibility, especially when it comes 
to generating new topics. I’ve also been trusted with a number of big events – both 
established and new. Having joined Informa from university, I’m very grateful that I  
have been given this level of responsibility so early in my career. 

The biggest challenge in my job is finding out what the core topics are for a specific event, 
but this is also the most interesting aspect. As a project manager you come across people 
and knowledge from industries that you didn’t even know existed!

The best thing about being a part of Informa is the number of offices we have around the 
world. I have been inspired by successful events from various countries. My colleagues in 
other parts of the world are generous in sharing their strategies and experience, which is 
very helpful when developing events for the Swedish market.

16

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCBrittany Qiao

Exhibitions Manager,  
Informa Beijing

I’m the Beijing-based exhibition manager for the life science sector, working on major events 
including the Hospital Build exhibition, the Private Hospital conference and the Medical Record 
conference. My role is split between project management and VIP sales. I’ve also recently taken 
partial responsibilities on other new inbound events during my director’s maternity leave.

One of the great things about Informa is the opportunity to progress your career; I have 
been promoted three times in the past five years since I joined Informa’s Beijing office. I have 
progressed from sales executive to sales manager and most recently exhibition manager. To 
know that your hard work will be recognised is highly motivational. The more responsibility and 
challenges I am given, the more I am able to reach my potential and extend my capabilities. 

I really enjoy leading my team members to achieve their various goals, and communicating 
with a range of people, including clients and partners. 

My goal is to have a happy family and a happy job – and I’m well on the way to achieving that!

Beijing

Sinead Gorman

Corporate Counsel 
Informa Group

Dubai, UAE

I have a two tiered role. I look after a region, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and handle 
everything from a legal perspective in the offices in that region. I also look after Informa 
Exhibitions (outside the Americas and Canada). I used to be based in London, but moved to 
Dubai just over a year ago so I can better manage the time zones for this side of the world.

I spend about half of my time on day-to-day commercial work and the other half on corporate 
matters, e.g. acquisitions and joint ventures. Informa Exhibitions has really expanded in the 
last few years, so I’m frequently involved with either buying single events/entire companies, or 
putting together the legal arrangements needed to launch in a new territory or industry sector.

What’s great about my role is that it is interesting and varied; no two matters I work on are 
the same. Most of the time this is great, but it can also be quite daunting! Working in an 
events role can be very off-the-cuff, which is a challenge for a lawyer – we generally like 
plans and templates and these go right out of the window sometimes! International work is 
also quite complex, with customs and the different ways of life in different countries being 
just as important to bear in mind as the actual law when trying to pull together a new deal.

I get to travel quite a bit in my role – last week I was in Egypt, Dubai and China. That’s not 
a typical week, but it’s nice not to be tied to my desk all day.

The best part of my role is the people. There are so many different personalities at 
Informa. We come across the whole spectrum working in the legal team. We are involved 
with everybody; everyone has a link to legal. No two days are the same.

Anita Braun

Customer Service Supervisor, 
Taylor & Francis

Philadelphia, USA

My personal goal is to assist customers in a way that betters their experience with our 
products. When I say customers, I include authors as well as the customers who purchase 
our journals. Without authors we don’t have a product to sell, so I see it as a “chicken and 
egg” issue – who comes first? One is as important as the other. I am a very detail orientated 
person, so I try to anticipate a customer’s needs to make sure their query is completely 
resolved and they don’t have to come back with more questions. Our global department 
motto is ‘rapid and right the first time’ and I try to do everything to live up to that. I also 
consider internal customers – my colleagues within Informa as customers too. 

Informa has given me the opportunity to meet and work with some pretty amazing people 
across the globe and I feel that I actually make a difference. I am thrilled to be working with 
a company that takes its role in society seriously. Informa has a Corporate Responsibility 
Department. Staff work on initiatives to help us become greener, with various activities 
and contests for the best ideas that can be moved forward within the company. I believe 
we need to be good stewards of our earth. Informa gives and encourages giving among 
our people. We have a day that we can use as a volunteer day annually. During the recent 
crisis with the typhoon in the Philippines, the company partnered with a large charity and 
matched employee contributions to that charity. Things go from the top down, so, I think, 
when employees see leaders doing something, that encourages them.

17

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCSTRATEGIC REPORT

Group Chief Executive’s Review

STEPHEN A. CARTER CBE

1818

INFORMA PLC

annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC“I was delighted to take over as Group Chief Executive of Informa at the start of this year. As the reported figures highlight, the Group delivered a solid earnings and cash performance last year. This has led the Board to pay a total dividend for the year of 18.90p.  Succeeding such a long-standing Chief Executive is a privilege and comes with attendant responsibilities. The privilege lies in being given the opportunity to work with the people and the businesses that make Informa so unique, all of which operate in the Knowledge and Information Economy. The responsibilities are to transition the business, the culture and the operating model post such long-term leadership. It is still early days but my initial sense is that there are potential opportunities across the Group’s businesses from simplifying operating structures, leveraging our scale more effectively and ensuring the more intensive use of technology, thereby delivering greater operational fitness.”Capital allocation

We remained active on the corporate front 
through the year, investing in a number 
of acquisitions across all our divisions. 
The largest investments were in the EBI 
pharmaceutical information business, the 
stake we acquired in the exhibition Group, 
Baiwen, in China and the purchase of EBD 
Group, the conference ‘partnering’ business.

We were also pro-active in disposing of 
assets. The largest of these was the sale of 
our five Corporate Training businesses to 
Providence Equity Partners in July, with a 
closing date of 30 September 2013. The full 
consideration for these assets is USD 150m 
and we received USD 100m in cash on 
completion, with the remaining USD 50m 
structured under a vendor loan agreement. 

We also exited our small conference 
businesses in Spain, Portugal and Italy, 
which were sub-scale, very focused on 
their respective domestic markets and with 
little scope for leverage on an international 
scale and/or into large events.

“ This gives us plenty to work on through 
2014. The robust platform that Academic 
Publishing provides and the strength 
of Global Events, combined with a 
more stable macro backdrop, give us 
confidence we can deliver a positive 
outcome in the year. 

My initial sense is there are two over-
arching challenges for the Group. The first 
is the shift in technology happening across 
our markets and amongst our customers, 
and the ongoing implications of that for all 
our products and businesses. Secondly, and 
more specifically, is returning the Business 
Intelligence division to growth after two 
years of organic revenue decline.” 

BUSINESS REVIEW 

As the world’s economy moves from a 
manufacturing bias towards service and 
knowledge-based industries, Informa 
should be well placed. Value increasingly 
lies in filtering, understanding and 
interpreting information. Extracting 
trends, building forecasts and drawing 
conclusions. Market intelligence and 
data-backed decision making is the new 
currency of competitive advantage.

These qualities underpin our businesses, 
giving us confidence in the long-term 
potential to build value. Digital subscription 
revenues directly embedded into the 
knowledge supply chain should, in our 
view, increase in value. Similarly, platforms 
which bring communities together, driving 
interaction and engagement outside of  
the digital ecosystem should become 
more powerful.

New product development

A significant challenge for the Group is 
the pace of technological change and its 
impact on our markets. Innovation can 
lead to rapid shifts in distribution and 
consumption, customer demands and 
the competitive landscape. This is an 
opportunity as well as a threat but it means 
we have to stay alert to such changes and 
proactively invest behind our own products 
to protect market positions and seize new 
growth opportunities.

In 2013, the most significant internal 
investment project was the launch of 
Cogent OA, within Academic Publishing, 
a new open access publishing brand. 
Under the guidance of a newly formed 
management team, this will be the focal 
point for our open access activity in the 
future, with a range of journals scheduled 
for launch from 2014. 

Within Global Events, we launched or 
geo-cloned 16 large events in the year in 12 
different countries, including The Delicious 
Food Show in Canada and Anti-Aging 
Moscow. This is a similar run-rate to recent 
years and remains a core component of the 
organic growth strategy in this business. 

Within Business Intelligence, there 
were several platform upgrades through 
2013, notably the relaunch of the Verdict 
Knowledge Centre. We also continued 
to invest behind our Chinese healthcare 
database project. This is a long-term 
investment and while progress has been a 
little slower than anticipated, we should see 
the beginning of the commercialisation of 
these valuable assets by the end of 2014. 

International expansion

We continue to look for opportunities to 
expand our reach across international 
markets and in 2013 we generated over 
£100,000 of revenue in nearly a 100 
different countries. The strongest growth 
by region was recorded in the Middle East. 
This reflects the high quality of our assets 
in the region, particularly on the exhibition 
side, but also a healthy recovery in the 
macro environment in Dubai. 

Elsewhere, we also achieved good 
underlying growth in China, Russia and 
Turkey. In aggregate, emerging markets 
represented 19% of Group revenue in 
2013, in line with the previous year, with 
underlying growth in these regions 
balanced by recent acquisitions in 
developed markets such as Canada, the 
US and Europe. This figure also does not 
include any contribution yet from the 
recent investment in Baiwen in China.

“ For Informa, 2014 will be a year of measured 
change, operational focus and building a 
platform for the future growth of the Group.”

19

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC 
Group Chief Executive’s Review continued

DIVISIONAL REVIEW

Group revenue in the year to 31 December 2013 was up 2.0% on a reported basis to £1,132.4m. This included the positive contribution 
from a number of acquisitions (including the full year benefit of MMPI Canada and Zephyr Associates and an initial contribution from 
EBD Group), balanced by several disposals (Robbins Gioia in 2012 and the European conferences businesses in 2013). The five Corporate 
Training businesses sold are disclosed separately, under Discontinued Operations.

For the presentation of the 2013 results, the Group has changed the names of its three divisions, which are now titled Academic 
Publishing, Business Intelligence and Global Events. The businesses comprising the three divisions were not altered by the 
change in names.

Group revenue was split fairly evenly across our three divisions, with Global Events the largest contributor at 37%, Academic 
Publishing at 32% and Business Intelligence at 31%. 

Academic Publishing

Revenue

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Margin (%)

2013 
£m 

367.1

130.9

35.7

2012 
£m 

340.3

126.1

37.1

Actual 
%

7.9

3.8

Organic 
%

5.3

3.1

The Academic Publishing division 
produces books and journals for university 
libraries and the wider academic market. In 
2013, Academic Publishing accounted for 
32% of continuing Group revenue and 39% 
of continuing adjusted operating profit. 

continued to win contracts to publish 
society journals, which now account for 
an important portion of our portfolio, by 
volume. We also secured a steady flow of 
small archive deals, although none of the 
scale of previous years. 

It proved to be another encouraging 
year for Academic Publishing, with a 
particularly strong fourth quarter pushing 
its financial performance comfortably 
ahead of internal projections. As expected, 
the divisional margin was a little lower 
than the previous year, reflecting mix and 
investment. We also made good strategic 
progress, including a significant advance in 
our open access capabilities, expansion of 
our digital product offering and a number 
of small, accretive acquisitions.

Our journal business performed well, 
underpinned by further growth in 
demand for our content and publishing 
expertise. Taylor & Francis Online saw an 
increase in usage of over 30% through 
the year, providing valuable currency 
for subscription negotiations. We 

We made substantial progress in 
developing our open access offering in 
2013, as we pushed forward with the launch 
of a bespoke publishing brand, Cogent 
OA. Bryan Vickery, former COO of one of 
the largest open access publishers in the 
world, joined to head up this new initiative, 
adding valuable expertise. Cogent’s initial 
plan is to launch 15 broad, subject-based 
and interconnected open access journals in 
areas such as behavioural science, biology 
and engineering. The first of these have 
now launched and already begun receiving 
submissions from authors. 

We successfully launched the South 
Asian Culture and History Archive, a 
unique online archive of local history, 
encompassing more than five million 
pages of valuable research and teaching 

materials. This was a new initiative, 
leveraging its broader digital expertise into 
a new product category and its success 
has encouraged the team to develop a 
pipeline of potential future products. 

Our books business again performed 
well in 2013, boosted by a very strong 
end to the year. This was most marked 
in the US but, encouragingly, Europe 
also saw pockets of good recovery after 
a tough few years. India was unable to 
maintain its expected growth, with the 
sharp depreciation in the rupee dragging 
regional revenue lower.

We saw a marked acceleration in the shift 
from print to digital in 2013, with ebooks 
accounting for 20% of book revenue, 
up from 16% in 2012. While much of the 
ebook growth is likely to be substitutional, 
the flexibility of digital formats and 
global distribution channels presents 
opportunities for product innovation and 
more efficient monetisation of the long  
tail of our backlist. 

2013 
£m 

350.6

109.1

31.1

2012 
£m 

356.6

120.7

33.8

Actual 
%

(1.7)

(9.6)

Organic 
%

(3.9)

(12.8)

Business Intelligence

Revenue

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Margin (%)

20

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC 
The Business Intelligence division 
delivers high value content in a number 
of industry verticals including the 
healthcare, pharmaceutical, financial 
services, maritime, commodities, telecoms, 
insurance and legal sectors. In 2013, 
Business Intelligence accounted for 31% 
of continuing Group revenue and 33% of 
continuing adjusted operating profit. 

Business Intelligence reported lower 
revenue and profit in 2013. While some 
of this decline reflects the impact of the 
medical books transfer to Academic 
Publishing and the full year drag of the 
product pruning exercise in 2012, the 
underlying performance was still a little 
behind expectations. This was due to weak 
renewals of high margin subscriptions 
and lower revenue than anticipated from 
consulting and one-off reports, reflected 
in the year-on-year margin decline. 

A sizeable proportion of this shortfall 
stemmed from our product portfolio 
in the pharmaceutical sector within 
Informa Business Information 

(“IBI”), where structural shifts in the 
market have led to substantial cost 
rationalisation amongst our customer 
base. This makes subscription 
negotiations protracted, demands often 
unreasonable and visibility limited. 

However, despite this we have seen some 
areas of good progress. Citeline’s portfolio 
of real-time clinical trial and pipeline 
information services delivered another 
strong performance in 2013, despite the 
tough backdrop. This gives us belief that 
where we can combine strong brands with 
must-have data and information direct into 
customer workflow, there remain good 
growth opportunities, irrespective of the 
challenging budgetary climate.

After almost 300 years in circulation, 
Lloyd’s List published its final, daily 
print edition on 20 December. This 
was combined with a commemorative 
supplement and proved to be a bumper 
issue, which was well supported by 
advertisers. Lloyd’s List is now a digital-
only subscription product, something that 

has been well received by its customer 
base. It has allowed us to streamline the 
editorial process and focus our resources 
on enhancing the digital product offering.

Informa Financial Information (“IFI”)  
had a mixed year, with wide variance 
in the performance of the different 
businesses within its portfolio. On the 
positive, EPFR, a market fund flow and 
asset allocation data service, continued 
to perform well, delivering strong double 
digit revenue growth, as recognition of 
the value of its data in driving investment 
returns steadily increased.

On the flipside, one of the larger 
businesses in the IFI portfolio, Informa 
Global Markets (“IGM”), continued to 
experience challenging market conditions, 
and its revenue was down year-on-year. 
IGM provides fixed income and currency 
information, directly and via third party 
desktop terminals. Its performance is, 
therefore, closely correlated to investment 
banking headcount trends, which remained 
negative through the year.

Global Events

Revenue

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Margin (%)

2013 
£m 

414.7

95.5

23.0

2012 
£m 

413.7

83.7

20.2

Actual 
%

0.2

14.1

Organic 
%

3.0

12.6

The Global Events division incorporates 
our face-to-face media businesses, 
across a range of formats including 
exhibitions, conferences, awards and 
public training courses. In 2013, Global 
Events accounted for 37% of continuing 
Group revenues and 28% of continuing 
adjusted operating profit. 

The Global Events division performed 
well in 2013, with organic revenue 
growth of 3% and profit growth of over 
12%. These headline numbers mask a 
stronger performance from our higher 
margin large events, which in aggregate 
delivered double-digit organic growth 
and accounted for more than 60% 
of divisional revenue. Key highlights 
included Arab Health, Middle East 
Electricity, Cityscape Global and the 
Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress. 
We now have over 275 large events in 
the portfolio.

We also successfully tendered for the 
Agrishow contract in Brazil early in 
the year, and the event, which covers 
exhibition space of over 400,000 square 

metres, ran successfully in April, growing 
its revenues healthily on the previous year.

The strong growth of our large events 
was balanced by the performance of 
our small conference businesses, which 
overall reported a decline year-on-
year. This partly reflected the disposal 
of our businesses in Spain, Italy and 
Portugal in the first half of the year, and 
partly a further pro-active reduction 
in the volume of events run by some 
teams, largely within other European 
territories. These volume cuts reflected 
weak local demand but also a shift in 
emphasis to focus on those events that 
have the scope to be repeated, garner 
international interest and/or have the 
potential to grow into a large event 
through time. 

Much of the revenue lost on small 
conferences in the year had minimal 
margin attached, hence, the impact on 
profit was relatively low, as evidenced by 
the strong growth in divisional profit. 

The attractions of the exhibition model 
and positive underlying market dynamics 

encouraged us to allocate more capital 
to this area in 2013, acquiring a number 
of assets. These included FanExpo in 
Canada, a successful portfolio of consumer 
hobbyist events. While its existing portfolio 
offers further attractive growth potential, 
we also see good scope to leverage the 
concept through geo-cloning into new 
markets around the world.

More recently, we announced the 
acquisition of a majority stake in Baiwen, 
the owner and operator of China 
Beauty Expo (“CBE”). CBE is the largest 
beauty trade event in mainland China, 
comprising three co-located exhibitions 
that take place annually in Shanghai 
in May: Cosmetics China, Cosmetech 
and Beauty Shanghai. In 2013, the 18th 
edition of CBE attracted around 1,700 
exhibitors from 22 countries and some 
250,000 visitors across a floor space of 
approximately 120,000sqm. This was an 
important strategic move for Informa, 
giving us a local operational presence in 
the Chinese exhibition market and further 
strengthening our position in the global 
beauty and aesthetics market. 

21

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC 
Group Chief Executive’s Review continued

TRADING OUTLOOK

A key objective for 2014 is to manage 
the transition in leadership from the 
long standing, former Chief Executive 
as smoothly and effectively as possible. 
Internal controls must remain firm, staff 
motivated and operational focus intact. 
Externally, we must stay engaged and 
consistent with our customer base  
and continue to seize growth and  
value opportunities. 

We should gain some support from  
the wider economy, which appears  
more stable than it has been for five  
years, with several core markets such  
as North America and the UK seemingly 
on a gradual recovery path. Encouragingly, 
core drivers behind this recovery are the 
knowledge-based industries in which we 
operate, underlining our belief in the  
long-term growth opportunities within  
our markets.

Across the Group’s various businesses, 
we see opportunities to improve the 
general level of operational effectiveness. 
These include shared service and central 
cost initiatives, simplifying business 
structures and improving intercompany 
communication and co-operation. We 
also believe we can better leverage our 
Group wide presence in key end markets 
such as healthcare and telecoms, or in 
geographic regions like North America 
and the Middle East.

Academic Publishing remains a resilient 
performer and we expect another good 
performance in 2014. Its core market 
backdrop is stable and demand for 
our content remains strong. We see 
opportunities to build our presence further 
in overseas markets and we will continue 
to invest behind this and other product 
initiatives, such as Cogent OA. The latter 
is now operational and should start to 
generate revenue towards the end of 2014.

The Global Events division continues to 
see strong growth dynamics across its 
large events portfolio, and we have had 
another good start to the year with our 
big exhibitions in the Middle East. We will 
continue to invest behind this growth where 
appropriate, through organic launches,  
geo-cloning and targeted acquisitions.

The major non-annual exhibitions in 2014, 
Formobile (a Brazilian biennial) and IPEX 
(a UK quadrennial), are not anticipated to 
be as material as previous editions, due to 
World Cup disruption at the former, and 
structural pressures on the print industry 
at the latter.

Small conferences are performing less 
well than our large events, diluting overall 
divisional organic growth. We continue to 
rationalise small conference output and 
reduce costs to mitigate the impact, and 
are working hard at ways of improving 
yield and balancing delegate income 
with greater sponsor and exhibitor 
revenue. The recent acquisition of EBD 
Group should help here, adding valuable 
expertise on the ‘partnering’ model, 
including clever proprietary software 
that drives delegate engagement. We are 
planning to roll out this technology to 
several other conferences in our portfolio 
through the year.

Returning the Business Intelligence 
division to growth is a major objective for 
Group management. Within the business 
there are strong assets, but these are 
balanced by other areas where revenues 
are under pressure. There is no doubt that 
trends in some of our core end-markets 
like pharmaceutical and financial services 
remain challenging, with cost efficiency 
programmes common across the customer 
base. But as we better understand how 
technology is impacting the landscape, we 
have the opportunity to further improve 
our commercial competitiveness.

Our Group balance sheet is healthy and 
we remain highly cash generative. We 
will continue to look for both organic and 
inorganic investment opportunities that 
make strategic sense and offer attractive 
long-term returns, and so will be measured 
and rational in allocating capital as 
effectively as possible. As ever, we will also 
ensure the large number of assets we have 
acquired in recent years are fully integrated 
and invested to reap maximum benefits 
over the long-term.

Overall, we have a solid foundation on 
which to build in 2014 and our businesses 
are currently trading in line with our 
expectations. Despite the negative 
translation impact from recent currency 
movements, management will focus on 
both growth and operational fitness to 
deliver continued growth in adjusted 
earnings per share.

Stephen A. Carter CBE
Group Chief Executive

22

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCFinancial Review

This is a solid set of results with earnings growth and strong cash conversion achieved in challenging trading conditions for most of 
our businesses. The Group’s financial position remains robust with the ratio of net debt to EBITDA at 2.2 times.

2013
£m

1,132.4

335.5

29.6

2012
£m

1,110.6

330.5

29.8

Actual
%

2.0

1.5

Organic
%

1.5

(0.5)

GROUP

Revenue

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Margin (%)

ADJUSTED AND STATUTORY RESULTS

IMPAIRMENT

In these Full Year Results we refer to 
adjusted and statutory results and unless 
otherwise indicated the information 
reported is on a continuing basis. 

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 is particularly sensitive to 
movements in the USD and Euro against 
the GBP.

The Group receives approximately 45% of 
its revenues and incurs approximately 35% 
of its costs in USD or currencies pegged 
to USD. Each 1 cent movement in the USD 
to GBP exchange rate has a circa £3.2m 
impact on revenue and a circa £1.4m 
impact on adjusted operating profits and a 
circa 0.19p impact on adjusted diluted EPS. 

The Group receives approximately 9% of 
its revenues and incurs approximately 9% 
of its costs in Euros. Each 1 cent movement 
in the Euro to GBP exchange rate has 
a circa £0.9m impact on revenue and a 
circa £0.3m impact on adjusted operating 
profits and a circa 0.05p impact on 
adjusted diluted EPS. 

With both currencies, offsetting the 
movements in adjusted operating profit will 
be movements in interest and tax liabilities. 
This analysis assumes all other variables, 
including interest rates, remain constant.

For debt covenant testing purposes, both 
profit and debt translation are calculated at 
the average rate of exchange throughout 
the relevant period.

The challenging European economic 
climate has continued to impact the 
financial performance of our European 
Conferences business 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 
£40.5m. The remaining net book value 
of goodwill and intangibles for this CGU 
is £9.2m. 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.

The Group has completed its standard 
year-end review of the carrying value 
of its assets, and in response has made 
impairment charges in respect of the 
Robbins Gioia (“RG”) loan receivable 
(£8.3m) and certain intangible software 
assets (£17.1m).

The loan receivable was established 
on the disposal of 100% of the Group’s 
shareholding in RG in May 2012. It is due 
to be repaid in quarterly instalments from 
2016 to 2022. Following a review of RG’s 
financial results for the second half of 2013 
and projections for 2014, the decision 
was taken to provide for the loan in full. 
However, RG’s financial performance will 
be monitored closely going forward and 
the Group still intends to recover as much 
value as possible from the loan receivable.

The intangible software assets were 
capitalised as part of a multi-stream IT 
integration project. Technology has moved 
forward faster than originally anticipated 
and the main systems introduced in the 
project will not be used after 2013. The 
carrying value of the assets was reviewed 
as part of the year-end process, and the 
value in use generated by the software 
assets was deemed insufficient to support 
the book value. The assets have therefore 
been fully impaired.

RESTRUCTURING AND 
REORGANISATION COSTS

Restructuring and reorganisation costs 
for the year of £14.2m (2012: £9.9m) 
principally relate to the redundancy and 
reorganisation programmes undertaken 
within IBI and the European Conferences 
businesses. The total costs comprise 
redundancy costs of £10.7m (2012: £6.8m), 
reorganisation costs of £3.0m (2012: £2.1m) 
and vacant property provisions of £0.5m 
(2012: £1.0m). 

DISPOSALS

The principal disposal during the year, 
was the sale of the Group’s five Corporate 
Training businesses, although the European 
Conferences businesses in Spain and 
Italy and other small businesses were 
also disposed. A total loss on disposal 
of £102.7m was recognised, including 
directly attributable costs of £11.1m, of 
which £99.3m has been recognised in 
discontinued operations, and £3.4m has 
been recognised within adjusting items. 
Further details are provided in Note 21.

OTHER ADJUSTING ITEMS

A number of acquisitions were made during 
the year, and associated acquisition related 
costs of £5.8m have been recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

During the year, contingent consideration 
was re-measured by £2.5m, which is offset 
by related impairments to other intangible 
assets of £0.3m. 

23

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCFinancial Review continued

ADJUSTED NET FINANCE COSTS

Adjusted net finance costs, which consist principally of interest costs net of interest receivable, decreased by £4.4m from £32.3m to 
£27.9m. The Group maintains a balance of fixed and floating rate debt partly through utilising derivative financial instruments. The 
year-on-year decrease in finance cost occurs as the last of the higher rate fixed interest swaps that were entered into at the time of the 
Datamonitor acquisition in 2007 expired during 2012, resulting in a lower average interest rate in 2012 and 2013. 

TAXATION

Across the Group, tax has been provided on adjusted profits at an adjusted tax rate of 21.5% (2012: 22.8%). This adjusted tax rate benefits 
from profits generated in low tax jurisdictions, 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.

During 2013, the Group paid £71.6m (2012: £45.5m) of Corporation and similar taxes on profits, including approximately £44.0m (2012: 
£33.0m) of UK Corporation Tax. Payments in 2013 included £15.0m in regard to matters agreed with HMRC in 2012. Due to higher 
than expected availability of losses, and other offsets, the payments in respect of the agreed matters were some £6.0m lower than 
expected last year. The impact of the closure and payment of UK tax issues and also the conclusion of various overseas tax audits was 
assessed during the year and a further £13.7m release of tax provisions was made. This followed the release of £60.0m in 2012. Both of 
these amounts have been reflected as adjusting items in the accounts.

The Group tax charge on statutory Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) was 10.9% (2012: 33.1% negative). The statutory tax rate reported 
for both 2013 and 2012 was affected by the release from tax provisions noted above and impairment charges which were not 
deductible for tax purposes.

Our effective tax charge reconciles to cash taxes paid as follows:

Tax charge on adjusted PBT per Consolidated Income Statement

Deferred taxes

Current tax on adjusting items

Taxes paid in relation to earlier years less 2013 taxes payable in later periods

Withholding and other tax payments

Total corporate taxes paid

Taxes refunded from German authorities

Taxes paid in relation to discontinued operations

Net income taxes paid per Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND

2013
£m

66.1

2.0

(17.1)

16.6

1.5

69.1

(0.2)

2.7

71.6

2012
£m

68.1

(0.6)

(16.8)

(3.2)

2.3

49.8

(5.8)

1.5

45.5

Adjusted diluted EPS of 40.1p (2012: 38.2p) is 5% ahead of 2012 and statutory diluted EPS of 17.1p (2012: 15.5p) is 10% ahead of 2012. 

The Board has proposed a second interim dividend of 12.50p per share (2012: 12.50p per share). This dividend will be paid on  
27 May 2014 to ordinary shareholders registered as of the close of business on 2 May 2014. This will result in a total dividend for the 
year of 18.90p per share (2012: 18.50p per share). Dividend cover has remained consistent at 2.2 times total earnings (2012: 2.2 times) 
on an adjusted earnings basis.

24

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCCASH FLOW

The Group continues to generate strong cash flows with operating cash flow improving to £331.4m in 2013. This strength is reflected in  
a cash conversion rate, expressed as a ratio of operating cash flow (as calculated below) to adjusted operating profit, of 99% (2012: 94%). 

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations

Depreciation of PP&E

Amortisation 

Share-based payments

EBITDA from continuing operations

Net capital expenditure

Working capital movement (net of restructuring and reorganisation accruals)

Operating cash flow from continuing operations

Restructuring and reorganisation 

Net interest

Taxation

Free cash flow 

Operating cash flow of discontinued operations

Acquisitions less disposals

Dividends

Net shares (acquired)/issued

Net funds flow

Opening net debt

Non-cash items

Foreign exchange

Closing net debt

2013
£m 

335.5

6.4

15.8

2.2

359.9

(14.4)

(14.1)

331.4

(20.1)

(30.1)

(71.6)

209.6

4.5

(90.2)

(114.0)

(0.4)

9.5

(802.4)

(1.1)

11.8

(782.2)

2012
£m

330.5

6.5

13.8

3.8

354.6

(21.4)

(22.5)

310.7

(13.2)

(32.5)

(45.5)

219.5

18.3

(174.4)

(107.4)

0.3

(43.7)

(784.0)

(1.1)

26.4

(802.4)

In the year ended 31 December 2013, before taking into account dividends, spend on acquisitions or proceeds from the sale of assets, 
the Group generated free cash flow of £209.6m (2012: £219.5m). The decrease year-on-year is principally caused by the settlement of 
historic tax liabilities.

The increase in net debt arising from acquisitions was £137.7m (2012: £167.3m) which comprises current year acquisitions of £132.0m 
(2012: £151.5m) and consideration in respect of acquisitions completed in prior years of £5.7m (2012: £15.8m). This was offset by a 
decrease in net debt arising from disposals of £47.5m inflow (2012: £7.1m outflow). 

The Group made a number of disposals during the period for total consideration of £87.4m (2012: £13.1m), generating a net loss on 
disposal of £102.7m.

Net debt decreased by £20.2m from £802.4m to £782.2m, driven primarily by a cash inflow of £9.5m and exchange rate movements 
of £11.8m. During the year the Group paid dividends of £114.0m.

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 2013 both financial covenants were 
comfortably achieved. The ratio of net debt (using average exchange rates) to EBITDA was 2.2 times (2012: 2.1 times). The ratio of 
EBITDA to net interest payable was 13.0 times (2012: 11.5 times).

25

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCThe Group’s solvency risk (its ability to 
meet its liabilities in full) is also considered 
low. The exposure with regards to the 
potential impairment of goodwill and 
intangibles relating to the European 
Conferences CGU is minimised by the 
further impairment recognised in the year, 
as outlined in Note 16 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Around 2% 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 (9% 
of the Group total in 2013) and costs 
denominated in Euros (9%).

Financial Review continued

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no significant events  
since the reporting date. 

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. Customers located in 
Continental Europe generated 22% of 
annual revenue, although only 9% 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 £31.9m of cash 
and cash equivalents at 31 December 
2013, of which EUR 2.3m 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 2013 there is headroom 
of £251.1m 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 £442.2m private 
placement financing is denominated in 
EUR. For further details see Note 31 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

During 2013 we have completed a 
number of bolt-on acquisitions and we 
strengthened our Global Events division 
with the acquisitions of EBD Group and 
Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd. 

Acquisitions have to meet strict 
acquisition criteria which include 
delivering returns in excess of the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital 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 2012 was 11%. 

DEFERRED INCOME

Deferred income is £316.0m (2012: 
£308.1m) at 31 December 2013, an 8% 
increase on a constant currency basis 
compared to the same date in 2012. 
Deferred income arises primarily from 
advance subscriptions and forward 
bookings for trade shows, exhibitions or 
conferences. Subscriptions generated by 
our Academic Publishing and Business 
Intelligence businesses 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 2013 
of £5.4m (2012: £17.5m).

Following the completion of the triennial 
valuations of the defined benefit schemes 
in 2011, a revised deficit funding plan was 
agreed with the trustees to eliminate the 
deficits in both schemes. The contributions 
paid towards reducing the scheme deficits 
will decrease from £4.4m in 2013 to £3.1m 
in 2014. The contributions for the ongoing 
service will be £nil in 2014 as both schemes 
are closed to future accrual of benefits.

26

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC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 Publishing, Business Intelligence and Global Events 
businesses. Unless otherwise indicated the information reported is on a continuing basis.

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS

GEARING RATIO

.

m
5
0
3
3
£

m
5

.

5
3
3
£

m
3

.

3
1
3
£

m
4
.
1
9
2
£

.

m
0
0
9
2
£

p
5
7
3

.

p
0
6
3

.

p
8

.

2
3

p
1
.
0
4

p
2

.

8
3

s
e
m

i
t

7

.

2

s
e
m

i
t
3

.

2

s
e
m

i
t

1
.

2

s
e
m

i
t

1
.

2

s
e
m

i
t

2

.

2

3.5 times

3.5 times

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Aim:  
To deliver strong underlying performance

Aim:  
To deliver consistent year on year growth

Aim:  
Management of debt covenants

The Group's underlying business performance 
remains strong.

During 2013, adjusted diluted EPS grew 5%.

The Group maintains strong covenant 
headroom.

FREE CASH FLOW

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH

DIVIDEND PER SHARE

m
5

.
1
1
2

m
8

.
1
0
2

m
2
7
8
1

.

m
5

.

9
1
2

.

m
6
9
0
2

%

1
.
0

%

1
.

2

%
5

.
1

%
2

.
1
1
-

%
0
.
1
-

p
5

.

8
1

p
9

.

8
1

p
8

.

6
1

p
0
4
1

.

p
5

.
1
1

2009
2009

20102010

20112011

20122012

20132013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Aim:  
Conversion of profit into cash

Aim:  
To deliver continued organic growth

Aim:  
To deliver continued dividend growth

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

During 2013, the Group achieved organic 
growth of 1.5%.

The Group continues to deliver a strong  
return to shareholders.

27

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC 
 
 
 
 
Principal Risk Factors

It is important to ensure we have effective and proportionate processes in place to control and manage risks faced by the Group as a 
whole. This is recognised in everything we do, and is fundamental to the performance of each of the business divisions. 

A number of factors could potentially affect the Group’s operating results and financial position (“principal risk factors”). The Group 
adopts a risk management process which is intended to ensure a consistent and coherent approach to managing the principal risk 
factors that are described in this section. These principal risk factors have been identified by an assessment of their material impact 
and relative likelihood of occurrence to all, or parts of the Group, and can be categorised as being either financial, commercial, 
reputational, ethical or regulatory risks. 

The Risk Committee is a sub-committee of, and is accountable to, the Audit Committee which, along with Internal Audit, provides oversight 
to help ensure that there is a system of suitable internal controls in place to mitigate the impact and likelihood of each principal risk factor. 

Policies and procedures have been implemented to assist with risk management. These are designed to help ensure a level of 
compliance across the Group, to support the identification of any new risks, and to enhance the Group’s ability to respond effectively 
to risks, if they crystallise. 

Each principal risk factor is assigned to an appropriate member of the Risk Committee, who is accountable to the Risk Committee  
for that risk. The principal risk factors are managed either at an operational level, Group level, or a combination of both. 

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 beneath the description on 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.

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.

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 Publishing 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 
decreases in such budgets are likely to adversely affect the Group’s results within its 
Academic Publishing division.

3. The Group’s continued growth depends, in part, on its 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.

The Group is constantly developing its 
product types and content range 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 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 on a case-by-case basis.

28

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC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 Global Events 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.

 5. A major accident at an exhibition or event

The Global Events division organises events that can be attended by large numbers of 
visitors on any given day, which results in operational health and safety risks including 
fire safety, structural collapse of a stand, food hygiene, crowd control, security and 
access and egress in an emergency. Additionally, the Global Events division does not 
normally own the venues it operates from, instead hiring floor space on a tenancy basis 
with the contractual agreement to comply with, and is dependent on the operators of 
the venues to have adequate safety policies in place, which comply with all regulations in 
the local jurisdiction. At its most severe, this could result in loss of life through accidents 
or incidents at an exhibition or event as well as major injuries and other significant loss. 
Due to the geographic reach of the Global Events division the Group is exposed to 
various jurisdictions with the applicable compliance requirements.

 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 Global Events 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.

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.

Mitigation continued

To mitigate this risk, the Group 
continuously monitors changes in its 
market 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.

The risks are mitigated by the Group’s Health 
and Safety policy which is considered and 
approved by the Board. The divisional CEO’s 
have the responsibility for ensuring the 
operational safety and compliance of their 
respective businesses. The implementation 
of the policies is the responsibility of local 
management teams, with the Group Health 
and Safety Manager (Events) available to 
assist with the implementation. The venues 
used for our events are risk assessed against 
minimum Company criteria. 

A programme of annual internal audits and 
governance reviews are carried out by our 
Internal Audit department; in 2013 these 
included visits to various events in different 
geographical regions and focused on the 
health and safety management of high risk 
events. The Event Operations managers 
meet as a Group to discuss the health and 
safety issues and share best practice on 
an annual basis. The Group HR Director 
reports on Health and Safety issues to the 
Risk Committee.

Business continuity plans have been 
implemented across the Group, including 
disaster recovery programmes, and plans 
to minimise business disruption. The 
Group also has relevant insurance cover 
for certain occurrences.

 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.

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

The Group’s businesses are increasingly dependent on digital platforms and 
distribution systems, which primarily deliver the Group’s products through the internet. 
Any significant failure or interruption in availability of key systems, or the Group’s 
critical IT infrastructure could thereby restrict the Group’s ability to provide services  
to customers and colleagues.

The Group regularly invests in its IT 
capabilities including technical controls, 
robust backups of IT systems and 
development and testing of Disaster 
Recovery Plans to limit impact to business 
operations as a result of dependency on 
IT systems.

29

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCPrincipal Risk Factors continued

Risk continued

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

The Group has valuable information databases and as part of its business provides 
its customers and colleagues with access to these. There are persons who may try to 
breach the Group’s information security controls to compromise or gain unauthorised 
access to its databases in order to misappropriate such information for potentially 
fraudulent purposes or obtain competitive advantage. 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 and/or regulatory 
supervision of these activities in a way that could adversely affect this aspect of the 
Group’s business.

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.

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, then that 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 that may have a reputational impact to the Group. 

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. 

Mitigation continued

The Group regularly invests in improving 
information security to protect the 
confidentiality, integrity and availability of 
its information assets against cyberattacks 
or misuse. These efforts are led by a 
designated information security officer. 
In the event of unauthorised access, 
the Group would protect its intellectual 
property (“IP”) as outlined in point 12.

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 and regularly monitoring  
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.

30

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCRisk continued

Mitigation continued

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

The Group is required to comply with strict data protection and privacy legislation 
which restricts the Group’s ability to collect and use personal information. The Group is 
exposed to the risk that this 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 goodwill of individuals such as customers 
or employees. 

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

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 
one 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.

16. Leadership and Management Succession

Informa plc has benefited from effective continuous leadership for much of the last 
25 years. The Board were conscious of this and the need for active management of 
leadership change that would be provoked by the retirement of the long standing Chief 
Executive, Peter Rigby.

During the recruitment process for Peter Rigby’s successor, the Board placed 
a significant premium on recruiting and appointing an individual who would be 
sufficiently understanding and appreciative of the Informa culture, and operating 
model, but at the same time able to bring the necessary objectivity and refresh that 
any business which has been led by the same management for 25 years, would rightly 
be required.

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 an Information 
Protection Steering Committee, a sub-
committee of the Risk Committee.

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

 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 
conducts credit risk assessments on a 
half-yearly basis to ensure the external 
receivables are correctly recorded in the 
Group’s Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position.

Stephen Carter took over as Group Chief 
Executive at the beginning of 2014. The 
Board believes that the combination of 
his executive career, his perspective as a 
Non-Executive Director of the Group, and 
the induction and handover process that 
ran in conjunction with his predecessor, will 
serve to mitigate the management transition 
risks. The Board nevertheless acknowledge 
that leadership and management success 
in these circumstances constitute a risk 
that may impact various aspects of the 
Group, including trading, market perception, 
organisational and operational structures.

31

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCCorporate Responsibility

EMMA BLANEY 
GROUP HR DIRECTOR

ple
o
e
P

“2013 saw the implementation of new 
reporting requirements for UK companies. 
We welcome the inclusion of social and 
environmental issues into mainstream 
reporting. Our view is that our long-
term success depends on our ability to 
effectively manage these issues and we 
appreciate the opportunity to share our 
approach and performance with our 
stakeholders in the financial community. 

As a result, we have invested a lot of effort 
this year in measuring our global carbon 
footprint to meet the new requirements. 
Likewise, the mandatory reporting on 
diversity reminds us that we always had a 
very balanced workforce, both across the 
business and at senior levels. We see this as 
one of our strengths in a fiercely competitive 
market. The drive towards greater 
transparency is a good thing and we fully 
intend to turn it into a business advantage.”

MANAGING OUR ISSUES

We refer to our Corporate Responsibility 
(“CR”) activities as “Louder than 
Words” and our strategy rests on four 
priorities. Three of our priorities stand 
for responsibilities we share with other 
industries, namely People, Community and 
Environment. However, our key priority – 
Content – relates uniquely to our role as a 
trusted provider of knowledge. Summarised 
briefly, our priorities are as follows:

•  Our Content refers to our ability to 
deliver knowledge that is always 
professionally produced, rigorously 
researched and properly disseminated;

•  Our People refers to creating a flexible, 
inclusive workplace, developing the 
skills and passion of employees; 

•  Our Environment refers to managing 

our key environmental impacts across 
our operations; and

•  Our Community refers to our direct  
and indirect community impacts.

32

“Louder than Words” is headed up by 
Emma Blaney, Group HR Director, with 
support from a small dedicated CR team 
and external advisers. The CR team reports 
directly into the Group Chief Executive. 
Local ownership of “Louder than Words” 
is located with a network of 21 CR leaders 
from across the Group with whom the CR 
team meet regularly. The CR team also 
works closely with Group Marketing, Human 
Resources, Investor Relations and Facilities 
Managers across the Group.

“Louder than Words” is fully aligned 
with the Group’s strategic priorities and 
we disclose relevant information to our 
stakeholders through our own reporting 
and through third party initiatives such 
as FTSE4Good, Dow Jones Sustainability 
Indices (“DJSI”) and CDP.

This is only a summary of our activities.  
A detailed overview of our priorities  
and performance can be found in our  
CR Report.

MAINTAINING TRUST IN OUR CONTENT

As a business, we strive to bring news, 
analysis and thinking together in a form 
that resonates, challenges and informs our 
audiences. Although the ways in which 
we do this vary greatly between the many 
formats and fields we work in, it is material 
for us to deliver high quality, trusted 
content across the Board. Our publication 
Lloyd’s List has been providing reliable 
information since 1734; an object lesson in 
quality assurance and continued innovation  
that we seek to emulate across our 
portfolio of services and products.

Within our Academic Publishing  
division, we believe that peer review is 
more relevant than ever as the system 
for evaluating the quality, validity and 
relevance of scholarly research. We have in 
place rigorous peer review and screening 
processes to this effect and we continue 
to work with the Committee on Publication 
Ethics (“COPE”) to promote integrity 

in research publication. Our Business 
Intelligence division operates an editorial 
and content code, to which all editorial 
staff must adhere. Our event production 
process is strongly research driven 
and some of our major events employ 
independent advisory Boards to shape 
the agenda and ensure original content. In 
addition to our formal codes, we regularly 
share insights on editorial practice and 
content production across the Group.

INNOVATING FOR THE LONG-TERM 

We continue our migration towards 
digital platforms and delivery methods. 
Symptomatically, Lloyd’s List, starting its 
life as a printed notice pinned to a coffee 
shop wall in London, became a digital-only 
service at the end of 2013. We also created 
the new role of Chief Content Officer for 
Informa Business Information to help us 
realise our digital ambitions. On the events 
side, we acquired the company EBD 
Group, providing us with cutting-edge 
software tools to enhance participants’ 
experience at conferences and events, 
virtually and offline.

We are committed to being at the 
forefront of industry developments 
within Open Access (“OA”) publishing. 
Following consultations with key university 
stakeholders, authors, funders and 
librarians, we have significantly developed 
our capabilities in this area. Virtually all of 
our journals offer an OA option, up from 
two-thirds at the end of 2012. We also 
launched Cogent OA in 2013, an innovative 
new OA publisher offering publications 
across a diverse set of fields. Cogent OA 
stands for the highest standards of peer 
review and online presentation, benefitting 
from the resources and experiences of a 
major publisher, but otherwise operating 
autonomously to spearhead the next 
wave of developments in scholarly 
communications. Having embraced OA 
as a strategic opportunity, we are excited 
about serving the research community in 
yet more ways. 

EMPLOYING AND DEVELOPING  
THE BEST PEOPLE TO MANAGE  
OUR CONTENT

Since knowledge is our lifeblood, we are 
only as strong as the people we employ. 
Hence, we do everything we can to 
attract the best employees, giving them 
the opportunities to develop their skills, 
progress within their specialisation and 
work flexibly where possible. Informa 
Academy, our internal training centre, 
noted an increase of 15% in webinar and 
course attendance in 2013.

“Freedom to succeed” is a defining 
principle of our workplace. We 
pride ourselves in maintaining an 

STRATEGIC REPORTAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCentrepreneurial mind-set and avoiding 
bureaucracy where we can. We offer 
flexible working arrangements in most of 
our businesses. We are also supporters of 
the UK Government’s “Think, Act, Report” 
scheme to promote gender equality in 
the workforce, particularly in relation 
to recruitment, retention, promotion 
and pay. In 2013, we were ranked in 5th 
place in the “large company category” of 
Britain’s Top Employers, being recognised 
for providing excellent employee 
conditions and nurturing and developing 
talent at all levels. Informa Middle East 
also received the “Employer of the Year” 
award at the 2013 Middle East Event 
Awards. The award recognises employers 

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

%
7
6

%
3
3

%
4
6

%
6
3

%
3
4

%
7
5

Directors

Senior 
Managers

Employees

 Male

 Female

boasting a stimulating and supportive 
workplace with well-motivated, well 
trained employees. 

We believe that well-being in the workplace 
translates into good business. During 2013 
we ran the inaugural, company-wide fitness 
challenge, “February Fitness”, which saw 
100 teams from across the world competing 
to support their favourite charity. Just over 
50,000 miles were covered by employees 
over the month through running/walking, 
swimming or cycling. We also extended our 
wellness activities with the launch of “21 
Days of Nutrition”, helping our employees 
make the best dietary choices. 

MANAGING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

As a large company, we have direct environmental impacts through our operations. Primarily, these impacts relate to the greenhouse 
gas (“GHG”) emissions stemming from the electricity and gas we consume at our offices. GHG emissions contribute to climate change 
and, in response, we seek to understand and minimise our energy usage. As we have over 140 offices in 24 countries, this remains a 
challenge. We have stepped up our data gathering efforts, though, and our coverage is significantly higher than it was last year.  
We focus on driving down emissions in the bigger offices where we control the energy bill and have facility managers in place.

2013 global GHG emissions data (tonnes of CO2e)

Emissions from

Scope 1 (Gas, Fuel and Car Mileage)

Scope 2 (Electricity and Steam)

Total Scope 1 and 2

The chosen intensity measurement is 
tonnes CO2e per employee, based on the 
average employee number in 2013 (6,594). 

We are also managing our impacts 
associated with the journals and books we 
produce. Overall, we are moving towards 
digital rather than print formats across 
our publications, while, in our day-to-day 
operations, we have continued to reduce 
these impacts through:

•  better forecasting of journal print  
runs and increasing use of print on 
demand (“POD”);

•  biodegradable packaging for journals;

• 

reducing the standard paper weight  
for our journals; and

•  printing more of our publications on 
either FSC or PEFC certified paper.

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

We support the principles laid out in the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 
continue to assess the impacts we have on 
communities and individuals through our 
direct operations and indirectly. 

The right to privacy is business critical to 
us. We continue to respect the privacy of 
our employees, customers and business 
partners and are committed to handling 
personal information responsibly and in 
compliance with all relevant privacy and data 
protection laws. Our view is that privacy is 
as much a social challenge as it is a legal 
challenge. In October 2013, we launched our 
Global Information Protection Governance 
and Compliance Framework which is 
designed to ensure that we meet our 
global obligations relating to the treatment 
of personal information. The Framework 
launch was accompanied by a Group-wide 
awareness campaign designed to promote 
the importance of observing good standards 
of information protection and to encourage 
employees to take personal responsibility  
for the information they use and produce. 

Tonnes CO2e
2,845

8,409 

11,254

Intensity (tonnes 
CO2e/employee)

1.73

Our approach to maintaining high labour 
and environmental standards in the supply 
chain is guided by our membership of 
PRELIMS, a collaboration between 13 
leading UK and US publishers. Together 
with our peers in the sector we have 
developed a code of conduct, setting  
out the standards we expect our suppliers 
to adhere to. Suppliers may be asked to 
undertake an audit against the code and 
can then share the audit results with as 
many members of PRELIMS as relevant. 
This prevents suppliers from having to 
do multiple, similar audits for individual 
members as was common practice in  
the past. 

FURTHER INFORMATION ON 
“LOUDER THAN WORDS”

Our stand-alone CR Report contains 
additional information on all the activities 
described above and more. The report  
is available on the Group website at  
www.informa.com. 

33

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC1

4

7

9

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 

> Directors

3

6

8

34

2

5

10

>  Non–Executive  

Directors appointed  
on 1 January 2014

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC1 Derek Mapp
Non-Executive Chairman 2 (63)
Derek Mapp joined the Board of Taylor 
& Francis Group plc as a Non-Executive 
Director in 1998. 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. 
He is currently Non-Executive Chairman of 
Salmon Developments plc and Executive 
Chairman of Imagesound plc. On 17 March 
2008, he was appointed as Non-Executive 
Chairman. He is also Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee.

2 Stephen A. Carter CBE
Group Chief Executive (50)
Stephen Carter was appointed CEO-
Designate on 1 September 2013 and Group 
Chief Executive on 1 January 2014, having 
previously served on the Board of Informa 
plc as an independent Non-Executive 
Director and as a member of the Audit 
Committee. Stephen is also Chairman of 
the Board at the Ashridge Business School, 
and a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare 
Company. Stephen was previously the 
President/Managing Director, Europe, 
Middle East and Africa for Alcatel Lucent, 
and was a member of the Executive 
Management Board. He is a Life Peer.

3 Dr Pamela Kirby 
Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director 2 3 (60)
Dr Pamela 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 and 
Nephew plc, Victrex plc and DCC plc. She 
was a member of the Board of Simmons 
and Simmons LLP, 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. Dr Kirby was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director of Informa on 
1 September 2004. She is a member of 
both the Remuneration Committee and 
the Nomination Committee. She was also 
appointed as Senior Independent Non-
Executive Director on 17 March 2008.  
She will step down as Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director at the AGM on  
23 May 2014.

4 John Davis 
Non-Executive Director 1 2 3 (51) 
Having qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant with Price Waterhouse, John 
Davis has worked extensively within 
the media sector most recently as the 
Chief Financial Officer of Yell Group 
plc (renamed Hibu 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. He was 
appointed as a Non-Executive Director 
with effect from 1 October 2005 and is 
a member of the Audit, Nomination, and 
Remuneration Committees.

5 Dr Brendan O’Neill 
Non-Executive Director 1 3 (65)
Dr Brendan 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  
a Non-Executive Director of Emap plc 
from 1995 to 2002. Dr O’Neill was 
appointed as a Non-Executive Director 
with effect from 1 January 2008. He  
chairs the Audit Committee and is a 
member of the Remuneration Committee. 

6 Cindy Rose
Non-Executive Director 1 (48)
Cindy Rose joined the Board of Informa as 
an independent Non-Executive Director 
on 1 March 2013. She is Managing Director 
of Vodafone UK’s Consumer division. She 
was formerly Executive Director of Digital 
Entertainment at Virgin Media, and has 
held a variety of Senior Executive roles 
with The Walt Disney Company. Cindy is  
a member of the Audit Committee.

7 Rupert Hopley
Company Secretary (44)
Rupert Hopley is the Company Secretary, 
Group General Counsel and Global Head 
of Compliance. He joined Informa on 
1 November 2011. He trained as a solicitor 
at Allen and Overy and worked in their 
corporate finance department before 
joining Cable and Wireless plc in 2004. He 
held various roles at Cable and Wireless, 
including Head of M&A and Deputy General 
Counsel, before joining Expedia Inc. in 2008 
as their General Counsel (EMEA). 

1  Audit Committee
2  Nomination Committee
3  Remuneration Committee

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
APPOINTED ON 1 JANUARY 2014

8 Geoffrey Cooper
Non-Executive Director 3 (59)
Geoffrey Cooper joined the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014. 
He is Non-Executive Chairman of Dunelm 
plc and Chairman of Bourne Leisure 
Holdings Ltd, the Constructions Products 
Association and Truth Corps Ltd. He is 
a Chartered Management Accountant 
and had a career in management 
consultancy before joining Somerfield 
as Finance Director in 1990. In 1994, he 
became Finance Director of UniChem plc, 
subsequently Alliance UniChem plc (which 
later became part of Alliance Boots plc), 
where he was appointed Deputy Chief 
Executive in 2001. He was Chief Executive 
of Travis Perkins plc from 2004 to 2013 
and retired from the Travis Perkins Board 
in March 2014. He is Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee.

9 Helen Owers 
Non-Executive Director 3 (50)
Helen Owers joined the Board as a 
Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014. 
She is a Non-Executive Director at PZ 
Cussons, Wragge and Co LLP and The Eden 
Project. She was previously President, 
Global Businesses at Thomson Reuters and 
more recently, Chief Development Officer, 
with a remit to expand the Thomson Reuters’ 
emerging markets presence. Before joining 
Thomson Reuters, Helen worked as a media 
and telecoms strategy consultant with Gemini 
Consulting and in academic and professional 
publishing with Prentice Hall. She is a 
member of the Remuneration Committee.

10 Gareth Bullock
Non-Executive Director 1 (60)
Gareth Bullock joined the Board as a Non-
Executive Director on 1 January 2014. He is 
also a Non-Executive Director of Tesco plc 
and Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited, 
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc and Global 
Market Group Ltd. He is a member of the 
Advisory Council of Good Governance 
Group (G3) and a Trustee of the British 
Council. Gareth was Group Executive 
Director of Standard Chartered plc until 
his retirement in April 2010 and was also 
responsible for the Standard Chartered 
plc’s risk function. He is a member of  
the Audit Committee.

DIRECTORS WHO LEFT ON 
31 DECEMBER 2013
Peter Rigby, Chief Executive, retired from 
the Company on 31 December 2013 and 
Adam Walker, Finance Director, resigned 
from the Company on 31 December 2013. 
For their biographies, please refer to page 
36 of the 2012 Informa Annual Report, 
which is available online.

35

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLC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 

DEPOSITORY BANK

BNY Mellon

101 Barclay Street,  
22nd Floor 
New York, NY 10286 
www.bnymellon.com 

PRINCIPAL SOLICITORS 

Clifford Chance LLP

10 Upper Bank Street  
London E14 5JJ 
www.cliffordchance.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

36

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report 
and Accounts 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 2013. This 
Directors’ Report forms part of the Strategic 
Report of the Company as required by the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013, which 
can be found on pages 2 to 33. 

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 2013, the Company’s 
registered office was Lime Grove House, 
Green Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 2ST. 
On 1 April 2014, the Company’s registered 
office was changed to 22 Grenville Street, 
St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PX. 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.

As announced on 10 December 2013, 
the Board has resolved to recommend 
that the corporate domicile of the Parent 
Company of the Group should return 
to the UK during 2014. This is subject 
to shareholder approval. A shareholder 
circular and prospectus will be issued to 
shareholders and a General Meeting (“GM”) 
is anticipated to be held sometime in the 
second half of 2014.

STRATEGIC REPORT

The Strategic Report describes the 
Company’s performance during the 
year, business model, strategy, principal 
risk factors and corporate responsibility 
activities. As a whole the Annual Report 
and Accounts provides information about 
the Group’s businesses, its financial 
performance during the year and likely 
future developments. 

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 September 2012 is set out 
on pages 41 to 44, and forms part of this 
report by reference.

The Strategic Report as set out on  
pages 2 to 33 of this document, forms 
the management report for the purposes 
of the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s 
Disclosure and Transparency Rule 
(“DTR”) 4.1.8R. 

The notice concerning forward-looking 
statements is set out on page 146. 
References to the Company may also 
include references to the Group.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) will 
be held on 23 May 2014, at Radisson Blu 
Hotel, Flughafen Zürich, CH-8058 Zurich, 
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 27 May 2014 to 
ordinary shareholders registered as at the 
close of business on 2 May 2014. Together 
with the first interim dividend of 6.40p per 
ordinary share paid on 12 September 2013, 
this makes a total for the year of 18.90p per 
ordinary share (2012: 18.50p). 

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 pages 36 and 
147. 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 34 and 35, which 
includes brief biographical details. 

The Non-Executive Directors of Informa, 
being Derek Mapp, Dr Pamela Kirby, John 
Davis and Dr Brendan O’Neill were all re-
elected as Directors at the AGM held on 
15 May 2013. Cindy Rose was appointed to 
the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 
1 March 2013 and was elected as a Non-
Executive Director at the AGM held on 
15 May 2013. Geoffrey Cooper, Helen Owers 
and Gareth Bullock were appointed to 
the Board as Non-Executive Directors on 

1 January 2014 and will stand for election 
at the AGM on 23 May 2014. Dr Pamela 
Kirby will step down as Senior Independent 
Director and from the Board at the AGM 
on 23 May 2014. Stephen Carter was 
re-elected as a Non-Executive Director 
at the AGM in 2013. He stepped down 
from this role to take up the role of CEO-
Designate on 1 September 2013 and took 
up the role of Group Chief Executive on 
1 January 2014. Peter Rigby retired as Chief 
Executive, and Adam Walker resigned as 
Finance Director, on 31 December 2013. 
There were no further changes to the 
Board during the year. 

The remuneration and interests of 
the Directors who held office as at 
31 December 2013 in the share capital of the 
Company are set out in the Remuneration 
Report on pages 50 to 65. All the Directors 
offer themselves for election or re-election 
as noted above, by shareholders at the 
AGM to be held on 23 May 2014. Details of 
the contracts of the Executive and Non-
Executive Directors with the Company can 
be found on pages 55 and 63. 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. Further 
information on payments to Directors can 
be found in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 55 and 60. No Director was materially 
interested in any contract of significance. 

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. Information 
on appointments to the Board in 2013 can 
be found in the Nomination Committee 
Report on page 49. 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. 

37

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Directors’ Report continued

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 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.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The Company is required to disclose the 
Group’s greenhouse gas emissions as 
required by the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) 
Regulations 2013. Details of the Group’s 
emissions are contained in the Corporate 
Responsibility section of the Strategic 
Report which can be found on pages  
32 and 33 and form part of the Directors’ 
Report disclosures.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

The Group made no political donations 
during the year.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In relation to the use of financial 
instruments by the Group, a review 
is included within Note 32 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

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 32.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

There have been no significant events  
since the reporting date, except as  
outlined in Note 40.

SHARE INFORMATION

Substantial Shareholdings 

As at 31 December 2013, the Company had 
been notified of the following substantial 
interests (over 3%) in the issued ordinary 
share capital of the Company. The table 
below details those shares held under 
discretionary management and therefore 
total voting rights. 

Lazard Asset Management

Invesco Limited

Norges Bank

FMR LLC (Fidelity)

Standard Life Investments Ltd

Prudential Plc Group of Companies

AXA Investment Managers UK Ltd

As at 31 December 2013

As at 26 March 2014

Number 
of shares

36,209,894

32,885,072

30,298,228

30,022,241

29,987,315

29,956,016

29,941,074

%
 held

6.00%

5.45%

5.02%

4.97%

4.97%

4.96%

4.96%

Number 
of shares

35,582,059

32,885,072

30,298,228

30,205,516

30,063,942

29,956,016

29,941,074

% 
held

5.89%

5.45%

5.02%

5.00%

4.98%

4.96%

4.96%

Share Capital

As at 31 December 2013, the Company’s 
issued share capital comprised 603,941,249 
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 33 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 

38

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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. 

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 63. 

Purchase of Own Shares

At the end of the year, the Directors had 
authority, under a shareholders’ resolution 
passed on 15 May 2013, to purchase 
through the market up to 10% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary shares as at 
9 April 2013 (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 23 May 2014.

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 31 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

EMPLOYEE CONSULTATION 

The Group manages an ongoing program 
to ensure staff are informed on matters 
affecting them and are provided with 
regular updates on the performance of 
the Group. This is achieved by inviting 
staff to view the half and full year results 
presentations, delivering half and full year 
results presentations adapted for staff by 
webinar, providing a Q&A facility, email 
updates and informal and formal meetings. 
All material is recorded and available on 
the Intranet for staff unable to join at the 
prescribed times.

The Group actively seeks regular feedback 
from staff. In 2013 comprehensive staff 
surveys were conducted in Taylor & 
Francis, Informa Business Information and 
many of our Global Events businesses. 
Results of these surveys and subsequent 
action plans were shared with staff.

The Group continues to participate in the 
UK Top Employers ranking. The ranking 
involves questioning on many factors, 

including links to employee consultation 
and engagement. In 2013 Informa was 
ranked 5th overall for all UK companies.

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 53.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

Informa believes in equality of opportunity 
and all recruitment and promotion 
opportunities are based solely on merit. No 
individual employee or potential employee 
will receive less favourable treatment 
on the grounds of age, gender, sexual 
orientation, disability, colour, race, religion, 
nationality or ethnicity.

The Companies equal opportunity policy 
not only covers recruitment and promotion 
but also training and development 
opportunities. The policy also acts as a 
guide to all staff and management on 
acceptable behaviour at work standards.

In situations where an individual 
employees’ circumstances change, it is our 
policy to do everything reasonably possible 
to ensure we facilitate a successful return 
to work, be it in the same job or a different 
role. The Group has a very proactive 
approach to flexible working opportunities 
and as a result currently 14% of our UK 
work force are part time.

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.

39

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013• 

• 

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 risk factors.

In addition, each of the Directors as at the 
date of this report considers the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

Approved by the Board and signed on 
its behalf by

Rupert Hopley
Company Secretary
21 February 2014

Directors’ Report continued

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

•  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:

GOING CONCERN BASIS 

Each of the persons who is a Director 
(noted on pages 34 and 35) at the date 
of approval of this Annual Report and 
Accounts confirms that:

The Group’s business activities, together 
with the principal risk factor likely to affect 
its future development, performance and 
position are set out in the Chairman’s 
Statement and Strategic Report on pages 
2 to 33.

As set out on pages 28 to 31 a number 
of principal risk factors 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.

The Group’s net debt and banking 
covenants are discussed in the Financial 
Review on page 25 and the exposure to 
liquidity risk is discussed in Note 32 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Group sensitises its projections 
to reflect possible changes in trading 
performance and cash conversions, taking 
into account its substantial deferred 
revenues (£316.0m at 31 December 2013). 
These forecasts and projections for the 
period up to 31 December 2015, 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 2013.

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 34 and 35, 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. 

40

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Corporate Governance Statement

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

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 September 
2012. As a company listed on the London 
Stock Exchange, Informa is subject to the 
Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority (the “FCA”) 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 2013, except for the external 
evaluation of the Board (Code Provision 
B.6.2) as explained below and on page 42. 
Together this report, the Audit Committee 
Report, the Nomination Committee Report 
and the Remuneration Report on pages 
41 to 65, explain how the Company has 
applied the principles and supporting 
principles of good governance set out in 
the Code. In accordance with the Code, the 
Audit Committee has provided assurance 
to the Board that the Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable and all the matters that 
have been brought to the attention of the 
Board during the year have been reflected 
in the Annual Report and Accounts.

The Board has undergone some  
significant changes during the year and  
this continued into the beginning of 2014. 
Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive  
and Adam Walker resigned as Finance 
Director on 31 December 2013. The Board  
is delighted that Stephen Carter has 
accepted the position of Group Chief 
Executive and started as CEO-Designate  

on 1 September 2013, before taking 
up the role of Group Chief Executive 
on 1 January 2014. The Board has also 
launched a process to identify and appoint 
a new Finance Director and further 
announcements will be made in due course. 
We also welcomed Cindy Rose as a Non-
Executive Director to the Board on 1 March 
2013. Geoffrey Cooper, Helen Owers and 
Gareth Bullock joined the Board as Non-
Executive Directors on 1 January 2014. As 
explained in the Nomination Committee 
Report on page 49, Informa has achieved 
the target of 25% of females on the Board 
as set out by the Davies Report in 2011. 

Informa carries out an internal Board 
evaluation each year and undertook the 
last external evaluation three years ago. As 
there has been a significant change to the 
Board composition, a decision was taken to 
carry out our external Board evaluation in 
the second half of 2014.

Derek Mapp

Chairman

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 nine Directors, comprising one 
Executive Director and eight Non-Executive 
Directors as at 1 January 2014. The Board 
members as at 31 December 2013 are noted 
on pages 34 and 35 and in the Directors’ 
Report on page 37. Apart from the changes 
described above, there were no other 
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 with the 
last review conducted in December 2013. 
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; 

•  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. 

•  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; 

41

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Corporate Governance Statement continued

THE ROLES OF THE CHAIRMAN,  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR 
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR CONTINUED

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.

Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive 
on 31 December 2013. Stephen Carter 
was appointed as CEO-Designate on 
1 September 2013 and as Group Chief 
Executive on 1 January 2014 and has the 
responsibility of running the Company. As 
Group 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. She 
will step down as Senior Independent 
Director and from the Board at the  
AGM on 23 May 2014.

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 divisional 
and Group function senior executives 
who provide detailed information about 
the Company, the relevant markets, the 
business units and their trading. Finally, on 
appointment and from time to time, the 
Directors are reminded 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 Group 
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 44.

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 by Alvarez and 
Marsal and Hanson Green in 2010 of the 
corporate governance of the Company, 
including an evaluation of its Chairman. 
Alvarez and Marsal and Hanson Green have 
no other connection with the Company. 
The Board has concluded that due to the 
changes in the composition of the Board 
in 2013, it is in the best interests of the 
Company as a whole that a new external 
Board evaluation should take place in  
2014. That would allow time for the new 
members to settle in and the review to be  
as constructive and meaningful as possible. 

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 2013, that each 
Director continues to be effective and to 
demonstrate commitment to their role.

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.

42

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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.

•  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 risk register 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 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 FCA, 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.

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:

•  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 2013 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”.

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS 

The Company is committed to maintaining 
good communications with investors and 
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. Dr Kirby will step 
down as Senior Independent Director and 
from the Board at the AGM on 23 May 2014.

Financial information is announced on a 
quarterly basis. The Group Chief Executive 
and Finance Director give presentations  
on the half-yearly 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 2013 
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.

43

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Corporate Governance Statement continued

INTERNAL CONTROL  
AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
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 Group 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 risk 
factors of the Group is in place, with 
each principal risk factor discussed  

and evaluated in detail at least once 
a year by the Risk Committee. These 
principal risk factors 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, treasury 
information, potential acquisitions and 
investor relations analysis. 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 
and the business environment, in addition  
to regular investor feedback.

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. 

Derek Mapp

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter 1

Cindy Rose 2

 Scheduled
 Board 
meetings
 (of 7)

Audit 
Committee 
meetings
 (of 3)

Remuneration 
Committee 
meetings
 (of 6)

Nomination 
Committee 
meetings 
(of 4)

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

6

–

–

–

–

3

3

2

2

–

–

–

6

6

6

–

–

4

–

–

4

4

–

–

–

1    Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and as Group Chief Executive on 1 January 2014. He stepped down from the Audit 

Committee on 1 August 2013.

2   Cindy Rose was appointed to the Board on 1 March 2013 and became a member of the Audit Committee on 1 August 2013.

Separate reports from the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees can be found on pages 45 to 65.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Rupert Hopley
Company Secretary
21 February 2014

44

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Audit Committee Report

CHAIRMAN – DR BRENDAN O’NEILL

OBJECTIVE

Other members: 
John Davis 
Stephen Carter (until 1 August 2013) 
Cindy Rose (from 1 August 2013) 
Gareth Bullock (from 1 January 2014)

Secretary  
Rupert Hopley 

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

Dear Shareholder

I am pleased to present the report of the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) for the financial year ended 31 December 2013.  
The members of the Committee are set out above and below, and meeting attendance can be found on page 44. 

One of the core requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 (“the Code”) is for the Annual Report and Accounts to 
provide a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s financial reporting, internal control policies, and procedures  
for the identification, assessment and reporting of risk and that these remain effective. The Committee devotes significant time to  
each of these elements. The production of the Annual Report and Accounts is a sizeable exercise performed alongside the formal 
audit process carried out by the external auditor.

The Committee’s agenda for 2013 has included the usual review of our financial results and controls, our business operations and  
their management of risk. Further details are included below. 

The Board considers that the Committee’s members have broad commercial knowledge and a suitable mix of business and  
financial experience. Membership of the Committee changed during 2013 when Stephen Carter stepped down as a member 
of the Committee and Cindy Rose became a member on 1 August 2013. Gareth Bullock also became a member of the Committee  
on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014.

Dr Brendan O’Neill
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Committee Composition

The membership of the Committee is set 
out above. The Committee met three times 
during the year to 31 December 2013 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 auditors. The Committee 
has during the year to 31 December 2013 
received sufficient, reliable and timely 
information from the senior managers to 
enable it to fulfil its duties. 

Governance

The Committee’s Chairman, Dr Brendan 
O’Neill, is a qualified Management 
Accountant and has extensive experience 
of Audit Committee procedures. John 
Davis is also a qualified Chartered 
Accountant and until November 2010 
was the Chief Financial Officer of Yell 
Group plc (renamed Hibu plc). 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 fulfil its responsibilities 
effectively including those relating to risk 
and control. As part of the internal annual 
Board review, the Committee took a 
thorough evaluation of itself. 

Duties

The Committee’s terms of reference are 
available on the Company’s website and 
were updated in December 2013. The 
Committee’s terms of reference allow it to 
obtain independent external advice at the 
Company’s expense. No such advice was 
obtained during 2013.

The Committee is responsible for:

•  Reviewing the content of the Annual 
Report and Accounts and advising 
the Board on whether, taken as 
a whole, it is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy;

•  monitoring the integrity of the  

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

45

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Audit Committee Report continued

Duties continued

•  monitoring the effectiveness of the 

external audit process and evaluating 
the external auditor;

•  making recommendations to the  

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

•  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 Group 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 2013, 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;

reviewing the appropriateness of  
the Group’s accounting policies;

reviewing 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 re-appointment 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, confirmation of auditor 
independence and the proposed audit 
fee, and approving the terms  
of engagement for the audit;

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 are agreed 
following the work;

•  approving the decision to continue with 
an outsourced Internal Audit function, 
and overseeing the reappointment of 
KPMG LLP in this role;

• 

• 

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.

Financial reporting and significant 
judgement areas

In assessing the appropriateness of the 
financial statements, the Committee 
assesses whether suitable accounting 
policies have been adopted and whether 
management have made appropriate 
estimates and judgements. The Committee 
reviews accounting papers prepared by 
management which provide details on the 
main financial reporting judgements. The 
Committee also reviews reports by the 
external auditor on the full year and half-
yearly results which highlight any issues 
with respect to the work undertaken on 
the audit. During the year end process, the 
Committee concentrated on the following 
significant judgement areas: 

•  Carrying value of goodwill and 

intangible assets:

The Committee considered whether 
the carrying value of goodwill and 
intangible assets held by the Group 
should be impaired. The judgement 
in relation to impairment largely 
relates to the assumptions underlying 
the calculation of the value in use 
of the cash generating units being 
tested for impairment. This involves 
considering whether the five year 
operating profit forecasts produced 
by management are achievable, the 
overall macroeconomic assumptions 
which underlie the valuation process 
and the discount rates used. The 
Committee principally addressed this 
matter using reports received from 
management outlining the headroom 
on the impairment testing, focussing 
in particular on the carrying value 
assessment for European Conferences.

•  Recoverability of long-term receivables:

The Committee considered whether 
the long-term receivables held by the 
Group were recoverable. As described 
in the Principal Risk Factors, the Group 
has a small number of long-term 
external loans where 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, assessing the 
future recoverability of the long-term 
receivables involves judgement. The 
Committee addressed this matter by 
challenging management on their 
assumptions and then requesting 
reports on the receivables where they 
felt further explanation was required.

•  Accounting for acquisition  

and disposals:

The Committee notes that there is 
judgement involved in identifying 
and valuing the consideration and 
the assets acquired in a business 
combination or in the acquisition of 
a businesses’ trade and assets. The 
Committee also notes that there is 
judgement involved in the accounting 
for disposals, particularly around the 
valuation of consideration receivable. 
The Committee addressed this matter 
by challenging management on 

46

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013their assumptions and methodology 
supporting the fair value of intangible 
and net assets acquired for each 
significant acquisition in the year. 
There was also particular focus on the 
presentation and calculation of the loss 
on disposal.

•  Tax provisioning:

The Committee considered the 
Group’s approach to tax provisioning. 
As described in the Principal Risk 
Factors, the Group operates in a large 
number of countries, and accordingly, 
its earnings are subject to tax in many 
jurisdictions. The judgement in relation 
to tax provisioning is a combination 
of the Committee’s assessment of the 
specific open tax issues and also a 
review of the time periods in which the 
Group’s tax affairs are open to enquiry 
by local tax inspectors in jurisdictions 
where the Group has a larger taxable 
presence. The Committee addressed 
this matter through the presentation of 
a management report on the Group’s 
tax affairs by the Head of Group Tax 
and through a presentation of the 
external auditor’s assessment of the 
Group’s tax provisioning.

External Auditor

The 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 Committee, and 
day to day responsibility to the Finance 
Director. It states that the external auditor 
is jointly responsible to the Board and the 
Committee and that the 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 fulfil its responsibility regarding the 
independence of the external auditor,  
the 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 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 Committee has 
recommended to the Board that Deloitte 
LLP is re-appointed as the Group’s external 
auditor at the 2014 AGM. Deloitte LLP has 
been the Group’s external auditor since 
2004 when the last external audit tender 
was carried out. The 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 
senior statutory audit partner responsible 
for the Group and Parent Company 
audits every five years. The current senior 
statutory audit partner Ian Waller has 
been in place since 2009 and as such 
rotated off the audit after approving the 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 
December 2013. The new senior statutory 
audit partner will be Tony Morris. There 
are no contractual obligations restricting 
the Group’s choice of external auditor. The 
Committee has reviewed the requirements 
of the Code and the non-binding 
suggested transitional arrangements in 
the FRC Guidance relating to the new 
provision for FTSE 350 companies to put 
the external audit contract out to tender at 
least every ten years. The Committee notes 
that it has to complete a re-tender process 
by 2019, and will regularly review whether 
to initiate a re-tender process earlier than 
2019 if it feels it is necessary.

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. The Committee considers that 
non-audit services should be provided 
by the external auditor given their 
existing knowledge of the business and is 
therefore the most efficient and effective 
way for non-audit services to be carried 
out. The fees paid to the external auditor 
for both audit and non-audit services can 
be found in Note 7. 

Non-audit services, other than audit 
related services, provided by the external 
auditor during 2013 related to tax advisory 
services and hosting training seminars 
attending by Informa employees. All of 
these services were below the Group’s 
pre-approval threshold. 

47

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Audit Committee Report continued

External Auditor continued

Policy on non-audit services provided by the external auditor:

Permitted Non-Audit Services, subject to approval  
under the policy

Acquisition or disposal advice and support.

Financial information systems design and implementation.

Appraisal or valuation services.

Prohibited Non-Audit Services

Bookkeeping or other services related to accounting records 
or financial statements.

Consultancy services related to the implementation of 
management information systems.

Appraisal or valuation services are prohibited where 
significant subjectivity is involved as the auditors may  
have to audit their own work.

Actuarial services.

Legal Services if these are related to significant Group matters.

Tax services on a contingent fee basis.

Internal audit outsourcing services which are restricted to the 
provision of specialist resources where the external audit team  
will not place reliance on their own work.

Tax compliance, tax planning and tax advisory work, following  
an appropriate tender process; subject to Committee Chairman  
pre-approval for significant contracts and annual review of  
overall amounts.

Expatriate tax work, subject to Group HR approval and Committee 
Chairman pre-approval for significant contracts and annual review 
of overall amounts.

Other assurance services – no pre-approval is required where it is in 
the normal course of the auditors work to perform such activities.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Dr Brendan O’Neill
Chairman of the Audit Committee
21 February 2014

48

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Nomination Committee Report

CHAIRMAN – DEREK MAPP

OBJECTIVE

Other members: 
Dr Pamela Kirby 
John Davis

Secretary  
Rupert Hopley 

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

GOVERNANCE

All the members of the Nomination 
Committee (the “Committee”) are 
independent Non-Executive Directors. 

Duties

The Committee’s terms of reference  
are available on the Company’s website 
and were last updated in December  
2013. 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 Non-Executive Directors.

Activities of the Committee during 
the year

The Committee met four times during the 
year to address the various changes to the 
Board composition, including identifying 
and nominating a successor to Peter Rigby 
as Chief Executive; identifying four new 
Non-Executive Directors, namely Cindy 
Rose, Geoffrey Cooper, Helen Owers and 
Gareth Bullock; and to start the search for 
a successor to Adam Walker as Finance 
Director. In addition, the Committee 
reviewed its terms of reference and 
discussed the composition and the mix  
of skills, knowledge, experience and 
diversity on the Board.

Executive and Non-Executive  
Director Searches

The Committee uses the services of 
specialist search consultants to seek 
suitable candidates for appointment to the 
Board and its Committees. The Committee 
identifies the specific experience and skills 
that we are looking for and then works 
with the search consultants to find suitable 
candidates who match those criteria. 
These candidates are interviewed by the 
Committee and the successful candidate is 
proposed by the Committee to the Board 
for approval. This year the Committee 
was supported by JCA Group in the 
appointment of Cindy Rose (as a Non-
Executive Director) and Stephen Carter 
(as Group Chief Executive), and by Egon 
Zehnder in the appointment of Geoffrey 
Cooper, Helen Owers and Gareth Bullock 
as Non-Executive Directors. Neither search 
Company has any other connection with 
the Group. 

Board and Employee Diversity

Informa operates a successful business 
based on a proven track record of equal 
opportunity and reward for performance. 
Around 57% of our employees are women 
(3,736 out of a total of 6,515) and they 
account for around 36% of the senior 
managers (60 out of a total of 166) 
within the Group at 31 December 2013. 
Further information on diversity within 
the Group can be found in the Corporate 
Responsibility Report on page 33.

At Board level, we believe that the current 
representation, as at the date of this report, 
of three female Non-Executive Directors 
(33%) is acceptable for the size of the Board 
and is above the target that has been set  
for 2015, though it should be noted that  
Dr Pamela Kirby will step down from the 
Board after the AGM on 23 May 2014. In  
any event, our Board composition and  
size is kept under constant review, so as  
to ensure we have the appropriate balance 
of skills, experience and knowledge of 
the Group within our independent Non-
Executive Directors.

Approved by the Board and signed on  
its behalf by

Derek Mapp
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
21 February 2014

49

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report

CHAIR – DR PAMELA KIRBY  
(CHAIR UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2013)

Other members: 
Geoffrey Cooper  
(Chair from 1 January 2014) 
Dr Brendan O’Neill 
John Davis 
Helen Owers (from 1 January 2014)

Secretary  
Rupert Hopley 

OBJECTIVE

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

ANNUAL STATEMENT

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”), I am pleased to present the Remuneration Report, for the year ended 
31 December 2013. As noted in the Strategic Report, 2013 was another solid year for Informa. Highlights of the Group’s financial 
performance include adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations growth of 5.0%, cash conversion of 99% 
and a total dividend for the year up 2.2% to 18.90p. 

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, Schedule 8 of the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) and the Listing Rules (the 
“Regulations”). Although Informa is not incorporated in the UK, we are observing the Regulations as if we were. In the event that 
the resolution to re-domicile to the UK is passed at the Annual General Meeting (see the Directors’ Report on page 37), then these 
Regulations will then apply to Informa. The balance of this report is split into two sections:

1. 
2. 

Informa’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 2014 (pages 51 to 56); and 
The Annual Report on Remuneration for 2013 (pages 56 to 65).

Resolutions in respect of both will be put to shareholders at the AGM on 23 May 2014. 

During the year, the Committee undertook a number of activities that form part of the annual cycle. In addition to these normal 
activities, 2013 saw Peter Rigby retire and Adam Walker resign. Consequently the Committee has devoted time overseeing these 
departures, as well as approving remuneration packages and contractual terms for Peter’s successor. Details of these are set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration but in summary:

•  The termination arrangements for Peter Rigby were in accordance with his service contract and the relevant plan rules on retirement;

•  Adam Walker received salary, benefits and pension to the end of 2013 when he stood down from the Board; no payments in lieu of 
the balance of his notice period have been paid. The Committee has agreed to pay a bonus in respect of his performance during 
2013 and, in accordance with the plan rules, his outstanding unvested awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and his 
accrued but unvested shares under the Deferred Share Bonus Plan (“DSBP”) lapsed;

•  Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-designate on 1 September 2013 and became Group Chief Executive with effect from  

1 January 2014; and 

•  The process of appointing a new Finance Director is progressing.

As I was due to step down from the Board at the May 2014 AGM, I decided to hand over the Committee chair with effect from 1 
January 2014 to Geoffrey Cooper. I would like to thank my fellow Committee members and those in management that have supported 
us for their hard work during the year and throughout my time as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

Dr Pamela Kirby
Committee Chairman

50

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

We describe below the proposed Remuneration Policy for 2014. This continues to reflect Informa’s long-standing approach to 
remuneration which has been in effect since 2009. The Remuneration Policy will be put to shareholders to vote on at the 2014 AGM. 
In the interests of clarity and transparency, the following pages set out a summary of our existing Remuneration Policy in the form 
required under the new regulations.

The remuneration of the Executive Directors is designed to provide for a competitive compensation package which reflects the 
Group’s performance against financial objectives. Incentives reward above-average performance and are designed to attract, motivate 
and retain high-calibre executives. 

The table below summarises the six key elements of the remuneration package for Executive Directors and the fees paid to the 
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors:

Element

Overview and  
link to strategy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Base Salary

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

Benefits

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

Retirement and 
life assurance 
benefits

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.

Operation

Performance Framework

Maximum

Levels are not subject to the 
achievement of performance 
measures. However, an individual’s 
experience, development and 
performance in the role will be 
taken into account when setting 
and reviewing salary levels.

There are no prescribed maximum 
increases for base salary. In usual 
circumstances, increases will be 
limited to those awarded to Group 
employees taking into account 
performance and geography. 
In exceptional circumstances, 
such as significant increase in 
the size/complexity of the Group 
or an individual’s role and scope 
the Committee can exceed this 
‘normal’ level of increase. 

Not subject to performance 
measurement.

The maximum car allowance 
is £20,000 per annum. Other 
benefits are provided through 
third-parties and therefore the 
cost to the Company and value to 
the executive may vary. However, 
the nature of the provision will 
remain unchanged.

There is no prescribed maximum for 
benefits related to an international 
relocation given the nature of the 
provision and the amounts will 
vary based on factors such as an 
individual’s circumstances and the 
countries involved.

Not subject to performance 
measurement.

Retirement benefits:  
25% of base salary 

Life Assurance:  
4-times base salary

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

In deciding appropriate levels, 
the Committee considers pay 
practices in the Group as a whole 
and makes reference to objective 
external data which gives current 
information on remuneration 
practices in appropriate 
comparator companies of a similar 
size to Informa and listed in the UK.

If in the Committee’s judgement 
it is appropriate to appoint an 
individual on a salary below 
market norms, the Committee 
may exceed the ‘normal’ rate of 
increase set out in the policy table 
in the following two-to-three years 
based on performance in role.

On-going benefits may include 
company car, death-in-service, 
family private health insurance, 
family dental insurance, accident 
insurance and permanent health 
insurance cover.

In the event of an international 
relocation additional benefits may 
include relocation, housing and 
schooling costs, financial advice 
and repatriation. It is the intention 
that any such arrangements ensure 
that an individual is not adversely 
impacted should the Group require 
them to relocate. 

Retirement benefits will be paid in 
part or full into a Group Personal 
Pension or Personal Pension 
vehicle. The pension allowance 
may also be taken in full or part as 
a gross cash payment. Any cash 
payment will be paid monthly. Life 
assurance is payable in a lump 
sum, in the event of the insured’s 
death-in-service.

51

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report continued

Element

Overview and  
link to strategy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Annual bonus 

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

Performance metrics are 
selected to ensure a focus on 
improvements in short-term 
performance that will help drive 
the sustainable long-term success 
of the Group.

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 
awards 

The LTIP rewards Executive 
Directors for delivery of strong, 
sustained performance over a 
period of three years.

Operation

Performance Framework

Maximum

150% of base salary. Up to 100% of 
base salary paid in cash and 50% 
of base salary deferred into equity 
in the Deferred Share Bonus Plan.

200% of salary

Bonus can be delivered entirely  
in cash, or in a combination of 
cash and shares. Any bonus up 
to 100% of base salary is paid in 
cash and any above 100% of base 
salary up to 150% of base salary 
is deferred under the Deferred 
Share Bonus Plan. 

Any bonus that is paid in the 
form of shares will be deferred 
for a period of three years and 
will attract a dividend equivalent 
payment in the form of cash  
on vesting. 

Under the terms of the Deferred 
Share Bonus Plan, in the event of  
a restatement (downwards) of  
the Company’s results for any 
year for which the results formed 
the basis of the deferred share 
element relevant to an option, 
the Directors have the absolute 
discretion to reduce the number  
of option shares under/or cancel 
the relevant option (but not any 
option shares acquired by the 
option holder through exercise  
of any options).

Executives can receive an annual 
award of shares (or share-
based equivalent) subject to 
the achievement of specified 
standards over a three year 
performance period. 

The performance measures, 
weightings and targets are set 
annually by the Committee. 

Bonus opportunity will be linked 
to the achievement of challenging 
financial, and when appropriate, 
non-financial performance 
targets. Details of the measures 
and their weightings will be 
disclosed annually in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration, with 
the targets disclosed provided 
they are not deemed to be 
commercially sensitive. 

The quantum of bonus is 
determined on a specified range. 
Below threshold performance 
results in a zero bonus. On-target 
performance results in a cash 
bonus equal to 100% of base salary. 
Maximum pay-out is capped at the 
equivalent of 150% of base salary.

The Committee reserves the right 
to adjust the targets if events 
occur (e.g. material acquisition 
and/or divestment of a Group 
business) which cause it to 
determine that they are no  
longer appropriate.

The performance measures, 
weightings and targets are set 
annually by the Committee. 
LTIP awards will be linked to 
the achievement of challenging 
financial and, when appropriate, 
non-financial performance targets.

Details of the measures and their 
weightings will be disclosed 
annually in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration, with the targets 
disclosed, at the start or at the 
end of the performance period, 
provided they are not deemed to 
be commercially sensitive.

At the end of the performance 
period, the Committee will assess 
performance against the targets 
set and review any other relevant 
events during the period in 
reaching a judgement with respect 
to the overall level of vesting under 
the award.

The following awards are payable 
as a percentage of maximum 
in respect of different levels of 
performance:

Threshold: 20%

Maximum: 100%

52

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Element

Overview and  
link to strategy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CONTINUED

All-Employee 
Share Plans

To encourage share ownership  
in Informa in those markets  
where all-employee share plans 
are operated.

CHAIRMAN AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Fees

The fees are set in order to  
attract and retain high-calibre 
individuals by offering market-
competitive fees, taking into 
account the time that is required to 
fulfil the relevant role.

Operation

Performance Framework

Maximum

Not subject to  
performance measurement.

Limits vary according to local 
market practice. In the UK the 
default HMRC limits will serve as 
a maximum, although lower levels 
may be operated in practice.

Not subject to  
performance measurement.

There is no prescribed maximum 
but the levels will reflect the 
prevailing market practice.

All-employee share plans may be 
operated in markets that Informa 
operates in. These plans will be 
informed by relevant tax and 
equity legislation. For example, 
in the UK, the Company operates 
an HMRC approved All-Employee 
Share Plan. 

The Committee retains the 
discretion to allow Executives to 
participate in plans that operate in 
their home market, where the terms 
of participation are consistent for 
all eligible employees.

The Board has shareholder 
authority to match employee 
subscriptions up to a maximum 
2 for 1 basis, though it has not 
exercised that authority to date.

Fees are reviewed annually.

The Chairman of the Board is paid 
a consolidated fee to reflect all the 
duties associated with the position. 

The Non-Executive Directors 
receive a base fee reflecting 
their duties on the Board and 
memberships of any Committees. 
The Senior Independent Director 
and chairs of Board Committees 
are eligible for an additional fee, 
reflecting the additional time and 
expertise required.

The Chairman and Non-Executive 
Directors are covered under the 
Group accident and travel policy 
(as it relates to work on behalf of 
Informa). Expenses in line with 
Informa policy will be reimbursed.

Selection of performance measures and the target setting process

The performance measures that apply to awards made under the Annual Bonus and LTIPs are selected to ensure that they align with 
the strategic priorities of the Group. When setting targets, the Committee is mindful of a range of factors including internal budgets, 
strategic ambitions, analysts’ consensus views and investor expectations. Depending on the nature of the measure, some of these 
factors will play a greater role than others. Targets are set to ensure they are suitably challenging with the goal of contributing to long-
term shareholder value creation.

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

53

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report continued

Pay for performance sensitivity

The Company’s policy is that a clear majority of the maximum potential remuneration of the Executive Directors should be 
performance related. The bar charts and table below illustrates the composition of remuneration under three performance scenarios:

•  Minimum, which assumes no variable-elements of pay are awarded or vest;

•  Expected, which assumes target bonus is paid (linked to delivering budgeted financial performance) and threshold vesting under 

the LTIP (linked to ranking at median relative to the respective peer Groups); and 

•  Maximum, which assumes the variable elements of pay are awarded or vest in full. 

At the time of the Annual Report being signed-off, the sole Executive Director was the Group Chief Executive and so the graph below 
illustrates his pay package for 2014. Given the recent appointment of a new Group Chief Executive, benefits are based on anticipated 
levels for the 2014 financial year. 

Level of performance

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-Term Incentives

Maximum

In line with expectations

30%

49%

Minimum

100%

e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
f
e

i

h
C
p
u
o
r
G

35%

39%

£994,375

Minimum

In line with 
expectations

Salary: £793,100 

Pension: 25% of salary

Benefits: £3,000

Maximum

0%

0%

35%

£2,025,405

12%

100%

30%

150%

150%

£3,373,675

£0

£500,00

£1,000,000

£1,500,000

£2,000,000

£2,500,000

£3,000,000

£3,500,000

£4,000,000

 Fixed Pay

 Annual bonus

 Long-term incentives

No elements of pay for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are subject to performance, as set out in the policy table.

Other remuneration policies

Share ownership guidelines
The Committee approved updated formal 
share ownership guidelines on 7 October 
2013 which expect the Executive Directors 
to build up, over a five-year period from 
their date of appointment to the Board, a 
holding in the Company’s shares equal to at 
least one and a half times their annual base 
salary. The Company Secretary monitors 
adherence to the guidelines, reports to the 
Remuneration Committee and informs the 
Executive Directors of the extent to which 
the guidelines have been met.

Appointments to the Board
There are a number of factors that 
the Committee will take into account 
when making an appointment to the 
Board, which may vary depending on 
whether the individual is an external 
hire or internal promotion. While the 
intention is that the elements of pay 
will be consistent with the table set out 
earlier in this report, to allow for the 
uncertainties associated with making 
appointments, particularly when 
recruiting externally, the following 

54

guiding principles additionally form  
part of the appointments policy for 
executive Directors:

•  Salary levels will be informed both by 

those factors set out in the policy table, 
but also an individual’s prior experience. 
If in the Committee’s judgement it is 
appropriate to appoint an individual 
on a salary below market norms, the 
Committee may exceed the ‘normal’ rate 
of increase set out in the policy table in 
the following two-to-three years based 
on performance in role.

• 

•  Benefits will be in line with the elements 

set out in the policy table may vary if a 
non-UK national is appointed or if a role 
is to be based outside the UK.

•  The aggregate incentive awards that 

can be received in one year will normally 
not exceed 350% of salary, in line with 
the maxima in the policy table. However, 
the Committee reserves the right to 
make aggregate incentive awards of up 
to 400% in exceptional circumstances. 
In the year of appointment an off-cycle 
award under the LTIP may be made by 

the Committee to ensure an immediate 
alignment of interests. Performance 
measures and targets will be reviewed 
and may be changed to ensure they are 
appropriate depending on the timing 
and nature of the appointment.

In the event of an external appointment, 
the Committee may buy-out incentive 
awards (both annual and long-term) that 
the individual has forfeited on departure. 
In determining the nature of any award, 
the Committee will be informed by the 
likelihood of vesting, the applicability 
of performance requirements, the time 
horizons, the anticipated value of any 
awards and the vehicle of the awards. 
The Committee may rely on the Listing 
Rules exemption (Rule 9.4.2) to the 
extent that the existing plan limits do not 
provide sufficient headroom to enable 
the award of a share-based buy-out or 
long-term incentive award.

• 

In the event of an internal appointment 
to the Board, pre-existing obligations 
can be honoured by the Committee 
and so payment will be permitted 
under this policy.

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
The details of the remuneration for any new appointment to the Board will be disclosed on a timely basis on the website.

Fees for any new Non-Executive Director will be set in accordance with the levels prevailing for the other Non-Executives at the 
time of the appointment. In the event of a new Chairman being appointed, the consolidated fee will be informed by the individual’s 
experience and profile, as well as the anticipated time commitment and market rates. The Company may pay additional benefits 
related to travel and relocation depending on the nationality and home market of the incumbent.

Service contracts

The Committee’s policy with respect to service contracts is summarised below. These policy terms are consistent with those agreed in 
relation to Stephen Carter’s appointment and for any future Executive Director.

Notice period

12 months’ prior notice by either party

Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) 

Change of control provisions

Entitlements on termination

Payment on immediate termination by the Company, of salary, benefits allowance and 
pensions allowance covering the Executive’s notice period. Such payments to be made  
in equal instalments monthly in arrears and the Company is entitled to reduce such 
payments by the amount of any earnings received or receivable by the Executive from  
any other employment, engagement, office or appointment in respect of the same period.

The Executive will have no claim against the Company against the undertaking arising  
out of or connected with a change of control of the Company.

No automatic entitlement to compensation for the loss of any rights or benefits under 
any share option, bonus, long-term incentive plan or other profit sharing or benefit  
scheme operated by the Company.

No payment of salary, benefits allowance, pensions allowance or bonus except for that 
described above in PILON.

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment which are terminable by either party on three months’ 
notice. The service contracts are available for inspection at the registered office, and principal office and will be available for 
inspection at the AGM.

Loss of office
The principle that underpins the Committee’s loss of office policy is that no payments for failure will be made. Loss of office payments 
will be made in accordance with the relevant contractual employment or settlement obligations and provisions under the Plan Rules, 
as illustrated below:

Gross misconduct

Resignation, or dismissal  
for cause

Retirement, death or negotiated 
termination not for cause

Committee discretion

Salary

No right to payment past last 
working day for summary dismissal.

Payable for the period of  
notice if worked or unworked.

Payable for the period of  
notice if worked or unworked.

Retirement 
benefits

No right to payment past last 
working day for summary dismissal.

Payable for the period of  
notice if worked or unworked.

Payable for the period of 
notice if worked or unworked.

Other benefits No right to cover past last working 

day for summary dismissal.

Payable for the period of  
notice if worked or unworked.

Payable for the period of  
notice if worked or unworked.

Annual bonus 
(cash)

No payment for any unpaid  
cash bonus award.

No right to a bonus or time 
apportioned bonus if the  
Executive is under notice of 
termination at or before the 
date when a bonus relating to 
the relevant financial year might 
otherwise have been payable.

No right to a bonus or time 
apportioned bonus if the Executive 
is under notice of termination at or 
before the date when a bonus  
relating to the relevant financial year 
might otherwise have been payable.

The Committee reserve the  
right to make a payment in lieu  
of benefits provision.

The Committee reserves the right 
to make a payment but will always 
be subject to the performance 
conditions for the relevant 
performance period.

No right to any deferred shares, 
which are yet to vest.

No right to any shares yet to vest  
at the end of the notice period.

All deferred shares are awarded  
at end of notice period.

Annual bonus 
(deferred 
shares)

Long-term 
incentive 
awards

No right to any LTIP  
awards yet to vest.

No right to any LTIP  
awards yet to vest.

Awards under 
all employee 
share schemes

Entitled to employee  
purchased shares.

Entitled to employee purchased 
shares and any vested matching 
shares.

The vesting of all LTIP shares is 
brought forward to the termination 
date with performance measured 
around that time and awards pro-
rated to that day.

Entitled to employee purchased 
shares and any matching shares.

The Company may terminate an Executive Director’s Service Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice of its intention  
to make a payment in lieu of notice to the Executive equal to the Salary, Benefits Allowance and Pensions Allowance that the  
Executive would be entitled to receive during the unexpired part of the notice period less any required deductions.

Letters of appointment of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors provide for payment of accrued fees up to the date of 
termination together with reimbursement of any expenses properly incurred prior to the date of termination. Termination may  
be for any reason, including resignation, non-re-election by shareholders, gross misconduct or termination for cause. 

55

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report continued

Considerations taken into account  
when setting the Directors’  
Remuneration Policy
In determining remuneration policy, 
the Committee’s primary focus is on 
the needs of the business, strategic 
alignment and what is in the best interests 
of shareholders. Market practice more 
generally, feedback from shareholders and 
aspects of practices across the Group are 
taken into account.

Practices across the Group
Informa is a diverse company, in terms 
of geography, business portfolio and 
remuneration practices (driven by a large 
number of small acquisitions). While 
the Committee does take into account 
some aspects of remuneration across the 
Group when setting Executive Directors’ 
pay policy (largely base pay increases), 
other areas are less relevant given the 
significant differences in operation 
which are influenced by geography, line 
of business and, where appropriate, 
legacy plans that were operated on 
acquisition. For these reasons, and also 
the operational challenges and cost 
associated with undertaking the exercise, 
the Committee has not sought employee 
views on the formulation of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and no comparison 
metrics are used.

In summary, for the senior management 
team base salary is reviewed annually 
taking into account factors consistent 
with the executive pay review. However, 
incentive pay varies significantly with 
far greater focus placed on annual 
performance in the relevant division or 
business unit. 

Feedback from shareholders
The Committee monitors levels of support 
at the AGM and engages with shareholders 
as appropriate and has done during the 
first half of 2014 on specific matters or 
in the event of a significant vote against. 

The most recent example of this was the 
removal of a contractual entitlement to 
bonus on termination, which despite being 
commonplace at the time the former Chief 
Executive was appointed had subsequently 
reduced in prevalence.

proposals; no Executive Director played a 
part in any decision about his or her own 
remuneration. The Company Secretary, 
Rupert Hopley, and the Group HR Director, 
Emma Blaney, also provided assistance to 
the Committee during the year.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

The following section sets out details of the 
Directors’ remuneration in 2013. 

Remuneration Committee

The Committee is responsible to the 
Board. The principal responsibilities of the 
Committee are set out on page 50 and 
in the Committee’s terms of reference, 
which were reviewed during the year and 
are available on the Group website. The 
membership of the Committee during 
2013 was as follows, each of whom served 
for the whole year:

Dr Pamela Kirby (Chair of Committee)

Dr Brendan O’Neill

John Davis

As noted on page 50, Geoffrey Cooper 
replaced Dr Pamela Kirby as Chairman of 
the Committee from 1 January 2014. Helen 
Owers also joined the Committee on her 
appointment as a Non-Executive Director 
of the Company on 1 January 2014.

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 six times 
during 2013 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 for 2013, the Committee 
consulted the Chairman about its 

Towers Watson was appointed as 
remuneration advisor to the Committee 
in 2010 following a formal tender process, 
and continued to provide independent 
and objective advice during the year. 
The Committee has satisfied itself that 
Towers Watson’s advice is independent 
and objective. It has taken into account 
the fact that Towers Watson is a member 
of the Remuneration Consultants Group 
and they follow its voluntary code of 
conduct. 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 
is not and has never taken part in any 
discussions on the selection of advisors 
or their contract. Further information 
regarding Towers Watson can be found 
at www.informa.com/Remuneration-
Consultants. Fees paid to Towers 
Watson in respect of services during the 
financial year ended 31 December 2013 
amount to £133,146 and primarily 
related to attendance at Committee 
meetings, advice in relation to executive 
Director departures and appointments, 
support on the requirements of the new 
remuneration report regulations, IFRS2 
valuations, performance measurement for 
LTIP awards and market benchmarking. 
The Remuneration Committee has not 
requested advice from any other external 
firms apart from Towers Watson during  
the year ended 31 December 2013. 

The following table summarises the 
details of votes cast in respect of the 
resolution to approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report at the 2013 AGM.

Votes 
Against

5,944,099

Total 
Votes Cast

Votes Withheld 
(Abstentions)

454,472,155

21,104,120

1.31%

75% of Issued Share Capital

–

Votes For

448,528,056

98.69%

56

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013The following information has been subject to audit.

Executive Single Figure Table

Peter Rigby1

Stephen  
Carter2

2013

2012

2013

2012

Currency5

Base 
salary

Taxable 
benefits

Pension

Total 
fixed 
pay

Annual 
bonus

Long-Term 
Incentives

Total 
variable 
pay

Other 
remuneration

Total

CHF 1,262,471

318,148

363,145 1,943,764 1,262,471

–

1,262,471

512,3314 3,718,566

CHF 1,225,700

335,945

355,136

1,916,781

1,210,537

860,579

2,071,116

GBP

256,667

GBP

–

711

–

64,167

321,545

227,200

–

–

–

–

–

–

227,200

–

678,501

– 3,987,897

–

–

–

548,745

–

1,863,851

– 2,522,812

Adam Walker3

2013

CHF

766,500

202,630

216,220 1,185,350

678,501

2012

CHF

744,175

311,510

209,672 1,265,357

734,969

522,486 1,257,455

1 Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2013.
2  Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and as Group Chief Executive on 1 January 2014. Remuneration in this table relates 
solely to his appointment as CEO-Designate for the period from 1 September 2013 to 31 December 2013. Fees in respect of his Non-Executive Directorship 
are set out in the table on page 60.

3 Adam Walker resigned as Finance Director with effect from 31 December 2013. Consequently Adam Walker’s LTIP awards lapsed.
4  Other remuneration for Peter Rigby paid upon his retirement, in accordance with his contractual entitlement. Further details on these payments can be 

found on page 60. Amount valued based on a share price of 573.50p as at 31 December 2013.

5 Exchange rates are explained on page 64. 

Executive remuneration in 2013

•  A basic salary of £770,000 per annum;

•  An award under the LTIP of 150% of 

Below we provide further information on 
those elements set out in the single figure 
table above. However, first we summarise 
the remuneration arrangements approved 
by the Committee for Stephen Carter  
for 2013. 

Stephen Carter’s appointment  
as CEO-Designate
Stephen Carter was appointed  
CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013  
and became Group Chief Executive  
with effect from 1 January 2014. 
In relation to his appointment as  
CEO-Designate the following  
remuneration package was agreed:

•  Company contribution of 25% of 

base salary to the Company’s Group 
Personal Pension, his personal pension 
vehicle or as a in full or part gross 
cash payment; Participation in the 
Company’s death-in-service scheme;

•  Provision by the Company to the 

Executive and his family of Private 
Health, Dental and Travel Insurance. 
Provision by the Company to the 
Executive of Accident and Permanent 
Health Insurance. An annual bonus 
opportunity of 150% of base salary 
which will be applied to his pro-rated 
salary for 2013 and subject to the same 
EPS test as other Executive Directors;

base salary, pro-rated for the time 
actually worked. Consequently an 
award equivalent to 50% of his base 
salary was made on 1 September 2013.

As a UK-based employee, Stephen will be 
eligible to participate in the All-Employee 
Share Plan on the same terms as other UK-
based employees.

Base Salary
In line with the Remuneration Policy, Executive Directors’ salaries were reviewed at the end of 2012 and the Committee determined 
that the basic salary of the Executive Directors would increase by 3%. 

Peter Rigby

Stephen Carter

Adam Walker

Previous Salary

Effective Date

2013 Salary

Effective Date

CHF 1,225,700

1 January 2012

CHF 1,262,471

1 January 2013

–

–

£770,000

1 September 2013

CHF 744,175

1 January 2012

CHF 766,500

1 January 2013

Benefits
Details of all benefits for Peter Rigby and Adam Walker are set out in the single figure table above. In both years this includes a general 
expenses allowance of CHF 42,500, Family Private Medical Insurance, Permanent Health Insurance and an Overseas Allowance equal 
to CHF 181,800 of overseas related expenses. The Company covers the cost of any tax due on Private Health Insurance and any costs 
relating to the overseas allowance costs. 

57

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
Remuneration Report continued

Retirement and Life Assurance Benefits
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. 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. 

Peter Rigby1

Adam Walker

2013
 CHF’000

2012 
CHF’000

363

216

355

210

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

The Company makes a payment of 25% of basic salary on behalf of Stephen Carter to the Company’s Group Personal Pension,  
his own Pension vehicle or in full or part as a gross cash payment.

Annual Bonus
At the start of the financial year, targets linked to the achievement of budgeted diluted adjusted EPS were set. The Committee 
adjusted these targets to appropriately reflect the disposal of the Corporate Training business. Diluted adjusted EPS for the financial 
year restated on a constant currency basis and using the budgeted tax rate was 38.6p, representing a decrease of 3.7% on 2012, which 
equated to performance between target and maximum as shown below:

Threshold EPS

35.5p

Target EPS

Maximum EPS

Actual EPS

39.5p

43.4p

38.6p

Applying the sliding scale formula, a bonus of 88.5% of base salary was awarded to Stephen Carter and Adam Walker for the 2013 
financial year. In line with his contractual terms, Peter Rigby was not entitled to a performance-related bonus given his retirement; 
instead he received a bonus equal in value to his target bonus opportunity in accordance with the long-established terms of his 
contract agreed in 1996 which is summarised on page 59. 

Peter Rigby

Stephen Carter

Adam Walker

Performance-related 
bonus

Amount payable 
in cash

Amount payable 
in deferred shares

Not eligible

£227,200 

CHF 678,501 

–

All

All

–

Zero

Zero

Awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan
The following awards were granted under the LTIP in 2013.

Peter Rigby

Stephen Carter

Adam Walker

Date of award

7 March 2013

1 September 2013

7 March 2013

Number of
 shares awarded

Price at date 
of award2

260,197

75,712

157,976

511.00p

508.50p

511.00p

Value as a 
percentage of 
base salary

150%

50%1

150%

Value at date 
of award (£)

1,329,607

384,996

807,257

1 The value of Stephen Carter’s 2013 LTIP award is pro-rated based on his appointment date of 1 September 2013.
2 All LTIP awards have a nil option price. The share price used to calculate the value of each award is the share price on the grant of the award.

58

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
The performance conditions that applied to the awards were consistent with previous years and apply over the three financial years 
from 1 January 2013:

FTSE All-Share Media (50% of the award)

FTSE 350 excluding Investment Trusts (50% of the award)

Threshold Performance 
(20% vests)

Maximum Performance 
(100% vests)

50th percentile

80th percentile

Details of the treatment of these awards on the retirement of Peter Rigby and resignation of Adam Walker are summarised on page 65.

Awards vesting under the Long-Term Incentive Plan

Awards were made to Peter Rigby and Adam Walker under the LTIP in March 2011 with a performance period that ended on 
31 December 2013. The value of Peter Rigby’s 2011 award (and other outstanding awards) was crystalised based on performance up 
to 6 December 2013 in order for the Committee to approve the payments prior to his retirement in accordance with the Plan Rules. 
Details of this are set out in the loss of office payments section below. Given Adam Walker remained in service until 31 December 2013, 
his 2011 award lapsed based on performance to 31 December 2013. Over the period Informa’s increase in absolute TSR was 46%. While 
strong, on a relative basis this ranked below median against both peer Groups and so the awards lapsed in full. 

At the end of the performance period the Committee also considered the general underlying financial performance of the Group. It 
was determined that this did not require a discretionary adjustment to the outcome under the relative TSR measurement.

All-Employee Share Plan
Stephen Carter did not meet the minimum service requirement of six months and so did not participate in the All-Employee Share Plan 
during the financial year. Peter Rigby and Adam Walker were ineligible to participate as they were based in Switzerland.

Loss of office payments
The following sub-sections detail the loss of office payments for the former Chief Executive and Finance Director. The Committee 
acted in accordance with the relevant contractual obligations and plan rules.

Peter Rigby
Peter worked until 31 December 2013 and received his contractual salary, pension and benefits in the usual manner. Under the terms 
of his service contract, Peter was entitled to a guaranteed bonus worth 100% of salary on retirement and consequently was not 
considered for a performance–related bonus during the year. As a retiree, deferred shares already earned under the annual bonus plan 
were released to him. Outstanding awards under the LTIP are subject to performance measurement to 6 December 2013 and time pro-
rated to reflect the unexpired performance period at the point of retirement. In summary performance was as follows:

Award Year

2011

2012

2013

Peer Group

Threshold 
Performance
 (20% vests)

Maximum 
Performance
(100% vests)

Actual 
Performance

FTSE All-Share Media 

50th percentile

80th percentile

Below median

Vesting

0%

FTSE 350 excluding 
Investment Trusts

FTSE All-Share Media 

FTSE 350 excluding 
Investment Trusts

FTSE All-Share Media 

FTSE 350 excluding 
Investment Trusts

Below median

Below median

20.45%

58th percentile

Below median

24.40%

60th percentile

59

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
Remuneration Report continued

Peter Rigby continued
In respect of the individual awards this resulted in the following payments:

Plan

Annual Bonus

LTIP

TOTAL

Award Year

Initial Award

Time Pro-Rated 
Award (days)

Number of 
shares vesting

Value on 
31 December 2013

2013

2011

2012

2013

Target bonus

290,761

297,674

260,197

848,632

–

1,096

731

365

–

–

40,601

21,162

61,763

CHF 1,262,471

–

£232,8471

£121,3641

1 Amounts valued based on a share price of 573.50p as at 31 December 2013. 

Shares invested under the All-Employee Share Plan (the “Plan”) were released in accordance with the rules of the Plan.

Adam Walker
Adam resigned with effect from 31 December 2013 and no loss of office payments were made. As he was in service throughout the 
performance period, the Committee agreed to a performance-related bonus in respect of 2013 of CHF 678,501. The 2011 award under 
the LTIP lapsed as the minimum performance requirement was not met in the year ending 31 December 2013. All other outstanding 
awards under the LTIP lapsed, along with deferred shares previously earned under the bonus plan. Shares invested under the All-
Employee Share Plan (the “Plan”) were released in accordance with the rules of the Plan.

Payments to past Directors
There have been no payments made to past Directors during the year ended 31 December 2013, except for payments made under the 
Company’s pension schemes.

Chairman and Non-Executive Director Single Figure Table

Derek Mapp 

Dr Pamela Kirby

John Davis 

Dr Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter1

Cindy Rose2

Total fees
 (£)

250,000

69,010

59,431

72,141

39,621

49,526

2013

Taxable 
benefits

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
(£)

250,000

69,010

59,431

72,141

39,621

49,526

Total fees 
(£)

216,300

67,000

57,700

70,040

57,700

n/a

2012

Taxable 
benefits

–

–

–

–

–

n/a

Total 
(£)

216,300

67,000

57,700

70,040

57,700

n/a

1  Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and as Group Chief Executive on 1 January 2014. Fees for Stephen Carter  
cover the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 August 2013. 
2 Cindy Rose was appointed to the Board on 1 March 2013. Fees for Cindy Rose cover the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 December 2013.

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration in 2013

The remuneration of the Chairman is determined by the Remuneration Committee in consultation with the Group 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. 

With effect from 1 January 2013 the Chairman’s fee was increased to reflect the increased engagement and responsibility for the 
position and to bring his fees closer to market levels, and the Non-Executive fees were increased by 3% as shown below:

Chairman’s Fee

Non-Executive Directors’ Fee

Committee Chairman Fee

Senior Independent Directors’ Fee

Previous Fee (£)

Effective Date

2013 Fee (£)

Effective Date

216,300

1 January 2011

250,000

1 January 2013

57,700

12,340

9,300

1 January 2011

1 January 2011

1 January 2011

59,431

1 January 2013

12,710

9,579

1 January 2013

1 January 2013

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

60

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013The following information has not been subject to audit.

Implementation of the Directors’ pay policy in 2014 

The Committee can confirm that the fixed pay for the Group Chief Executive in 2014 has increased by 3% to £793,100 per annum. 
The targets for the performance metrics under the Remuneration Policy have already been set and are currently deemed to be 
commercially sensitive by the Committee. However that will be reviewed at the conclusion of the financial year.

Historic TSR and Group Chief Executive pay

The graphs below 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 2013. 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.

Growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding invested in Informa over five years
Comparison of spot values

Historical TSR Performance

Value of Hypothetical £100 Holding

£350

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

£350

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

Dec-08 

Dec-09 

Dec-10 

Dec-11 

Dec-12 

  Dec-13

Dec-08 

Dec-09 

Dec-10 

Dec-11 

Dec-12 

  Dec-13

Informa

Informa

FTSE All-Share Media Index

FTSE 350 excluding Investment Trusts

Year

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Chief Executive

Currency3

Peter Rigby1

Stephen Carter2

Peter Rigby

Peter Rigby

Peter Rigby

Peter Rigby

CHF

GBP

CHF

CHF

CHF

GBP

Chief Executive 
Single figure of 
total remuneration

Annual bonus 
payout against 
maximum 
opportunity (%)

Long-term 
incentive vesting 
rates against 
maximum 
opportunity (%)4

3,718,566

588,365

3,987,897

5,231,269

3,067,504

1,651,200

n/a

59.0

65.9

75.7

86.3

83.6

0

n/a

42.5

74

0

40.2

1 Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2013.
2  Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and as Group Chief Executive on 1 January 2014. Group Chief Executive 

remuneration for Stephen Carter covers the period from 1 September 2013 to 31 December 2013. 

3  Exchange rates are explained on page 64. The average exchange rate used for 2012 can be found on page 59 of the Annual Report 2012, for 2011, page 57 

of the Annual Report 2011 and for 2010, page 44 of the Annual Report 2010.

4 In respect of the performance period ending 31 December in the relevant financial year.

61

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report continued

Change in the remuneration for the Chief Executive relative to employees

The following table shows the percentage change in salary, benefits and bonus from 2012 to 2013 for the Chief Executive and the 
average percentage change from 2012 to 2013 for the average employee of the Group.

Chief Executive

All employees

Relative importance of spend on pay

Salary 
(%)

3.0

7.7

Benefits
 (%)

(5.3)

(4.3)

Bonus 
(%)

4.3

14.7

The table below shows the aggregate employee remuneration, dividends paid in the year, revenue and operating profit as stated in the 
Financial Statements, for the years ended 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012.

Total number of employees1

Aggregate employee remuneration1 (£m)

Remuneration per employee (£)

Dividends paid in the year2 (£m)

1 Figures taken from Note 9.
2 Figures taken from Note 14.

Share Ownership Guidelines

2013

6,594

283.9

43,054

114.0

2012

7,129

281.9

39,543

107.3

% change

(7.5)

+0.7

+8.9

+6.2

The Committee approved updated formal share ownership guidelines on 7 October 2013 which expect the Executive Directors to build 
up, over a five-year period from their date of appointment to the Board, a holding in the Company’s shares equal to at least one and a 
half times annual basic salary. The Company Secretary monitors adherence to the guidelines, reports to the Remuneration Committee 
and informs the Executive Directors of the extent to which the guidelines have been met.

Both Peter Rigby and Adam Walker had met the share ownership requirement on 31 December 2013. Stephen Carter, who was 
appointed CEO-Designate with effect from 1 September 2013 has five years from his appointment as an Executive Director to build up 
a shareholding worth 150% of base salary. At the end of the financial year Stephen held 5,000 shares worth 3.72% of his base salary. 

Directors’ Share Interests 

The Directors who held office at 31 December 2013 had the following beneficial interests in the issued share capital of the Company at 
that date:

Share Interests

Long-Term Incentive Plan  
– Nil Cost Options4

Deferred Share Bonus Plan – 
£1 Option Price5

With performance 
conditions

Without performance 
conditions

Director

Derek Mapp

Peter Rigby1

Adam Walker2

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter3

Cindy Rose

Total 
Interests6

Beneficial 
Interests

Unvested

Vested but 
unexercised

Unvested

Vested but 
unexercised

100,000

245,575

22,663

14,000

79,000

8,200

80,712

–

100,000

244,648

22,000

14,000

79,000

8,200

5,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

75,712

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

All-
Employee 
Share Plans 
(Share 
Incentive 
Plan)

–

927

663

–

–

–

–

–

1  Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2013. In accordance with the provisions of the LTIP and DSBP, he received his LTIP entitlements on 
a pro-rata basis and exercised his DSBP options in full.
2  Adam Walker resigned as Finance Director on 31 December 2013. Under the provisions of the LTIP and DSBP, all his awards under the LTIP and options 

held under the DSBP lapsed.

3 Stephen Carter was appointed as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and as Group Chief Executive on 1 January 2014. 
4 All awards made under the LTIP are subject to performance conditions.
5  All options granted under the DSBP are exercisable between the 3rd and 10th anniversaries from the date of grant and are not subject to performance conditions.
6  Total interests include shares held as beneficial, non-beneficial and those held by connected persons, and, shares held in the LTIP, DSBP and the Share 

Incentive Plan. 

62

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Peter Rigby and Adam Walker acquired shares through the vesting of the LTIP on 11 March 2013. The price on vesting was 520.07p 
and the performance period covered the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012. Both Peter Rigby and Adam Walker 
transferred non-restricted shares from the Share Incentive Plan to their individual share accounts on 31 July 2013 as per the rules 
of the plan. Peter Rigby vested his 2011, 2012 and 2013 LTIP grants and exercised his options held under the 2011 and 2012 DSBP 
on 17 December 2013. Further information can be found on the loss of office payments on page 60 and details of Peter Rigby’s 
share awards can be found on page 65.

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 2013 Peter Rigby, Adam Walker and Stephen Carter 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 712,051 shares at 31 December 2013, of which 712,051 have not been allocated to individuals. The 
remaining shares have been allocated to individuals in accordance with the DSBP as noted below. Employees of the Group (including 
Stephen Carter) are potential beneficiaries under this trust. 

There have been no changes in Directors’ share interests from 31 December 2013 to the date of this Report, apart from Adam Walker’s 
LTIP awards and DSBP options which have all lapsed.

Outside Appointments

Executive Directors are entitled to accept appointments outside of the Company provided that the Chairman determines that it is 
appropriate. During 2013, Peter Rigby served as Non-Executive Chairman of Electric Word plc until his resignation from this role on 
1 June 2013, for which he received and retained fees of £6,000. Stephen Carter is Chairman of the Board of the Ashridge Business 
School, is a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company and a member of the House of Lords. He does not receive any remuneration 
for any of these roles. 

Directors’ Contracts

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

Stephen Carter was appointed CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 at which point his letter of appointment as a Non-Executive 
Director ceased. Details of Stephen Carter’s Executive contract can be found on page 57.

Each of the Non-Executive Directors has specific terms of appointment. 

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. The Executive Directors 
contracts have a 12 month notice period by either party and the Non-Executive Directors’ Letters of Appointment are terminable by 
either party by three months’ notice.

Executive Directors

Peter Rigby1

Stephen Carter2

Adam Walker3

Non-Executive Directors

Derek Mapp

Pamela Kirby

John Davis

Brendan O’Neill

Stephen Carter2

Cindy Rose

Date of original contract

25 September 1996

9 July 2013

12 March 2008

10 May 2004

3 August 2004

19 September 2005

26 November 2007

11 May 2010

1 March 2013

1 Peter Rigby retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2013.
2  Stephen Carter stepped down as a Non-Executive Director on his appointment as CEO-Designate on 1 September 2013 and became Group Chief 

Executive on 1 January 2014.

3 Adam Walker resigned as Finance Director on 31 December 2013.

63

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Remuneration Report continued

The following information has been subject to audit.

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. As noted earlier in this 
report, Stephen Carter is paid in Sterling and his salary for 2013 has been converted to Swiss Francs using the following exchange rate 
and has been included in the table below. For 2012 and 2013 the figures have been converted from Swiss Francs based on the average 
GBP/CHF exchange rate for 2012 of 1.4825, and 1.4464 for 2013. 

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)

2013 
CHF’000

2012 
CHF’000

6,4851

950

672

8,107

5,260

2,095

565

7,920

1 Total emoluments includes Peter Rigby’s loss of office payments which can be found on page 60.

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 DSBP as at 
31 December 2013. 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 DSBP. 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. Options issued under the DSBP will lapse on the tenth anniversary 
of the date of grant.

Date 
of Grant

Cash Bonus 
Awarded 
(CHF)

Percentage 
achieved

Total value 
on grant of 
the award 
(CHF)

Number 
of shares 
awarded

Number of 
shares 
lapsed

Exercise period

Deferred Share Bonus Awarded 

Adam Walker

09.03.2011

722,500

07.03.2012

744,175

07.03.2013

734,969

7.9%

13.6%

–

57,398

8,9991,3

8,999

9 March 2014 to 8 March 2021

101,282

16,2222,4

16,222

7 March 2015 to 7 March 2022

–

–

–

7 March 2016 to 7 March 2023

158,680

25,221

25,2215

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.
5 Adam Walker’s DSBP options lapsed as a consequence of his resignation.

As a retiree and under the provisions of the DSBP, Peter Rigby exercised all his options held under the DSBP on 17 December 2013  
as noted on pages 59 and 63, and Adam Walker’s options lapsed as a consequence of his resignation.

With an adjusted fully diluted EPS performance against target of 98.8% for 2012, each Executive Director received a cash bonus of 
equivalent to 98.8% of his base salary and no Deferred Share Bonus was awarded. No Deferred Share Bonus awards were made in 
respect of 2013 performance.

64

GOVERNANCEINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Directors’ Participation in Long-Term Incentive Plan 

The Executive Directors have been granted conditional awards over shares in the Company under the LTIP as described on 
page 52. 

The subsisting LTIP awards for the Executive Directors as at 31 December 2013 are as follows: 

At 
 31 December 
2012

Vested

Lapsed

Granted

At 
 31 December 
2013

End of 
performance 
period

Stephen Carter

Peter Rigby

Adam Walker

Award date

01.09.2013

08.04.2010

09.03.2011

06.03.2012

07.03.2013

08.04.2010

09.03.2011

06.03.2012

07.03.2013

–

–

262,631

290,761

297,674

–

851,066

159,454

176,533

180,730

–

–

–

75,7121

75,712

75,712

75,712

111,6182

–

40,6012

21,1622

173,381

67,7672

–

–

–

151,013

290,761

257,073

239,035

937,882

91,687

176,5334

180,7304

157,9764

606,926

–

–

–

260,1973

260,197

–

–

–

157,9763

157,976

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

31.12.2015

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

31.12.2014

31.12.2015

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

31.12.2014

31.12.2015

516,717

67,767

1 The market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date was 508.50p per share.
2  On vesting of the 2010 LTIP grant on 11 March 2013, of the 111,618 shares that vested, Peter Rigby sold 34,783 shares to cover tax liabilities and retained  

the reminder of 76,835 shares, and, of the 67,767 shares that vested, Adam Walker sold 18,436 to cover tax liabilities and retained the reminder of  
49,331 shares. On vesting of the 2012 and 2013 LTIP grants on 17 December 2013, Peter Rigby sold all the 40,601 and 21,162 shares on vesting.

3 The market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date was 511.00p per share.
4 As noted above, under the provisions of the LTIP, all awards held by Adam Walker lapsed as a consequence of his resignation.

The grants were made on the terms described on page 52. 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 market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2013 was 573.5p and the range during the year was between 
462.8p to 573.5p. The daily average market price during the year was 514.4p.

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 2014

65

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Independent Auditor’s Report

To the members of Informa plc

Opinion on financial  
statements of Informa plc

In our opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

the Consolidated Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;

the Parent Company Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with  
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Article 113A of the  
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and, as regards the Consolidated Financial Statements,  
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Financial Statements comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated 
Cash Flow Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, and the related notes.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company 
Financial Statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Going concern

We have reviewed the Directors’ statement that the Group is a going concern. We confirm that:

•  we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 

preparation of the Financial Statements is appropriate; and

•  we have not identified any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s 

ability to continue as a going concern.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a 
guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

66

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Our assessment of risks  
of material misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect  
on our audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team.

Risk

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

The assessment of the carrying value of goodwill 
and other intangible fixed assets

The Group has £1.6 billion of goodwill and a further  
£0.8 billion of other intangible assets on the balance sheet  
as at 31 December 2013. Management is required to carry  
out an annual impairment test, which is judgemental and  
based on a number of assumptions including in respect  
of future profitability and discount rates.

Accounting for acquisitions and disposals

The Group has made a number of strategic acquisitions  
and disposals in the period. The accounting for each of  
these involves judgement and is based on assumptions  
about the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired,  
and the consideration paid or received.

The recoverability of long term receivables

The Group has three significant long-term receivables with  
third parties as a result of the structure of the disposals of  
the Corporate Training businesses, Robbins Gioia and Asia 
Gateway China. At 31 December 2013 the carrying value of  
these receivables was £37.6 million.

The adequacy of provisions for uncertain tax positions

The Group has historically had significant provisions for  
potential tax exposures. While these have reduced significantly 
over the last two years they continue to represent a judgemental 
area of focus for management.

Revenue recognition, including the validity of  
revenue and cut-off

Revenue recognition is a judgemental area, in particular in 
relation to the apportionment of subscription revenue and  
the timing of revenue earned close to the year end.

We challenged management’s assumptions used in the 
impairment model for goodwill and other intangible assets 
as described in notes 16 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements. This included specifically testing the cash flow 
projections, forecast growth rates, discount rates and sensitivities.

We reviewed the sale and purchase agreements for significant 
acquisitions and challenged the acquisition accounting for 
each. This included testing the validity and completeness of 
consideration and evaluating management’s assumptions and 
methodology supporting the fair values of intangible and net 
assets acquired for each significant acquisition in the year. We 
also challenged Management’s presentation of the results of the 
Corporate Training businesses within discontinued operations. 
We scrutinised the loss on disposal calculation including 
assessing the fair value of the consideration received and  
the related costs of sale.

We reviewed the underlying agreements for these long term 
receivables, considered and challenged management assumptions 
over future recoverability, such as the review of future business 
performance, and audited repayments in the year.

We reviewed the movement in the provision challenging the 
utilisation in the period and the releases made. We have also 
assessed the remaining risks in respect of capital gains tax  
and transfer pricing.

Our procedures included understanding and testing the  
controls in respect of the Group’s revenue cycle and testing 
the revenue recognised in the period using a combination of 
substantive analytical procedures and tests of detail.

The Audit Committee’s consideration of these risks is set out on pages 28 to 31.

Our audit procedures relating to these matters were designed in the context of our audit of the Financial Statements as a whole, and 
not to express an opinion on individual accounts or disclosures. Our opinion on the Financial Statements is not modified with respect 
to any of the risks described above, and we do not express an opinion on these individual matters.

67

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Independent Auditor’s Report continued

To the members of Informa plc

Our application of materiality We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it 

probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or 
influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the 
results of our work.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £9.7 million, which is below 5% of normalised pre-tax 
profit from continuing operations. Pre-tax profit from continuing operations has been normalised 
by removing the impact of restructuring and reorganisation costs, acquisition related costs and 
impairment charges.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in 
excess of £190,000, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we 
identified when assessing the overall presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

An overview of the scope  
of our audit

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, 
including Group-wide controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. 

Based on that assessment, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on the audit work at seven 
locations. Six of these were subject to a full audit, whilst the remaining one was subject to specified 
audit procedures where the extent of our testing was based on our assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement and of the materiality of the Group’s operations at that location.

These seven locations represent the principal business units within the Group’s three reportable 
segments and account for 95% of the Group’s net assets, 73% of the Group’s revenue and 76% of 
the Group’s adjusted operating profit. They were also selected to provide an appropriate basis for 
undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement identified above. Our audit work 
at the seven locations was executed at levels of materiality applicable to each individual entity which 
were lower than Group materiality.

At the Group level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures  
to confirm our conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the 
aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to audit or audit of 
specified account balances.

The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned visits that has been designed  
so that the Senior Statutory Auditor or his delegate visits each of the locations where the Group 
audit scope was focused at least once every two years and the most significant of them at least once 
a year. In years when we do not visit a significant component we will include the component audit 
team in our team briefing, discuss their risk assessment, and review documentation of the findings 
from their work.

Opinion on other matters

In our opinion:

• 

• 

the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006 as if that Act had applied to the Company; and

the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year  
for which the Financial Statements are prepared is consistent with the Financial Statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of explanations 
received and accounting 
records

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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

68

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Directors’ remuneration

We are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration have  
not been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns. We have nothing to report arising from these matters.

Corporate  
Governance Statement

Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review the part of the Corporate Governance 
Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with nine provisions of the UK Corporate  
Governance Code. We have nothing to report arising from our review.

Our duty to read  
other information in  
the Annual Report

Respective responsibilities  
of Directors and auditor

Scope of the audit of  
the financial statements

Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion, information in the annual report is:

•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Financial Statements; or

•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge  

of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

•  otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between 
our knowledge acquired during the audit and the Directors’ statement that they consider the annual 
report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the annual report appropriately discloses 
those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee which we consider should have been 
disclosed. We confirm that we have not identified any such inconsistencies or misleading statements.

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, 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. We also comply with 
International Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to 
ensure that our quality control procedures are effective, understood and applied. Our quality controls 
and systems include our dedicated professional standards review team, strategically focused second 
partner reviews and independent partner reviews.

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.

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 and the Parent Company’s circumstances and have 
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting 
estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, 
we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the 
course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Ian Waller FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom 
21 February 2014

69

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Adjusted
results 
2013
£m

Adjusting
 items
2013
£m

Statutory
results
2013
£m

Adjusted
results 
2012
£m

Adjusting
 items
2012
£m

Statutory
results
2012
£m

Notes

Continuing operations

Revenue

Net operating expenses

Operating profit/(loss)

Loss on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling 
interest

Finance costs

Investment income

Profit/(loss) before tax

Tax (charge)/credit

Profit/(loss) for the period from 
continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Loss for the period from 
discontinued operations

(Loss)/profit for the year

Attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent

– Non-controlling interest

Earnings per share from 
continuing operations 

– Basic (p)

– Diluted (p)

Earnings per share from continuing  
and discontinued operations

– Basic (p)

– Diluted (p)

Adjusted earnings per share from 
continuing operations

– Basic (p)

– Diluted (p)

5

7

21

2

11

12

13

20

35

15

15

15

15

15

15

1,132.4

(796.9)

335.5

–

–

(29.8)

1.9

307.6

(66.1)

–

(188.8)

(188.8)

(3.4)

–

0.3

–

(191.9)

53.5

1,132.4

(985.7)

146.7

(3.4)

–

(29.5)

1.9

115.7

(12.6)

1,110.6

(780.1)

330.5

–

–

(38.3)

6.0

298.2

(68.1)

–

(202.7)

(202.7)

(27.5)

1.0

(3.1)

4.5

(227.8)

91.4

1,110.6

(982.8)

127.8

(27.5)

1.0

(41.4)

10.5

70.4

23.3

241.5

(138.4)

103.1

230.1

(136.4)

93.7

(109.5)

(6.4)

(6.4)

–

17.1

17.1

(1.1)

 (1.1)

(3.0)

90.7

90.7

–

15.6

15.5

15.1

15.0

40.1

40.1

38.2

38.2

70

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 31 December 2013

(Loss)/profit for the year

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes

Tax relating to items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Tax relating to items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Other comprehensive expense for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Attributable from continuing operations to:

– Equity holders of the parent

– Non-controlling interest

Attributable from discontinued operations to:

– Equity holders of the parent

– Non-controlling interest

Notes

38

30

32

30

35

35

2013 
£m

(6.4)

8.3

(2.2)

6.1

0.5

(25.0)

(0.1)

(24.6)

(18.5)

(24.9)

84.6

–

(109.5)

–

2012
£m

90.7

(8.5)

1.7

(6.8)

4.3

(42.3)

(1.3)

(39.3)

(46.1)

44.6

47.6

–

(3.0)

–

71

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Share
capital
£m

0.6

Share
premium
 account
£m

Other
reserves
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

1.6

(1,183.0)

2,562.9

Total
£m

1,382.1

90.7

4.3

(42.3)

–

4.3

(42.3)

90.7

–

–

–

(8.5)

(8.5)

(1.3)

1.7

0.4

(39.3)

83.9

44.6

(107.3)

(107.3)

–

3.8

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.8

(0.1)

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

–

(4.1)

4.1

0.6

2.1

(1,222.7)

2,543.6

1,323.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

(25.0)

(6.4)

(6.4)

–

–

0.5

(25.0)

–

8.3

8.3

(0.1)

(2.2)

(2.3)

(24.6)

–

2.2

(0.4)

3.6

–

(4.0)

(0.3)

(114.0)

–

–

–

–

4.0

(24.9)

(114.0)

2.2

(0.4)

3.6

–

–

0.6

2.1

(1,245.9)

2,433.3

1,190.1

Non-
controlling
 interest
£m

Total 
equity
£m

(1.7)

1,380.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.0

–

1.0

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

(6.4)

0.5

(25.0)

8.3

(2.3)

(24.9)

(114.0)

2.2

(0.4)

3.6

1.0

–

1,191.1

At 1 January 2012

Profit for the year 

Change in fair value of 
cash flow hedges

Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations

Actuarial loss on defined benefit 
pension schemes (Note 38)

Tax relating to components of other 
comprehensive income (Note 30)

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 1 January 2013

Loss for the year 

Change in fair value of cash  
flow hedges

Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations

Actuarial gain on defined benefit 
pension schemes (Note 38)

Tax relating to components of other 
comprehensive income (Note 30)

Total comprehensive expense  
for the year

Dividends to shareholders (Note 14)

Share award expense (Note 10)

Own shares purchased

Cumulative foreign exchange losses  
on disposals (Note 21)

Purchase of non-controlling interest

Transfer of vested LTIPs

At 31 December 2013

72

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2013

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

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

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

Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

Notes

16
17
22
25
32(b)

24
25

26

33

34
34
34
34
34
34

35

31
30
38
29
27

31

29
27
28

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 February 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:

Stephen A. Carter CBE 
Group Chief Executive 

2013
£m

2012
£m

1,597.9
780.3
16.5
37.6
0.5
2,432.8

42.2
203.0
2.6
32.4
280.2
2,713.0

0.6
2.1
3.6
496.4
(1,718.6)
(0.2)
0.4
(27.5)
2,433.3
1,190.1
1.0
1,191.1

814.1
134.5
5.4
7.1
7.0
968.1

0.5
45.1
12.7
179.5
316.0
553.8
1,521.9
2,713.0

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

73

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2013

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

Product development costs

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

Proceeds on disposal of intangible software assets

Net cash outflow from investing activities 

Financing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders

(Repayments)/draw down of borrowings

Cash (outflow)/inflow from the issue of share capital 

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase 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

37

17

22

18

17

21

14

37

26

2013
£m

332.3

(71.6)

(31.2)

229.5

1.1

0.4

(8.3)

(5.9)

(50.4)

(87.3)

(2.7)

47.5

–

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

(105.6)

(190.9)

(114.0)

(0.6)

(0.4)

(115.0)

8.9

(0.3)

23.3

31.9

(107.4)

36.0

0.3

(71.1)

0.2

(1.7)

24.8

23.3

74

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2013

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 37. The Consolidated Financial Statements as at 31 December 2013 and for year then ended 
comprise those of the Company and its subsidiaries and its interests in joint ventures (together referred to as the Group).

The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report sections of the Directors’ Report 
on page 37.

The Directors have, at the time of approving the Consolidated Financial Statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and 
the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. Further detail is contained in the Strategic 
Report on page 40.

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.

The comparative information in the Consolidated Income Statement and associated notes has been restated for the impact of the 
Corporate Training businesses discontinued operations. In line with the requirements of IFRS 5 Non-current assets held for sale and 
discontinued operations, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position has not been restated.

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:

•  Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

• 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

•  Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income

• 

IAS 12 (amended 2010) Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets

•  Amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits

• 

Improvements to IFRSs 2009 – 2011 cycle (issued May 2012)

The adoption of these standards and interpretations has not led to any changes to the Group’s accounting policies, except for the 
change in now recognising interest based on the net defined benefit liability under IAS 19. Given the magnitude of the net defined 
benefit liability, the interest charge is materially consistent under both bases and therefore the prior period charge has not been 
restated. Furthermore, we have changed the presentation of items in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income to reflect 
the amendment to IAS 1.

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 19 (amended) Employee Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions 

– not endorsed by the EU

IAS 27 (revised 2011) Separate Financial Statements 

IAS 28 (revised 2011) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 

– endorsed by the EU

– endorsed by the EU

IAS 32 (amended) Financial Instruments: Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities   – endorsed by the EU

IAS 36 (amended) Impairment of Assets – Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets 

– endorsed by the EU

IAS 39 (amended) Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Novation of Derivatives and  
Continuation of Hedge Accounting  

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments  

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements   

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements  

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities 

Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 – Investment Entities 

IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies 

Improvements to IFRSs 2010 – 2012 cycle (issued December 2013) 

Improvements to IFRSs 2011 – 2013 cycle (issued December 2013) 

– 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

– not endorsed by the EU

– not endorsed by the EU

75

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 for 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 the first half of 2014. This standard is currently effective for accounting periods commencing on 
or after 1 January 2015. We will evaluate the impact in early 2014 once all components of the standard are issued.

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 will 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 is currently in the process of changing its consolidation system to equity accounting. This change in policy will require a 
restatement of the comparative period as well.

76

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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) are presented as adjusting items:

Continuing operations

Restructuring and reorganisation costs

Acquisition related costs

Intangible asset amortisation

Impairment – European Conferences

Impairment – Robbins Gioia loan receivable

Impairment – Intangible software assets

Impairment – Other

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration

Loss on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Interest on overdue tax

Early termination of cross currency swaps

Tax related to adjusting items

Tax provision release (net of associated deferred tax charge)

Notes

8

7

16

17

17

7

21

18

11

12

13

13

2013
£m

14.2

5.8

105.1

40.5

8.3

17.1

0.3

(2.5)

3.4

–

(0.3)

–

191.9

(39.8)

(13.7)

138.4

2012
£m

9.9

1.3

111.8

80.0

–

–

1.3

(1.6)

27.5

(1.0)

3.1

(4.5)

227.8

(31.4)

(60.0)

136.4

The principal adjustments made are in respect of:

• 

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; 

•  acquisition related costs – the costs incurred by the Group in making share or asset acquisitions;

• 

• 

• 

• 

intangible asset amortisation – the Group continues to amortise other intangible assets. The amortisation charge in respect of 
intangible software assets and product development 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 material 
impairment charges are 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 on disposal of businesses – the loss 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; 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.

77

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
2 BASIS OF PREPARATION CONTINUED

Adjusted results continued 

The tax related to adjusting items is the tax effect of the items above and in 2013 it also included the effect of the reduction in the 
UK corporation tax rate applicable for the purposes of calculating deferred tax from 23% to 20% (year ended 31 December 2012: 25% 
reduced to 23%). 

In the previous financial year the Group resolved a number of outstanding tax issues which resulted in the Group making substantial 
adjustments to its tax provisions which are also shown as an adjusting item in the results for the years ended 31 December 2012 and 2013.

Significant exchange rates

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

Average rate

Closing rate

2013

1.5635

1.1776

2012

1.5898

1.2308

2013

1.6510

1.1997

2012

1.6175

1.2265

USD

EUR

78

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
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. 

Attendee, sponsorship and exhibitor income is deferred and recognised when the event is held. 

Copy sales revenue is recognised on the sale of the product.

Advertising revenue is recognised on issue of the publication.

Consulting income is 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 regards to key milestones in the contract being attained and the services performed under the  
contract to date 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.

Business combinations

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.

79

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20133 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Business combinations continued

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.

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 

Exhibitions and Conferences 

20 years

20 years 

3–20 years

3–20 years

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. During the period we realigned our assumptions on the useful 
economic lives of our book lists and journal titles to be more in line with modern industry benchmarks. We reduced the assumed 
economic life to 20 years (from 40 years), in line with the future economic benefits derived from these assets. The impact in the period 
is an increase in amortisation charge for Academic Publishing division of £9.4m.

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 

50 years

Leasehold land and buildings 

Over life of the lease 

Equipment, fixtures and fittings 

3–15 years

Freehold land is not depreciated.

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.

80

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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. 

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 Consolidated 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.

81

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20133 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

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. 

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. Net interest is calculated by applying a discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset. 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.

82

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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. 

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 Consolidated 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 30 days (2012: 32 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.

83

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20133 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Impairment of financial assets continued

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.

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.

84

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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.

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 32.

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.

85

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20134 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS 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 judgements, 
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 judgement taken by management in selecting and applying the accounting policies set out above, the Directors have 
made the following judgements 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 20 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 32 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. 

Recoverability of long-term receivables

There are a number of external loans which are repayable over the next ten years. The recoverability of the capital and interest 
payments is dependent on the financial success of the external parties over the coming years.

For each significant loan receivable we will assess whether a credit risk provision is required.

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. 
In 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 management 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 38 details the assumptions which have been adopted.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities require management judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised. In particular, 
judgement 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 29.

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.

86

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20135 REVENUE

An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Subscriptions 

Attendee

Copy sales

Exhibitor

Sponsorship

Consulting

Advertising

Total revenue from continuing operations

2013
£m

477.9

172.4

222.5

166.4

67.5

–

25.7

1,132.4

2012
£m

468.5

179.7

210.4

146.0

63.4

15.4

27.2

1,110.6

87

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
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.

Unless otherwise indicated the segment information reported on the following pages does not include any amounts for discontinued 
operations, which are described in more detail in Note 20.

The Group’s three identified reportable segments under IFRS 8 Operating Segments are therefore as follows:

Academic Publishing 

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, Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences. This segment was previously 
called Academic Information.

Business Intelligence 

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. This segment was previously called Professional and Commercial Information.

Global Events 

With the disposal of the Corporate Training businesses, the Events and Training segment has been renamed as the Global Events 
segment. The Global Events business consists of trade shows and exhibitions and large and small conferences. 

Segment revenue and results

31 December 2013

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

Impairment (Note 2)

Operating profit/(loss)

Loss on disposal of businesses (Note 21)

Finance costs (Note 11)

Investment income (Note 12)

Profit before tax from continuing operations

1 Excludes software amortisation.

Academic 
Publishing
£m

Business 
Intelligence
£m

367.1

130.9

(0.9)

(0.1)

–

(35.9)

(5.5)

88.5

350.6

109.1

(9.3)

(0.8)

2.8

(33.2)

(5.3)

63.3

Global 
Events
£m

414.7

95.5

(4.0)

(4.9)

(0.3)

(36.0)

(55.4)

(5.1)

Total
£m

1,132.4

335.5

(14.2)

(5.8)

2.5

(105.1)

(66.2)

146.7

(3.4)

(29.5)

1.9

115.7

88

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
Segment revenue and results

31 December 2012

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 

Impairment (Note 2)

Operating profit/(loss)

Loss on disposal of businesses (Note 21)

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest (Note 2)

Finance costs (Note 11)

Investment income (Note 12)

Profit before tax from continuing operations

1 Excludes software amortisation.

Academic 
Publishing
£m

Business 
Intelligence
£m

Global 
Events
£m

340.3

126.1

(0.9)

–

–

(27.2)

–

98.0

356.6

120.7

(4.2)

(0.3)

1.3

(47.2)

(1.1)

69.2

413.7

83.7

(4.8)

(1.0)

0.3

(37.4)

(80.2)

(39.4)

Total
£m

1,110.6

330.5

(9.9)

(1.3)

1.6

(111.8)

(81.3)

127.8

(27.5)

1.0

(41.4)

10.5

70.4

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

Academic Publishing

Business Intelligence

Global Events

Total segment assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets

2013
£m

865.9

1,142.7

652.6

2,661.2

51.8

2,713.0

2012
£m

870.7

1,151.9

857.9

2,880.5

53.6

2,934.1

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 some intangible software assets, balances receivable from businesses sold and taxation (current and deferred). 
Assets used jointly by reportable segments are allocated on the basis of the revenues earned by individual reportable segment.

89

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
6 BUSINESS SEGMENTS CONTINUED

Segment assets continued

The Group’s revenues from its major products and services were as follows:

Academic Publishing

Subscriptions

Copy sales

Total Academic Publishing

Business Intelligence

Subscriptions

Copy sales

Advertising

Total Business Intelligence

Global Events

Attendee

Exhibitor

Sponsorship

Consulting

Advertising

Total Global Events

Total revenue from continuing operations

Information about major customers

2013
£m

188.9

178.2

367.1

289.0

44.3

17.3

350.6

172.4

166.4

67.5

–

8.4

414.7

1,132.4

2012
£m

182.7

157.6

340.3

285.8

52.8

18.0

356.6

179.7

146.0

63.4

15.4

9.2

413.7

1,110.6

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 from continuing operations

Segment assets

2013
£m

159.4

386.8

253.1

333.1

1,132.4

2012
£m

144.7

356.9

278.6

330.4

1,110.6

2013
£m

1,281.2

963.9

107.9

360.0

2,713.0

2012
£m

1,320.3

1,087.8

185.8

340.2

2,934.1

No individual customer amounts to more than 10% of the Group’s revenue.

90

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
7 NET OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating profit has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

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  
from continuing operations

Adjusted
results
2013
£m

364.5

322.6

15.8

6.4

–

0.4

1.0

19.4

1.0

–

–

–

65.8

Notes

9

2

36

36

8

2

2

Adjusting
items
2013
£m

Statutory
results
2013
£m

Adjusted
results
2012
£m

Adjusting
items
2012
£m

Statutory
results
2012
£m

–

–

105.1

–

66.2

–

–

–

–

14.2

5.8

(2.5)

–

364.5

354.7

322.6

120.9

6.4

66.2

0.4

1.0

19.4

1.0

14.2

5.8

(2.5)

65.8

323.4

13.8

6.5

–

1.8

1.1

21.2

1.1

–

–

–

56.5

–

–

111.8

–

81.3

–

–

–

–

9.9

1.3

(1.6)

–

354.7

323.4

125.6

6.5

81.3

1.8

1.1

21.2

1.1

9.9

1.3

(1.6)

56.5

796.9

188.8

985.7

780.1

202.7

982.8

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

2013
£m

0.6

0.4

1.0

0.1

0.4

0.5

2012
£m

0.7

0.4

1.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

The fees payable for other services of £0.4m relates to corporate finance services on the carve-out work of the Corporate Training 
businesses, of which £0.3m of this fee was re-imbursed from the acquirer.

A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the Audit Committee Report on page 47 and includes an explanation of 
how auditor objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor.

91

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
8 RESTRUCTURING AND REORGANISATION COSTS

Reorganisation costs

Redundancy costs

Vacant property provisions

9 STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS

2013
£m

3.0

10.7

0.5

14.2

2012
£m

2.1

6.8

1.0

9.9

The monthly average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the year, analysed by segment, was as follows:

Number of employees

Academic Publishing

Business Intelligence

Global Events

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs charged to operating profit (Note 38)

Share-based payment (Note 10)

Staff costs (excluding redundancy costs)

Redundancy costs (Note 8)

2013

1,757

2,518

2,319

6,594

2013
£m

283.9

27.8

8.7

2.2

322.6

10.7

333.3

2012

1,703

2,790

2,636

7,129

2012
£m

281.9

29.2

8.5

3.8

323.4

6.8

330.2

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 39). Further information about the remuneration of individual Directors 
is provided in the audited part of the Remuneration Report on pages 56 to 65.

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share incentive gains and payments

2013
£m

4.5

0.5

0.6

5.6

2012
£m

3.5

0.4

1.4

5.3

92

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group Long-Term Incentive Plans (“LTIPs”) and share options 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 £2.2m (2012: £3.8m) related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions in the year 
ended 31 December 2013.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

The movement during the year is as follows:

Opening balance 

LTIPs exercised in the year

LTIPs lapsed in the year

LTIPs granted in the year

Closing balance

Date of grant

4 August 2009

8 April 2010

9 March 2011

6 March 2012

7 March 2013

Estimated 
fair value1

£1.713

£1.793

£2.673

£2.713

£2.523

£2.573

£1.883

£2.303

£2.773

£2.823

2013
Shares

2012
Shares

3,852,289

4,268,347

(630,842)

(2,157,812)

1,477,083

2,540,718

(1,319,778)

(478,833)

1,382,553

3,852,289

Exercise 
price

Expected 
volatility

Expected
 life2 (years)

Risk 
free rate

Dividend 
yield

Share 
price

£2.60

£4.35

54.1%

£3.97

£5.20

53.3%

£4.26

n/a

52.0%

£4.18

n/a

32.0%

£5.13

n/a

27.0%

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.5%

2.8%

1.8%

2.9%

1.8%

2.6%

0.5%

3.8%

0.3%

4.2%

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 1,828,667 
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.

93

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

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

2013

2012

Weighted 
average
 exercise
 price (p)

–

–

–

–

Weighted 
average
 exercise
 price (p)

228.40

212.32

228.88

–

Options

230,166

(6,657)

(223,509)

–

–

Options

–

–

–

–

–

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was nil (2012: 228.88p). 

There were no options outstanding at 31 December 2012 and 2013 (Note 33).

Inputs used to calculate those fair values and the method of calculation are set out in the following tables:

Date of grant

4 March 20041

22 March 2004/10 May 2004 
(Executive)1

22 March 2004/10 May 2004 
(Employee)1

15 September 20041

Estimated
 fair value

£1.18

Share 
price

£3.76

Exercise 
price

Expected
 volatility

£3.73

£3.41

32.3%

£1.08

£3.49

(adjusted)*

32.8%

£0.93

£1.16

£3.49

(adjusted)*

£3.71

£3.70

32.8%

30.6%

£3.41

Expected
life
(years)

5.0

4.9

3.5

5.0

Risk 
free
rate

4.8%

Dividend 
yield

2.0%

4.6%

2.0%

4.2%

5.0%

2.0%

2.0%

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.

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

Interest on overdue tax

Notes

38

2

2013
£m

29.2

0.6

29.8

–

(0.3)

29.5

20121
£m

33.8

4.2

38.0

0.3

3.1

41.4

1  The interest cost on pension scheme liabilities in 2013 is prepared in accordance with the amendment to IAS 19. On the basis of materiality, the 

comparatives have not been restated.

94

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

25

38

2

2013
£m

0.6

1.3

–

–

1.9

1  The expected return on pension scheme assets in 2013 is prepared in accordance with the amendment to IAS 19. On the basis of materiality, the 
comparatives have not been restated.

13 TAXATION

The tax charge/(credit) 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 in respect of prior years

Total tax charge/(credit) on profit on ordinary activities

Notes

30

30

30

2013
£m

51.0

(13.7)

–

(19.4)

(5.3)

–

12.6

The tax shown as an adjusting item within the Consolidated Income Statement relates to the following:

Continuing operations

Restructuring and reorganisation costs 

Acquisition related costs 

Amortisation of other intangible assets 

Impairment 

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration 

Loss on disposal of businesses 

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest 

Interest on overdue tax 

Early termination of cross currency swaps 

Deferred tax credit arising from UK corporation tax rate change 

Tax provision release (net of associated deferred tax charge)

Notes

8

2

2

2

21

2

11

12

30

2

Gross
2013
£m

(14.2)

(5.8)

(105.1)

(66.2)

2.5

(3.4)

–

0.3

–

–

–

(191.9)

Tax
2013
£m

3.7

–

26.9

4.0

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

5.3

13.7

53.5

Gross
2012
£m

(9.9)

(1.3)

(111.8)

(81.3)

1.6

(27.5)

1.0

(3.1)

4.5

–

–

(227.8)

20121
£m

1.0

1.6

3.4

4.5

10.5

2012
£m

51.1

(61.5)

(3.1)

(6.8)

(4.5)

1.5

(23.3)

Tax
2012
£m

2.6

–

22.6

–

–

(0.3)

–

3.1

(1.1)

4.5

60.0

91.4

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.

95

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
13 TAXATION CONTINUED

The total tax charge/(credit) for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit as follows:

Profit before tax

Tax charge at effective UK statutory rate of 23.25% (2012: 24.5%) 

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 charge/(credit) and effective rate for the year

2013

2012

£m

115.7

26.9

3.1

1.6

(5.3)

(13.7)

12.6

 %

23.2

2.7

1.4

(4.6)

(11.8)

10.9

£m

70.4

17.2

17.5

6.5

(4.5)

(60.0)

(23.3)

 %

24.4

24.9

9.2

(6.4)

(85.2)

(33.1)

In addition to the income tax charge/(credit) to the Consolidated Income Statement, a tax charge of £2.3m (2012: credit of £0.4m) 
all of which relates to deferred tax (Note 30) has been recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
during the year. 

14 DIVIDENDS

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:

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

Second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 12.50p per share

First interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013 of 6.40p per share

Proposed second interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013 
of 12.50p per share (2012: 12.50p per share)

As at 31 December 2013 £0.1m (2012: £0.1m) of dividends are still to be paid.

2013
£m

–

–

75.4

38.6

114.0

75.5

2012
£m

71.1

36.2

–

–

107.3

75.3

As at 31 December 2013 holders of 737,272 (2012: 108,422) 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.

96

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
15 EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic

The basic earnings per share calculation is based on a loss attributable to equity shareholders of the parent of £6.4m (2012: £90.7m 
profit). This loss 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 602,421,793 (2012: 602,378,791).

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 602,687,758 (2012: 603,021,026). 

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

602,421,793

602,378,791

Effect of dilutive share options

265,965

642,235

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share calculation

602,687,758

603,021,026

1 For 2013 the effect of dilutive share options were anti-dilutive for the purpose of the dilutive earnings per share and have not been used.

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations

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:

20131

2012

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)

2013
£m

103.1

–

138.4

241.5

40.1

40.1

2012
£m

93.7

–

136.4

230.1

38.2

38.2

97

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201316 GOODWILL

Cost

At 1 January 2012

Additions in the year 

Disposals (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Additions in the year 

Disposals1 (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2012

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals1 (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

£m

1,828.5

109.0

(65.4)

(44.7)

1,827.4

57.9

(196.3)

(22.8)

1,666.2

(63.7)

(80.0)

43.1

(0.3)

(100.9)

(40.5)

77.2

(4.1)

(68.3)

1,597.9

1,726.5

1 Included in disposals for the year are assets written off with nil net book value that are not expected to generate any future economic benefits.

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:

Academic Publishing

Business Intelligence

Global Events

2013
£m

354.2

831.9

411.8

1,597.9

2012
£m

356.5

837.9

532.1

1,726.5

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. 

98

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
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. 

The pre-tax discount rates applied are 9.5% for Academic Publishing and Business Intelligence (2012: 9.5%) and 10.5% for the Global 
Events businesses (2012: 10.5%) with the exception of the European Conferences CGU where the pre-tax discount rate has increased 
by 1% to 11.5% which is to reflect the challenging economic conditions in Europe. There have been no other changes to the discount 
rates since the prior year, which is consistent with the fact that there have been no significant changes in the markets in which those 
CGUs operate. 

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.

Long-term average growth rates are 2% for Academic Publishing and Business Intelligence (2012: 2%) and European Conferences 
(2012: 3%), and 3% for Global Events (2012: 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 Global Events Segment. Updated five 
year projections have been produced for the CGU, which have resulted in an impairment of the carrying value of Goodwill by £40.5m. 
The carrying value of Goodwill and Intangible assets in the European Conferences business was £9.2m as at 31 December 2013.

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 Academic Publishing and Business Intelligence and 2% for Global Events 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 £1.7m would arise for European Conferences.  
For the other CGUs, no impairment would result from the scenarios in our sensitivity analysis.

99

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201317 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost

At 1 January 2012

Arising on acquisitions in the year3

Additions1,2

Reclassification

Disposals (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Arising on acquisitions in the year3

Additions1,2

Disposals4 (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Amortisation

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Reclassification

Disposals (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Charge for the year

Impairment losses for the year (Note 2)

Disposals4 (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

Book lists
and
 journal
titles
£m

Database
Content and
intellectual 
property
£m

Exhibitions
and
Conferences
£m

Sub
total
£m

Intangible 
software
 assets
£m

Product
Development5
£m

Total
£m

664.5

–

36.4

–

–

(15.7)

685.2

12.6

14.4

(19.2)

(7.8)

685.2

(174.5)

(33.0)

–

–

–

4.4

(203.1)

(41.4)

–

19.2

2.6

785.2

20.7

–

(1.6)

(45.7)

(23.1)

735.5

21.7

18.0

(216.5)

(8.1)

550.6

(504.6)

(72.9)

(1.1)

1.0

37.1

15.2

(525.3)

(54.4)

–

176.8

6.5

242.0

1,691.7

15.9

0.2

–

(0.6)

(9.8)

36.6

36.6

(1.6)

(46.3)

(48.6)

247.7

1,668.4

23.5

28.9

57.8

61.3

(22.3)

(258.0)

(13.9)

(29.8)

263.9

1,499.7

(125.1)

(804.2)

(25.6)

(131.5)

(0.2)

(1.3)

–

0.3

3.8

1.0

37.4

23.4

(146.8)

(875.2)

(25.5)

(121.3)

(0.3)

(0.3)

21.0

3.5

217.0

12.6

116.7

0.6

13.8

0.1

(5.7)

(1.8)

123.7

(0.1)

8.3

(13.4)

(0.9)

117.6

(52.6)

(14.5)

–

–

5.6

0.8

(60.7)

(14.8)

(17.1)

11.2

0.6

22.8

1,831.2

0.1

4.5

1.5

(1.0)

(1.1)

37.3

54.9

–

(53.0)

(51.5)

26.8

1,818.9

–

2.7

57.7

72.3

(13.0)

(284.4)

(0.4)

(31.1)

16.1

1,633.4

(4.6)

(2.9)

–

(1.0)

–

0.2

(861.4)

(148.9)

(1.3)

–

43.0

24.4

(8.3)

(944.2)

(3.2)

(139.3)

–

6.3

0.1

(17.4)

234.5

13.3

(222.7)

(396.4)

(148.1)

(767.2)

(80.8)

(5.1)

(853.1)

462.5

482.1

154.2

210.2

115.8

100.9

732.5

793.2

36.8

63.0

11.0

18.5

780.3

874.7

1  Of the £61.3m (2012: £36.6m) additions to Book lists and journal titles, Database content and intellectual property and Exhibitions and conferences, 
£48.9m (2012: £36.8m) represents cash paid.
2 £8.3m (2012: £13.8m) additions to Intangible software assets and £2.7m (2012: £4.5m) additions to product development represents cash paid. 
3 Of the £57.7m (2012: £37.3m) arising on acquisitions in the year, £10.4m (2012: £0.2m) relates to prior year acquisitions.
4 Included in disposals for the year are assets written off with nil net book value that are not expected to generate any future economic benefits.
5 All product development in 2013 and 2012 are internally generated.

100

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible software assets include a gross carrying amount of £103.7m (2012: £101.2m) and accumulated amortisation of £71.2m 
(2012: £46.0m) which relates to software that has been internally generated. During the period intangible software assets with a net 
book value of £17.1m was impaired (see Note 2), as the value in use generated by those assets was deemed insufficient to support the 
carrying value. 

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 £2.5m (see Note 2), an impairment charge 
of £0.3m 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.

During the period we realigned our assumptions on the useful economic lives of our book lists and journal titles to be more in 
line with modern industry benchmarks. We reduced the assumed economic life to 20 years (from 40 years), in line with the 
future economic benefits derived from these assets. The impact in the period is an increase in amortisation charge for Academic 
Publishing division of £9.4m.

101

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201318 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Cash paid on acquisition net of cash acquired

Current period acquisitions1

EBD Group

Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd.

Other

Prior year acquisitions

2012 acquisitions:

Fertecon Limited

Sagient Research Systems, Inc.

Informa Canada Inc.

Zephyr Associates, Inc.

Other

2011 acquisitions:

Brazil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A.

Other

2010 acquisitions:

EuroMediCom SAS

CPDcast.com Limited

Emerging Portfolio Fund Research Inc.

Other

2013
£m

29.2

27.4

26.5

–

–

–

–

0.3

2.4

–

–

–

1.4

0.1

87.3

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

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.

In line with the Group’s strategy, a number of acquisitions were made in the year. 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 Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd where 80% of the 
ordinary issued share capital was acquired.

102

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
Business combinations made in 2013 

EBD Group
On 7 June 2013, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of EBD GmbH, EBD Group GmbH and European Business 
Development Group Inc. (together “EBD Group”). EBD Group has a portfolio of eight annual partnering events operating in the life 
sciences industry. EBD Group will form part of the Global Events segment.

The net cash outflow was £29.2m comprising of cash consideration of £29.1m plus bank overdraft 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

Trade and other receivables

Bank overdraft

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Add: bank overdraft acquired

Net cash outflow

Book 
value 
£m

Fair value
adjustments 
£m

–

1.0

(0.1)

(1.0)

(0.7)

–

(0.8)

12.9

–

–

–

–

(1.9)

11.0

Fair 
value 
£m

12.9

1.0

(0.1)

(1.0)

(0.7)

(1.9)

10.2

18.9

29.1

0.1

29.2

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:

Software

Brand

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

£m

5.5

6.9

0.5

12.9

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2013) 
amounted to £0.3m. 

The businesses contributed £1.3m to profit after tax and £6.4m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of acquisition 
and 31 December 2013. 

If the acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £0.7m to profit after tax and 
£11.1m to revenue of the Group. 

103

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201318 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED 

Business combinations made in 2013 continued

Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd.
On 27 December 2013, the Group acquired 80% of the issued share capital of Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd. The Company 
operates China Beauty Expo, the largest beauty trade event in China, which comprises of three specialised shows in beauty salons and 
spa products; cosmetics and toiletries; and packaging, original equipment manufacturer and machinery. The Company will form part 
of the Global Events segment.

The net cash outflow was £27.4m comprising of cash consideration of £37.9m less net cash acquired of £10.5m. 

The disclosure below provides the net assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair value adjustments. 

Net assets at date of acquisition

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Non-controlling interest

Net assets acquired

Provisional goodwill

Total consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

Book 
value 
£m

Fair value
adjustments 
£m

1.7

10.5

(1.6)

(5.5)

5.1

(1.0)

4.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Fair 
value 
£m

1.7

10.5

(1.6)

(5.5)

5.1

(1.0)

4.1

33.8

37.9

(10.5)

27.4

Due to the proximity of the business combination to the year end, the Group has been unable to complete a detailed valuation of the 
intangible and tangible assets acquired with the business. Accordingly, the surplus of consideration over fair value of the share of net 
assets acquired has been allocated to goodwill at 31 December 2013. The Group expects to complete a valuation of intangible assets, 
including tradename and customer relationships; and other acquired assets and liabilities in early 2014. The value of goodwill will be 
adjusted by a corresponding amount for the value of intangible assets identified and the difference between the market and book 
values of the assets and liabilities. Management believes that goodwill remaining after this exercise will comprise value to the Group 
for which the recognition of a discrete intangible asset is not permitted and will represent future growth opportunities.

The measurement of the non-controlling interest is also subject to the completion of the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities and 
is currently reported as 20% of the net assets acquired.

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2013) 
amounted to £0.6m.

The business did not contribute to profit after tax and to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of acquisition and 
31 December 2013.

If the acquisition had been completed on the first day of the financial year, it would have contributed £4.9m to profit after tax and 
£8.9m to revenue of the Group.

104

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013Other business combinations made in 2013
The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Greengage Press Limited and Manson Publishing Limited which will form part 
of the Academic Publishing segment.

The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Expert Reviews Limited, Doyle Trading Consultants LLC, Phillips McDougall 
Limited and AMIS Global Limited which will form part of the Business Intelligence segment.

The Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Compendium Contech Ltee and Apps World Events Limited, which will form 
part of the Global Events segment.

The net cash outflow was £26.5m comprising of cash consideration of £30.5m less net cash acquired of £4.0m. 

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

Inventory

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: deferred consideration

Less: contingent consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

Book 
value 
£m

Fair value
adjustments 
£m

–

0.1

0.1

–

4.7

4.0

(2.5)

(3.8)

–

2.6

34.5

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

(6.9)

27.8

Fair 
value 
£m

34.5

0.1

0.1

0.2

4.7

4.0

(2.5)

(3.8)

(6.9)

30.4

7.1

37.5

(0.5)

(6.5)

(4.0)

26.5

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.

Acquisition related costs (included in adjusting items in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2013) 
amounted to £0.3m. 

The above acquisitions contributed £1.2m to profit after tax and £4.5m to revenue of the Group for the period between the date of 
acquisition and 31 December 2013. 

If the above acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, they would have contributed £2.4m to profit after 
tax and £9.1m to revenue of the Group.

105

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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 Business Intelligence 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

During 2013, there was a re-measurement of the contingent consideration resulting in a decrease of £0.7m. The resulting contingent 
consideration of £1.4m is payable within one year.

106

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
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 Business Intelligence 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

During 2013, there was a re-measurement of the contingent consideration resulting in a decrease of £1.2m. The remaining contingent 
consideration of £0.4m is payable within one year.

107

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
18 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED 

Business combinations made in 2012 continued

Informa Canada Inc. 
On 3 July 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Informa 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 Global Events 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

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

Book 
value 
£m

Fair value
adjustments 
£m

–

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:

£m

3.7

4.5

1.4

9.6

Trademark

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

108

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
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 Business Intelligence segment.

During 2013, the final valuations for the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities for the acquisition of Zephyr Associates, Inc. were 
received. As a result, the net cash outflow was £29.1m comprising of cash consideration of £29.4m less net cash acquired of £0.3m. 

The disclosure below includes the final valuations of the net (liabilities)/assets acquired on a combined basis with the related fair  
value adjustments. 

Book 
value 
£m

–

0.4

0.4

1.1

0.3

(3.2)

(7.7)

(4.4)

(2.3)

(15.4)

Fair value
adjustments 
£m

16.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6.4)

10.3

Net (liabilities)/assets at date of acquisition

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)/assets acquired

Goodwill

Total consideration

Less: net cash acquired

Net cash outflow

The intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition are as follows:

Database

Customer relationships

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

Fair 
value 
£m

16.7

0.4

0.4

1.1

0.3

(3.2)

(7.7)

(4.4)

(8.7)

(5.1)

34.5

29.4

(0.3)

29.1

£m

4.7

10.9

1.1

16.7

109

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
18 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED

Other business combinations made in 2012
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

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 2012.

During 2012, deferred and contingent consideration of £1.2m was paid. 

During 2013, deferred consideration of £0.3m was paid and there was a re-measurement of the contingent consideration resulting in a 
decrease of £0.4m. The remaining deferred and contingent consideration of £1.6m is payable within one year.

110

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201319 INTEREST IN JOINT VENTURES

The principal joint ventures at 31 December 2013 are as follows:

Company

Segment

Type of
business

Country of 
incorporation
and operation

Class of
shares
held

Share
holding/
interest

Accounting
year end

Lloyd’s Maritime Information  
Services Limited

Business
Intelligence

Business
information

England 
and Wales

Ordinary

50% 31 December

SIAL Brasil Feiras  
Professionais LTDA

Independent Materials Handling 
Exhibitions Limited

Informa Tharawat LLC

Global  
Events 

Global  
Events 

Global  
Events

Event
organisation

Event
organisation

Conference
organisation

Brazil

Ordinary

49% 31 December

England 
and Wales

State of 
Qatar

Ordinary

50% 31 December

Ordinary

49% 31 December

The following represent the aggregate assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the Group’s joint ventures:

Non-current assets

Current assets 

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Income

Expenses

2013
£m

2.7

1.9

(2.0)

(1.4)

5.9

(5.3)

2012
£m

0.1

4.2

–

(3.2)

4.6

(4.5)

20 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As a result of a deterioration in the trading performance of the Corporate Training businesses since 31 December 2012, which led to 
the subsequent commercial and strategic decision to exit these non-core activities, a loss for the period from discontinued operations 
of £109.5m has been recognised. The loss includes £99.3m recognised on disposal being proceeds of £87.3m (at fair value); less the 
carrying amount of the net assets and attributable goodwill – see Note 21.

The disposal was completed on 30 September 2013, on which date control of these businesses passed to the acquirer. These 
businesses were a separate cash generating unit and included within the Global Events reportable segment.

The results of the discontinued operation, which have been included in the Consolidated Income Statement, were as follows:

Revenue 

Expenses

Loss before tax

Attributable tax credit

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations (Note 21)

Attributable tax charge

Loss for the period from discontinued operations

2013
£m

76.2

(90.1)

(13.9)

3.9

(10.0)

(99.3)

(0.2)

(109.5)

2012
£m

121.9

(125.3)

(3.4)

0.4

(3.0)

–

–

(3.0)

During the year, the businesses contributed £9.1m inflow (31 December 2012: £16.8m inflow) to the Group’s net operating cash flows, paid 
£2.1m (31 December 2012: £4.4m) in respect of investing activities and paid £nil (31 December 2012: £nil) in respect of financing activities.

111

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
21 DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY AND OTHER ASSETS

Disposals made in 2013

During the year, the Group disposed of its five Corporate Training businesses; the European Conferences businesses in Spain and Italy; 
the trade and assets in the Superyacht Cup; and other small businesses. A loss on disposal of £102.7m, including directly attributable 
costs of £11.1m, 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 intangible software assets)

Intangible software assets

Property and equipment

Inventory

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax asset

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets disposed

Costs directly attributable with the disposal

Cumulative foreign exchange losses reclassified from equity

Loss on disposal

Total consideration

Satisfied by:

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred consideration (Note 25)

Net cash inflow arising on disposal:

Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents

Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed of

Less: costs directly attributable with the disposal

Corporate 
Training
£m

Other
 businesses
£m

119.1

46.4

2.1

0.9

0.7

25.3

3.5

0.1

(13.6)

(2.6)

(8.4)

173.5

9.8

3.3

(99.3)

87.3

60.3

27.0

60.3

(3.5)

(6.6)

50.2

–

1.3

–

0.1

–

1.4

1.8

0.1

(1.7)

(0.8)

(0.3)

1.9

1.3

0.3

(3.4)

0.1

0.1

–

0.1

(1.8)

(1.0)

(2.7)

Total
£m

119.1

47.7

2.1

1.0

0.7

26.7

5.3

0.2

(15.3)

(3.4)

(8.7)

175.4

11.1

3.6

(102.7)

87.4

60.4

27.0

60.4

(5.3)

(7.6)

47.5

The loss on disposal of £99.3m for the Corporate Training businesses is included within discontinued operations – see Note 20.

112

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
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 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 disposed

Non-controlling interest

Costs directly attributable with the disposal

Loss on disposal

Total consideration

Satisfied by:

Cash and cash equivalents

Deferred consideration (Note 25)

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

There have been no material working capital adjustments during 2013.

£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)

113

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
22 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Cost

At 1 January 2012

Additions1

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Disposals

Disposal of subsidiaries (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Additions1

Disposals 

Disposal of subsidiaries (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Depreciation

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year

Disposals 

Disposal of subsidiaries (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2013

Charge for the year

Disposals 

Disposal of subsidiaries (Note 21)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2013

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

Freehold 
land and 
buildings
£m

Leasehold 
land and 
buildings
£m

Equipment 
fixtures
 and fittings 
£m

2.4

–

–

–

–

–

2.4

–

–

–

–

2.4

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

2.0

2.0

12.3

2.7

0.3

(1.3)

(1.2)

(0.3)

12.5

0.9

(2.6)

(1.5)

(0.2)

9.1

(6.8)

(1.7)

1.3

0.3

0.2

(6.7)

(1.4)

2.4

1.0

0.1

(4.6)

4.5

5.8

53.4

5.3

0.7

(11.3)

(4.0)

(1.5)

42.6

5.0

(9.4)

(3.7)

(0.6)

33.9

(41.2)

(5.3)

11.1

3.2

1.1

(31.1)

(5.4)

9.0

3.2

0.4

(23.9)

10.0

11.5

Total
£m

68.1

8.0

1.0

(12.6)

(5.2)

(1.8)

57.5

5.9

(12.0)

(5.2)

(0.8)

45.4

(48.4)

(7.0)

12.4

3.5

1.3

(38.2)

(6.8)

11.4

4.2

0.5

(28.9)

16.5

19.3

1 All the £5.9m (2012: £8.0m) additions represents cash paid.

The Group does not have any of its property and equipment pledged as security over bank loans.

114

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
23 SUBSIDIARIES

The listing below shows the subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2013 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

Taylor & Francis Group LLC

BTS Feiras, Eventos e Editora Ltda

Country of 
registration and 
incorporation

USA

Brazil

Principal activity

Publishing

Event organisation

Informa Global Markets (Europe) Limited

England and Wales

Financial information

Citeline Inc

Informa Canada Inc

Informa Australia Pty Limited

USA

Canada

Australia

Informa UK Limited

England and Wales

Intelligence information 
gathering service

Events and conference 
organisation

Events, conference  
organisation and publishing

Events, conference  
organisation and publishing

Datamonitor Inc

IIR Exhibitions Limited

Datamonitor Pty Limited

Emerging Portfolio Funds Research Inc

EBD GmbH

USA

Business information

England and Wales

Event organisation

Australia

USA

Business information

Financial information

Switzerland

Event organisation

Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions., Ltd

China

Event organisation

I.I.R. Limited

England and Wales

Institute for International Research Inc

Informa Monaco S.A.M (formerly known  
as SAM Monaco Yacht Show)

Informa Investment Solutions Inc

Informa Business Information Inc

Informa Research Services Inc

Datamonitor Limited

Informa Middle East Limited (formerly known  
as Informa International Holdings Limited)

Informa IP GmbH

Informa Finance GmbH

USA

Monaco

USA

USA

USA

Conference organisation  
and training

Conference organisation

Event organisation

Financial information

Intelligence information 
gathering service

Market research consulting

England and Wales

Business information

Bermuda

Switzerland

Switzerland

Conferences, exhibitions  
and training

IP management

Finance

Ordinary 
shares held 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Informa Group Holdings Limited

England and Wales

Holding Company

Informa Group plc

Informa Export Inc

England and Wales

Holding Company

USA

US Export sales

Of the above Informa plc directly owns Informa IP GmbH, Informa Export Inc, Informa Finance GmbH and Informa Group Holdings 
Limited, and 55% of Informa Middle East Limited (formerly known as Informa International Holdings Limited). 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.

115

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201324 INVENTORY

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods and goods for resale

Write down of inventory during the year amounted to £2.7m (2012: £0.6m).

25 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current

Trade receivables

Less: provision 

Trade receivable net

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Costs in advance

Non-current

Other receivables

Total non-current

2013
£m

–

7.3

34.9

42.2

2013
£m

162.1

(21.6)

140.5

13.4

27.7

21.4

203.0

37.6

37.6

240.6

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

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 30 days (2012: 32 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 £37.6m provided by the acquirers as consideration for 
the disposals made during the current and prior year. The non-current receivables are repayable over the next two to ten years. The 
movements in the year relate to the loan receivable arising from the disposal of Corporate Training businesses of £27.0m (see Note 21), 
the impairment of Robbins Gioia receivable of £8.3m (see Note 2) and foreign exchange movements.

The Group’s exposures to credit risk and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in Note 32.

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.

116

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
26 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Note

31

2013
£m

32.4

(0.5)

31.9

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 32.

27 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current

Deferred consideration

Trade payables

Accruals

Other payables

Total current

Non-current

Deferred consideration

Other payables

Total non-current

2013
£m

2.1

32.8

118.5

26.1

179.5

3.4

3.6

7.0

186.5

2012
£m

23.9

(0.6)

23.3

2012
£m

4.1

40.6

127.4

30.2

202.3

–

3.6

3.6

205.9

An analysis of the maturity of debt is given in Note 32. 

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 42 days (2012: 37 days). 

There are no suppliers who represent more than 10% of the total balance of trade payables in either 2013 or 2012.

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.

28 DEFERRED INCOME

Subscriptions and event revenue received in advance

2013
£m

316.0

2012
£m

308.1

117

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
29 PROVISIONS

At 1 January 2012

Increase in year

Utilisation 

Release

At 1 January 2013

Increase in year

Utilisation 

Release

At 31 December 2013

2013

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

2012

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Contingent
consideration
£m

Property
leases
£m

Restructuring
provision 
£m

Other
provision
£m

14.8

6.5

(12.1)

(1.6)

7.6

11.3

(5.4)

(2.5)

11.0

5.5

5.5

1.7

5.9

4.1

2.8

(2.9)

(1.4)

2.6

1.0

(1.0)

(0.5)

2.1

0.7

1.4

1.0

1.6

3.5

10.0

(9.4)

(0.8)

3.3

25.4

(22.4)

(0.4)

5.9

5.7

0.2

2.4

0.9

0.2

0.2

(0.1)

–

0.3

3.6

(3.1)

–

0.8

0.8

–

–

0.3

Total
£m

22.6

19.5

(24.5)

(3.8)

13.8

41.3

(31.9)

(3.4)

19.8

12.7

7.1

5.1

8.7

The contingent consideration relates primarily to current year acquisitions (Apps World Event Limited and Doyle Trading Consultants 
LLC) and prior year acquisitions (Fertecon Limited and Keynote World Media Limited). The contingent consideration will be paid in 
one to 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 outlined in Note 2, during 2013 the Group implemented a number of restructuring and reorganisation projects. The restructuring 
provision is expected to be substantially utilised by 31 December 2014.

The other provision relates to acquisition related costs and is expected to be fully utilised by 31 December 2014. 

118

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201330 DEFERRED TAX

At 1 January 2012

(1.6)

186.4

(3.0)

Accelerated tax 
depreciation
£m

Intangibles
£m

Pensions
 (Note 38)
£m

(Credit)/debit to Other Comprehensive  
Income for the year

Acquisitions

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

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 1 January 2013

Debit to Other Comprehensive Income for 
the year

Acquisitions

(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

Disposals

Foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2013

Other
£m

(15.8)

–

0.4

0.8

0.3

0.6

(1.3)

Cash flow
hedges
£m

(1.3)

1.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

164.7

(0.4)

12.8

(7.0)

(4.5)

(1.5)

(3.2)

160.9

2.3

12.6

(21.6)

(5.3)

(8.5)

(5.9)

–

12.4

(10.1)

(5.0)

(2.1)

(1.8)

(1.7)

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

0.2

–

(0.1)

0.1

–

–

179.8

(4.0)

(15.0)

–

16.9

(5.4)

(15.6)

0.8

0.1

–

(6.7)

(9.3)

(6.1)

2.2

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

(4.3)

(1.3)

0.6

0.7

0.2

(4.4)

159.0

(1.1)

(19.1)

0.1

134.5

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

2013
£m

134.5

–

134.5

2012
£m

160.9

–

160.9

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 March 2013 UK Budget which included 
an announcement that the main rate of corporation tax would ultimately fall to 20% by 1 April 2015.

The impact for 2012 of a prospective reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 23%, effective from 1 April 2013, which was enacted as 
at 31 December 2012 was 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 Finance Act 2013 subsequently enacted prospective reductions in the UK corporation tax rate to 21% from 1 April 2014 and 20% 
from 1 April 2015. The impact of this further reduction for 2013 is to reduce the Group’s deferred tax liability by £4.8m, increase profit 
for the year by £5.3m and reduce other comprehensive income by £0.5m.

At 31 December 2013 the Group has unused tax losses of approximately £37.1m (2012: £27.2m) available for offset against future profits. A 
deferred tax asset of £12.5m (2012: £8.8m) has not been recognised due to the unpredictability of future taxable profit streams.

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 £24.6m (2012: £22.6m). 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.

119

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
31 BORROWINGS

Current

Bank borrowings

Bank overdraft

Total current borrowings

Non-current

Bank borrowings

Private placement loan notes

Total non-current borrowings1

Note

26

2013
£m

–

0.5

0.5

371.9

442.2

814.1

814.6

2012
£m

–

0.6

0.6

377.2

448.5

825.7

826.3

1 The non-current borrowings for current and prior year are presented net of arrangement fees.

There have been no breaches of covenants under the Group’s bank facilities and private placement loan notes during the year. The 
bank and private placement 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 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. As at 31 December 2013, 
the note maturities ranged between two and seven years, with an average duration of 5.3 years, at a weighted average interest 
rate of 4.3%.

•  £625.0m (2012: £625.0m) revolving credit facility, of which £373.9m has been drawn down at 31 December 2013. Interest is payable 

at the rate of LIBOR plus a margin based on the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. 

•  £39.5m (2012: £40.2m) 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 (2012: GBP 16.0m), USD 15.0m (2012: USD 15.0m), EUR 15.0m (2012: EUR 15.0m), and 
AUD 3.5m (2012: AUD 4.3m). Interest is payable at the local base rate plus margins that vary between 1% and 6%. 

The effective interest rate as at 31 December 2013 is 3.1% (2012: 3.6%).

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 32(g).

2013
£m

–

251.1

251.1

2012
£m

–

245.1

245.1

120

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
32 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 Treasury committee meets and reports regularly to the Audit Committee 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 2012.

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt, which includes borrowings (Note 31) and cash and cash equivalents (Note 26), 
and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital (Note 33), 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 the Group’s borrowing 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 2013 both financial covenants were comfortably 
achieved, with the ratio of net debt (using average exchange rates) to EBITDA of 2.2 times (2.1 times at 31 December 2012).

121

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201332 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.

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

Total financial liabilities

(c) Market risk

Notes

25

25

26

31

31

31

27

27

27

27

29

2013
£m

140.5

51.0

32.4

0.5

224.4

0.5

371.9

442.2

32.8

118.5

29.7

5.5

11.0

–

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

–

1,012.1

1,039.8

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 Consolidated 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 32 (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.

122

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
(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. 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 Consolidated 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.

The Group’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk section of this note.

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 monthly), 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 following table details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts outstanding as at the 
reporting date:

Cash flow hedges 

Outstanding receive floating, pay fixed contracts

Within one year

Within one to two years

More than two years

Average contracted 
fixed interest rate

Notional 
principal amount 

Fair 
value

2013
%

–

0.54

0.69

2012
%

–

–

–

2013
£m

–

20.0

40.0

60.0

2012
£m

–

–

–

–

2013
£m

–

–

0.5

0.5

2012
£m

–

–

–

–

At 31 December 2013, the fixed interest rates varied from 0.54% to 0.76%, and the main floating rates were LIBOR. Gains or losses 
deferred in equity on interest rate swap contracts as of 31 December 2013 are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the 
same period in which the hedged item affected net profit or loss.

123

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
32 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
(d) Interest rate risk continued

The following table details financial liabilities by interest category:

Floating
 rate
£m

Non-
interest 
bearing
£m

Fixed 
rate
£m

Floating
 rate
£m

Non-
interest 
bearing
£m

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

Fixed
 rate
£m

–

60.0

442.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

311.9

–

–

–

0.6

–

–

–

Total 
2013
£m

0.5

371.9

442.2

32.8

118.5

29.7

5.5

11.0

–

–

–

32.8

118.5

29.1

5.5

11.0

–

–

448.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

377.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
2012
£m

0.6

377.2

448.5

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

–

–

–

40.6

127.4

33.8

4.1

7.6

–

–

–

–

502.2

313.0

196.9

1,012.1

448.5

377.8

213.5

1,039.8

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 £3.1m (2012: £3.8m).

(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

2013
£m

135.6

20.3

41.3

197.2

2012
£m

128.1

32.4

40.8

201.3

2013
£m

(718.1)

(65.0)

(47.9)

(831.0)

2012
£m

(744.9)

(67.7)

(58.9)

(871.5)

The foreign currency borrowings of £600.9m (2012: £611.1m) are used to hedge the Group’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries.

Average rate

Closing rate

2013

1.5635

1.1776

2012

1.5898

1.2308

2013

1.6510

1.1997

2012

1.6175

1.2265

USD

EUR

124

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group receives approximately 45% of its revenues and incurs approximately 35% 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 £3.2m impact on revenue and a circa £1.4m impact on adjusted operating profits. 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 9% 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 £0.9m impact 
on revenue and a circa £0.3m impact on adjusted operating profits. Offsetting this will be reductions to Euro interest and Euro tax 
liabilities. This analysis assumes all other variables, including interest rates, remain constant.

(f) Credit risk

The Group’s principal financial assets are trade and other receivables (Note 25) and cash and cash equivalents, which represent the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade and other receivables. The amounts presented in the Consolidated 
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. 

Non-current other receivables
Non-current other receivables arose from disposals made in the current and prior years as disclosed in Note 25. The Risk Committee 
reviews these receivables and the credit quality of the counterparties on a regular basis. At 31 December 2013, we have recognised an 
impairment charge in the Consolidated Income Statement of £8.3m as a result of the Group’s assessment of the recoverability of these 
non-current receivables.

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. 

125

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201332 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
(f) Credit risk continued

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. 

Ageing of trade receivables:

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due over 31 days

Books provision (see below)

Gross 2013
£m

Provision 2013
£m

Gross 2012
£m

Provision 2012
£m

82.1

45.6

34.4

–

162.1

(0.2)

(0.6)

(10.0)

(10.8)

(21.6)

89.3

59.6

44.5

–

193.4

(0.1)

(0.5)

(14.0)

(9.8)

(24.4)

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 £5.4m (2012: £5.8m) 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 £10.8m (2012: £9.8m) 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

2013
£m

24.4

7.1

(4.1)

(5.8)

21.6

2012
£m

23.6

10.8

(2.5)

(7.5)

24.4

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 2013 and 2012.

126

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
(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 31 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 fulfil 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 2013

Non-derivative financial assets

Non-interest bearing

Variable interest rate instruments

Fixed interest rate instruments

Derivative financial assets

Derivative financial instruments in designated 
hedge accounting relationships

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

Carrying
amount
£m

Contractual 
cash flows1
£m

187.9

26.0

10.0

223.9

0.5

224.4

205.2

18.6

223.8

–

223.8

187.9

31.6

23.7

243.2

0.5

243.7

205.2

46.6

251.8

–

251.8

Less
than 
1 year
£m

186.2

0.2

–

186.4

–

186.4

203.5

1.1

204.6

–

204.6

1–2 
years
£m

2–5 
years
£m

Greater
than
5 years
£m

0.1

31.0

–

31.1

–

31.1

0.2

1.1

1.3

–

1.3

1.6

0.2

–

1.8

0.5

2.3

–

7.5

7.5

–

7.5

–

0.2

23.7

23.9

–

23.9

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.

127

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
(g) Liquidity risk continued

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 2013

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

313.1

502.1

180.4

5.5

11.0

315.2

608.3

180.4

5.5

11.0

Less
than
1 year
£m

197.7

19.2

177.3

2.1

5.5

 1–2 
years
£m

117.1

79.1

3.1

2.1

3.1

 2–5 
years
£m

0.3

254.7

–

1.3

2.4

Greater
than
5 years
£m

0.2

255.3

–

–

–

1,012.1

1,120.4

401.8

204.5

258.7

255.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,012.1

1,120.4

401.8

204.5

258.7

255.5

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.

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

377.8

448.5

201.8

4.1

7.6

380.9

576.0

201.8

4.1

7.6

Less
than
1 year
£m

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

 1–2 
years
£m

–

19.4

3.6

–

5.4

28.4

–

28.4

 2–5 
years
£m

–

265.4

–

–

0.5

265.9

–

265.9

Greater
than
5 years
£m

–

271.8

–

–

–

271.8

–

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.

The Group draws down on its bank borrowing facilities at floating rates of interest. A portion of those were then swapped to fixed 
rates in line with the Group treasury policy. The first portion of these swaps that matures in a period greater than one year but less 
than two years is £20.0m (2012: £nil) and the final portion that matures between two and five years is £40.0m (2012: £nil). 

The variable interest rate on these borrowings is reset by the bank on a monthly basis and as such it is not possible to estimate the 
interest payable on these borrowings.

128

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.

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

Carrying
amount 
2013
£m

Estimated
fair value 
2013
£m

Carrying
amount
2012
£m

Estimated
fair value
2012
£m

Notes

25

25

26

31

31

31

27

27

27

27

29

140.5

51.0

32.4

0.5

371.9

442.2

32.8

118.5

29.7

5.5

11.0

140.5

51.0

32.4

0.5

371.9

442.2

32.8

118.5

29.7

5.5

11.0

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

129

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 201332 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

(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).

Level 1
2013
£m

–

–

Level 1
2012
£m

–

–

Level 2
2013
£m

0.5

–

Level 2
2012
£m

–

–

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 

33 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised

202,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2012: 202,500,000,000 of 0.1p each)

Issued and fully paid

603,941,249 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2012: 602,707,165 of 0.1p each)

At 1 January 2013

Issued in respect of share option schemes and other entitlements

At 31 December 2013

Share options

As at 31 December 2012 and 2013, there were no outstanding share options.

130

Level 3
2013
£m

–

–

Level 3
2012
£m

–

–

2013
£m

202.5

2013
£m

0.6

Number of
shares

602,707,165

1,234,084

603,941,249

Total
2013
£m

–

–

Total
2012
£m

–

–

2012
£m

202.5

2012
£m

0.6

£m

0.6

–

0.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
34 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

Merger
reserve 
£m

Other
reserve 
£m

ESOP
Trust
shares 
£m

Hedging
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Total
£m

6.2

496.4

(1,718.6)

(0.2)

(3.0)

36.2

(1,183.0)

–

–

–

–

3.8

–

(4.1)

5.9

–

–

–

–

2.2

–

–

(4.5)

3.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

496.4

(1,718.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

496.4

(1,718.6)

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

0.5

(0.2)

4.3

–

–

4.3

(42.3)

(42.3)

(1.3)

–

(1.3)

3.0

(42.3)

(39.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.8

(0.1)

(4.1)

(6.1)

(1,222.7)

0.5

–

0.5

–

(25.0)

(25.0)

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

0.4

(25.0)

(24.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.6

–

2.2

(0.4)

3.6

(4.0)

0.4

(27.5)

(1,245.9)

At 1 January 2012

Change in fair value of  
cash flow hedges

Exchange differences on 
translation of foreign operations

Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income 
(Note 30)

Total comprehensive income/
(expense) for the year

Share award expense

Own shares purchased

Transfer of vested LTIPs

At 1 January 2013

Change in fair value of  
cash flow hedges

Exchange differences on 
translation of foreign operations

Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income 
(Note 30)

Total comprehensive income/
(expense) for the year

Share award expense

Own shares purchased

Cumulative foreign exchange 
losses on disposals (Note 21)

Transfer of vested LTIPs

At 31 December 2013

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.

ESOP Trust shares

As at 31 December 2013 the Informa Employee Share Trust held 737,272 (2012: 108,422) ordinary shares in the Company at a cost of £737 
(2012: £108) and a market value of £4.2m (2012: £0.5m). 712,051 shares (2012: 41,660) 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 Remuneration Report on pages 50 to 65. Dividends on the shares held by the Employee Share Trust are waived. 

At 31 December 2013 the Group held 0.0% (2012: 0.0%) of its own called up share capital.

131

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34 CAPITAL AND RESERVES CONTINUED 

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.

35 NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

The Group’s non-controlling interest at 31 December 2013 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%), Shanghai Baiwen Exhibitions Co., Ltd 
(20%) and Monaco Yacht Show S.A.M (10%).

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%).

36 OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised  
in Consolidated Income Statement for the year

2013
£m

20.4

2012
£m

22.3

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

2013

Land and 
buildings
£m

17.5

50.4

21.6

89.5

Other
£m

0.6

0.5

–

1.1

2012

Land and 
buildings
£m

24.5

52.3

24.7

101.5

Other
£m

0.8

0.7

–

1.5

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 seven years and rentals are fixed for an average of three years.

132

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continuedFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
37 NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Profit before tax from continuing and discontinued operations

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation of property and equipment

Amortisation of other intangible assets 

Share-based payment

Subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration

Loss on disposal of businesses

Fair value gain on non-controlling interest

Profit on disposal of intangible software assets

Finance costs

Investment income

Impairment 

Increase in inventories

Decrease in receivables

Decrease in payables

Cash generated by operations

Analysis of net debt

Notes

22

17

10

2

21

2

11

12

2

2013
£m

2.5

6.8

139.3

2.2

(2.5)

102.7

–

–

29.5

(1.9)

66.2

(3.8)

12.6

(21.3)

332.3

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

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
 2013
£m

23.9

(0.6)

23.3

–

(377.2)

(448.5)

(802.4)

Non-cash 
items
£m

Cash flow
£m

Exchange 
movement
£m

At 
31 December 
2013
£m

–

–

–

–

(0.8)

(0.3)

(1.1)

8.8

0.1

8.9

–

0.6

–

9.5

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

–

5.5

6.6

11.8

32.4

(0.5)

31.9

–

(371.9)

(442.2)

(782.2)

Included within the cash flow movement of £9.5m is £0.6m (2012: £44.0m) of repayment of borrowings and £nil (2012: £80.0m) of 
loans drawn down.

The net movement caused by non-cash items arises from arrangement fee amortisation of £1.1m (2012: £1.1m).

133

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

38 RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES

The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes, the Informa Final Salary Scheme and the Taylor & Francis Group Pension 
and Life Assurance Scheme (the “Group Schemes”) for all qualifying UK employees providing benefits based on final pensionable pay. 
Both schemes are closed to future accrual. Contributions are determined by a qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations 
using the projected unit method. 

The defined benefit schemes are administered by a separate fund that is legally separated from the Company. The trustees of the 
pension fund are required by law to act in the interest of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the scheme. The trustees of the 
pension fund are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the fund. 

On 1 March 2013 the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension and Benefits Scheme merged with the Informa Final Salary Scheme. The assets 
and liabilities of the Achieve Learning (UK) Pension and Benefits Scheme were transferred at market value.

Through the Group Schemes the Company is exposed to a number of potential risks as described below:

•  Asset volatility: the Group Schemes’ defined benefit obligation is calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate 
bond yields, however the Group Schemes invests significantly in equities. These assets are expected to outperform corporate 
bonds in the long term, but provide volatility and risk in the short term.

•  Changes in bond yields: a decrease in corporate bond yields would increase the Group Schemes’ defined benefit obligation, 

however this would be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Schemes’ bond holdings.

• 

Inflation risk: a significant proportion of the Group Schemes’ defined benefit obligation is linked to inflation, therefore higher 
inflation will result in a higher defined benefit obligation (subject to the appropriate caps in place). The majority of the Group 
Schemes’ assets are either unaffected by inflation, or only loosely correlated with inflation, therefore an increase in inflation would 
also increase the deficit.

•  Life expectancy: if the Group Schemes’ members live longer than expected, the Group Schemes’ benefits will need to be paid for 

longer, increasing the Group Schemes’ defined benefit obligations.

The Trustees and the Company manage risks in the Group Schemes through the following strategies:

•  Diversification: investments are well diversified, such that the failure of any single investment would not have a material impact on 

the overall level of assets.

• 

Investment strategy: the Trustees are required to review their investment strategy on a regular basis.

The approximate overall duration of the Group Schemes’ defined benefit obligation as at 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012  
was 20 years. This number can be subdivided into the duration related to:

•  Deferred members: 22 years (2012: 23 years)

•  Retired members: 13 years (2012: 12 years)

Charge to operating profit

The charge to operating profit for the year in respect of pensions was £8.7m (2012: £8.5m). The net pension charge for the defined 
benefit schemes in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year was £0.6m (2012: £0.8m), of which £nil (2012: £nil) was charged 
to operating profit. The Group also operates defined contribution schemes, and contributions charged to the Consolidated Income 
Statement during the year were £8.7m (2012: £8.5m).

134

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the year ended 31 December 2013INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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 2013 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 £4.1m. The Employer expects 
to pay £2.8m to the Scheme during the accounting year beginning 1 January 2014 in respect of the deficit payments. 

The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the IAS 19 valuation are those relating to the discount rate 
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

2013

4.6% p.a.

–

2.7% p.a.

3.5% p.a.

3.5% p.a.

4.1% p.a.

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

In previous years, the rate of return on investments assumption was used to calculate the expected return on pension scheme assets 
charge to the Consolidated Income Statement for the following year. Under IAS 19 amended this is based on the discount rate.

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 £2.6m

Rate of increase in salaries

Increase/decrease by 0.25%

Increase/decrease by £0.4m

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 2013 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 £0.3m. The Employer expects to pay £0.3m to the scheme during the accounting year beginning 1 January 2014 in 
respect of the deficit. 

The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the IAS 19 valuation are those relating to the discount rate 
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

2013

4.6% p.a.

–

2.7% p.a.

3.5% p.a.

3.5% p.a.

4.1% p.a.

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.

In previous years, the rate of return on investments assumption was used to calculate the expected return on pension scheme assets 
charge to the Consolidated Income Statement for the following year. Under IAS 19 amended this is based on the discount rate.

135

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2013

38 RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES CONTINUED 

Defined benefit schemes continued

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

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme liabilities

Increase/decrease by 0.1%

Decrease/increase by £0.4m

Rate of price inflation pre-retirement

Increase/decrease by 0.25%

Increase/decrease by £0.6m

Rate of increase in salaries

Increase/decrease by 0.25%

Increase/decrease by £0.1m

Rate of mortality

Increase/decrease by 1 year

Increase/decrease by £0.5m

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 gain/(loss)

Change in demographic actuarial assumptions

Change in financial actuarial assumptions

Actuarial gain/(loss)

Movement in deficit during the year 

Deficit in Scheme at beginning of the year

Contributions

Net finance cost

Actuarial gain/(loss)

Deficit in Scheme at end of the year

2013
£m

5.2

0.4

(0.5)

3.2

8.3

(17.5)

4.4

(0.6)

8.3

(5.4)

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

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial gains/(losses)

Closing defined benefit obligation

136

2013
£m

(98.7)

93.3

(5.4)

2013
£m

(99.3)

(4.3)

1.8

3.1

(98.7)

2012
£m

2.8

(0.4)

2.3

(13.2)

(8.5)

(12.1)

3.9

(0.8)

(8.5)

(17.5)

2012
£m

(99.3)

81.8

(17.5)

2012
£m

(85.8)

(4.2)

2.0

(11.3)

(99.3)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
Changes in the fair value of Scheme assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of Scheme assets

Expected return on Scheme assets

Actuarial gains

Contributions from the sponsoring companies

Benefits paid 

Closing fair value of Scheme assets

2013
£m

81.8

3.7

5.2

4.4

(1.8)

93.3

2012
£m

73.7

3.4

2.8

3.9

(2.0)

81.8

The assets of the Taylor & Francis Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme are held in managed funds and cash funds operated 
by Zurich Assurance Limited, Legal & General Assurance (Pensions Management) Limited, Baring Asset Management Limited and 
Standard Life Investments. The assets of the Informa Final Salary Scheme are held in managed funds and cash funds operated by 
Zurich Assurance Limited, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, Baring Asset Management Limited, Standard Life 
Investments and Schroder Investment Management Limited. The fair value of the assets held and the expected rates of return 
assumed are as follows:

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

Fair value at 
31 December 
2013
£m

Fair value at 
31 December 
2012
£m

–

7.7

40.1

–

7.2

8.8

–

2.0

6.9

–

1.3

2.3

–

2.8

14.2

93.3

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

All the assets listed above have a quoted market price in an active market. 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. The actual return on plan assets 
was £8.9m (2012: £6.2m).

137

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2013

38 RETIREMENT 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 (%)

2013
£m

2012
£m

2011
£m

2010
£m

2009
£m

(98.7)

(99.3)

(85.8)

(83.6)

(74.7)

93.3

81.8

73.7

73.1

63.4

(5.4)

(17.5)

(12.1)

(10.5)

(11.3)

1.1

4.0

(4.3)

(13.5)

3.0

(9.1)

2.8

(7.7)

3.1

(8.2)

0.4

0.4

5.2

5.6

(0.4)

(0.4)

1.3

1.6

2.8

3.5

(5.8)

(7.8)

2.2

2.6

3.6

4.9

0.5

0.7

6.8

10.7

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 both schemes. The contributions for the ongoing service will be £nil in 2014 as both 
schemes are closed to future accrual of benefits. In addition, the contributions paid towards reducing the scheme deficits will decrease 
from £4.4m in 2013 to £3.1m in 2014.

39 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 year.

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 Remuneration Report on 
pages 50 to 65 and Note 9.

Transactions with joint ventures 

During the period the Group received revenue of £11,000 (2012: £1.8m) from Lloyd’s Maritime Information Services Limited, a joint venture.

During the period the Group received revenue of £1.1m (2012: £0.5m) from SIAL Brasil Feiras Professionals LTDA, a joint venture.

During the period the Group received revenue of £1.8m (2012: £nil) from Independent Materials Handling Exhibitions Limited a joint venture.

Other related party disclosures

At 31 December 2013, the Group has guaranteed the total pension scheme liability of £5.4m (2012: £17.5m).

40 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

There have been no significant events since the reporting date.

138

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
Company Balance Sheet

As at 31 December 2013

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 assets/(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

2013
£m

2,119.3

–

2,119.3

163.2

0.4

163.6

(77.4)

86.2

2,205.5

0.6

2.1

3.6

(0.2)

2,199.4

2,205.5

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 February 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:

Stephen A. Carter CBE 
Group Chief Executive 

2012
£m

2,123.7

–

2,123.7

18.3

0.4

18.7

(27.4)

(8.7)

2,115.0

0.6

2.1

7.5

(0.3)

2,105.1

2,115.0

139

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2013

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 40) 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 37 to 65 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 (2012: £nil), profit before tax 
for the year is £98.6m (2012: £122.9m) and profit after tax for the year is £98.2m (2012: £122.8m).

Cash flow statement

The Company’s results for the year ended 31 December 2013 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.

140

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSINFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013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 Profit and Loss account.

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.

141

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2013

3 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

Cost

At 1 January 2013

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2013

Provision

At 1 January 2013

Impairment in year

At 31 December 2013

Net book value

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

£m

2,123.7

342.0

(97.2)

2,368.5

–

(249.2)

(249.2)

2,119.3

2,123.7

On 2 January 2013, Informa Middle East Limited (formerly known as Informa International Holdings Limited) distributed shares in IBC 
Fourteen Limited to the Company by way of a dividend in specie of £249.2m. Subsequently, the Company contributed the shares to 
Informa Group Holdings Limited in exchange for capital. The net result for the Company was an increase in its investment in Informa 
Group Holdings Limited of £249.2m, offset by an impairment in its investment of Informa Middle East Limited (formerly known as 
Informa International Holdings Limited) of £249.2m.

On 30 July 2013, Informa IP LLC distributed intellectual property rights and its loan receivables to the Company by way of a dividend 
in specie of £197.6m. Subsequently, the Company contributed the intellectual property rights and loan receivables to Informa IP GmbH 
in exchange for capital and new debt. The net result for the Company was an increase in its investment in Informa IP GmbH of £91.5m, 
offset by a decrease in its investment in Informa IP LLC of £97.2m. On 17 December 2013, the Company disposed of its remaining 
investment in Informa IP LLC to Informa USA Inc for a consideration of $1.

On 30 November 2013, the Company purchased 2,500 ordinary shares of $1 each in Informa Export Inc, a subsidiary undertaking, form 
Informa USA Inc for £1,600.

The remaining addition of £1.3m 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 2013 which affected the profit or net assets of the Company:

Company

Country of registration 
and operation

Principal activity

Ordinary 
shares held

Informa Group Holdings Limited

England and Wales

Holding Company

Informa Middle East Limited (formerly known  
as Informa International Holdings Limited)

IIR Hungary Limited

Informa Export Inc

Informa Finance GmbH

Informa IP GmbH

Bermuda 

Bermuda 

USA

Switzerland

Switzerland

Conferences, exhibitions  
and training

Non trading Company

US Export sales

Finance

IP Management

100%

55%

55%

100%

100%

100%

The proportion of voting power held is the same as the proportion of ownership interest.

142

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 20134 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Cost

At 1 January 2013

Additions

At 31 December 2013

Depreciation

At 1 January 2013

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2013

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

At 31 December 2012

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

2013
£m

163.0

0.2

163.2

2013
£m

73.9

3.5

77.4

Amounts owed to Group undertakings falling due within one year are unsecured, interest bearing and repayable on demand.

Equipment, 
fixtures
 and fittings 
£m

0.1

–

0.1

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

–

–

2012
£m

18.0

0.3

18.3

2012
£m

24.8

2.6

27.4

143

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
 
 
2012
£m

202.5

2012
£m

0.6

£m

0.6

–

0.6

Total
£m

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 December 2013

7 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised

202,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2012: 202,500,000,000 ordinary shares 
of 0.1p each)

Issued and fully paid

603,941,249 ordinary shares of 0.1p each (2012: 602,707,165 ordinary shares of 0.1p each)

At 31 December 2012

Issued in respect of share option schemes and other entitlements

At 31 December 2013

8 CAPITAL AND RESERVES

2013
£m

202.5

2013
£m

0.6

Number
 of shares

602,707,165

1,234,084

603,941,249

At 1 January 2012

Options exercised

Share-based payment charge

Transfer of vested LTIPs

Own shares purchased

Profit for the year

Dividend paid

At 1 January 2013

Share-based payment charge

Transfer of vested LTIPs

Own shares purchased

Profit for the year

Dividend paid

At 31 December 2013

Share 
premium
account
£m

Reserve for 
shares to 
be issued
£m

ESOP 
Trust 
shares 
£m

Profit 
and loss
 account
£m

Share
capital
£m

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

2.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.6

–

3.8

(1.9)

–

–

–

7.5

2.2

(6.1)

–

–

–

(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

–

0.5

(0.4)

–

–

–

5.7

–

98.2

(9.6)

2.2

0.1

(0.4)

98.2

(9.6)

0.6

2.1

3.6

(0.2)

2,199.4

2,205.5

As at 31 December 2013 the Informa Employee Share Trust held 737,272 (2012: 108,422) ordinary shares in the Company at a cost of 
£737 (2012: £108) and a market value of £4.2m (2012: £0.5m). 712,051 shares (2012: 41,660) 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 pages 50 to 65. Dividends on the shares held by the Employee Share 
Trust are waived. 

During the year equity dividends of £9.6m (2012: £7.8m) 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 £114.0m (2012: £107.3m) were paid in 
the period of which £104.4m (2012: £99.5m) 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 Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 10).

10 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no significant events since the reporting date.

144

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
 
Five Year Summary

Results from continuing operations 

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Statutory operating profit

Statutory profit before tax

(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders of Informa plc

2013
£m

1,132.4

335.5

146.7

115.7

(6.4)

2012
£m

1,110.6

330.5

127.8

70.4

90.7

Assets employed1

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Net assets

Financed by1

Equity

Non-controlling interest

Key statistics (in pence) from continuing operations

Earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

1 The numbers reported include continuing and discontinued operations.

280.2

(968.1)

(553.8)

1,191.1

1,190.1

1.0

1,191.1

17.1

17.1

40.1

40.1

2011
£m

2010
£m

2009
£m

1,140.0

313.3

129.9

88.2

75.4

1,096.1

290.0

162.7

123.7

98.9

1,096.5

291.4

149.5

101.3

105.6

2,859.1

279.6

(1,152.6)

(656.6)

1,329.5

2,432.8

2,640.9

2,755.6

2,820.9

293.2

320.1

(1,016.4)

(1,003.0)

(594.1)

(692.3)

299.5

(867.8)

(851.7)

1,323.6

1,380.4

1,400.9

1,323.6

1,382.1

1,400.9

1,328.6

–

(1.7)

–

0.9

1,323.6

1,380.4

1,400.9

1,329.5

15.6

15.5

38.2

38.2

12.5

12.5

36.1

36.0

16.5

16.5

32.8

32.8

18.8

18.8

37.5

37.5

145

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION

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 are intended to 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, those identified under “Principal Risks Factors” on pages 28 to 31 of this Annual Report. The forward-looking 
statements contained in this Annual Report 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.

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.

146

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

INFORMA PLC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.

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/.

147

INFORMA PLCAnnual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013COMPANY INFORMATION

Shareholder Information

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 FCA before getting involved. You can check at www.fca.org.uk.

•  Report the matter to the FCA by completing an online form at www.fca.org.uk.

• 

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.

ADR PROGRAMME

On 1 July 2013, Informa established a Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programme with BNY Mellon, the global leader in 
investment management and investment services. Each Informa ADR represents two ordinary shares and trade on the OTC (Over-
The-Counter) market in the U.S. under the symbol “IFJPY” (ISIN US45672B2060). 

Informa’s common shares continue to trade on the Premium Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the symbol “INF” 
(ISIN: JE00B3WJHK45). Investors can find information on Informa’s ADR on www.bnymellon.com/dr

148

INFORMA PLC

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013

Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013In life and business we are always trying to stay  
ahead and make best use of the deluge of information 
presented to us. The vital data or research needed  
may be out there at the click of a mouse or tap of a 
screen, but knowing where to look isn’t always so easy. 

This is where Informa plays a crucial role. Our expertise means 
we can guide people through the information maze. Because we 
take the time to understand our customers’ needs, we are able 
to provide them with the specific insight and knowledge that 
enables them to make good decisions, grow their business and, 
through ongoing education, stay ahead in their respective field. 
The three divisions of Informa: Academic Publishing, Business 
Intelligence and Global Events – all play a key role in this. After 
all, insightful information is the single most valuable resource 
available to individuals and organisations.

Our Academic Publishing division publishes books and journals with 
over 93,000 titles available worldwide. Our expertise spans a broad 
range of sectors, from architecture, civil engineering, physics and 
law, to energy, nursing, education and health. We provide essential 
and world-class reference materials for academics and professionals, 
in addition to a host of handbooks and textbooks for students. 
Using the latest publishing technology, we deliver Informa titles to 
customers in the format they choose. All journals and over 50,000 
book titles are available digitally. Informa is highly respected as an 
international publisher, with a network of offices stretching from the 
UK and US to the emerging markets of India, China and South Africa.

Through our Business Intelligence division we offer a range of 
information services including breaking news and views, proprietary 
data and the latest research and analysis. The division is split into 
three parts: Informa Business Information (“IBI”), Informa Telecoms 
and Media (“ITM”) and Informa Financial Information (“IFI”).

Essential Reads

IBI provides market leading global news and analysis including 
products such as Lloyd’s List for the maritime industry and 
Citeline for the clinical drug trials market. ITM delivers strategic 
insight on the global telecoms and broadcasting industries, 
based on up-to-the minute market data and primary research. 
IFI provides real-time news, data and analysis electronically 
across key financial markets 24 hours a day. By providing 
business critical information Business Intelligence delivers 
lasting advantage to companies, organisations and governments, 
enabling them to make valuable and profitable decisions in highly 
competitive, international markets. 

Our Global Events division complements the information services 
of Business Intelligence and Academic Publishing by providing 
vital face-to-face networking opportunities enabling companies 
and individuals to develop, improve and compete. In this global 
knowledge based economy, the emphasis is on being connected. 
This is where our standing as one of the world’s largest organisers 
of exhibitions, trade conferences and seminars comes into play. 
Informa produces over 3,000 events across the world every year, 
including The Monaco Yacht Show, Broadband World Forum and 
Arab Health. All our events allow communities to meet, share 
and develop ideas, profile new products and services, build 
relationships, and ultimately do business.

•   Knowledge and information in the academic market 

An insight into how quality academic research plays such a key role in the knowledge 
economy – providing the building blocks on which all businesses can develop and grow.

•   Demand for knowledge and insight 

In the digital age there is no shortage of information; the real skill lies in filtering out 
what is essential. Find out how Informa’s supply of specialist, targeted data enables 
businesses to gain competitive advantage.

•   The rise and rise of communities and connectivity 

The digital revolution increases efficiency and lowers costs for companies but the 
importance of face-to-face interaction is still crucial. Discover how events and 
conferences fit in to this new world. 

•   Our fourth operating division 

Read about Global Support and the expertise it provides to Informa’s business 
divisions to allow them to run to their maximum potential.

P08

P10

P12

P14

COMPANY INFORMATION

Our Key Brands 

Informa’s reputation is built and largely known through its many leading 
market facing brands. The listing below features just a handful of our 
offering in the various markets and countries in which we work.

ACADEMIC PUBLISHING

Our Academic Publishing business, Taylor & Francis, comprises of the following implements:

Routledge

Psychology Press

Taylor & Francis

Focal Press

Garland Science

CRC Press

Cogent OA

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Agra Europe

CPD Cast

EPFR

iMoney Net

Medtrack

Scorecard 

Bondwatch

Citeline

CMRO

Datamonitor 
Energy

eBenchmarkers

Expert Opinion

Investment 

Ovum

Scrip

Fertecon

iLaw

Lloyd’s List

MarketLine

Primal Pictures

Verdict

Prime

GLOBAL EVENTS

Adam Smith Conferences – Russia

Cityscape – Dubai

International Sourcing Fair – Australia

Aesthetics Asia – Singapore

Com World Series – Global

Middle East Electricity – Dubai

Africa Electricity – South Africa

Construct Canada – Canada

One of a kind – Canada

Arab Health – Dubai

Art Toronto – Canada

Cross Media – UK

Palme – China

Digital TV Series – UK

Partnerships in Clinical Trials – USA

Beyond Beauty – France

EuroMediCom – Monaco

Serigrafia – Brazil

BioEurope – Germany

BioTech Showcase – USA

FanExpo - USA

Fispal – Brazil

Broadband World Series – Global

Hospital Build – Dubai

Super Return Series – Global

The Bride Show – Dubai

VitaFoods – Switzerland

ADDRESS

Gubelstrasse 11
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland

Informa House
30-32 Mortimer Street
London W1W 7RE
United Kingdom

REGISTERED OFFICE 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

22 Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE4 8PX

Produced by Informa Global Support in 
partnership with Accrue Fulton. 

Designed by Accrue Fulton  
www.accruefulton.com

Photography by John Hyam  
www.johnhyam.com

Illustrations by John Holcroft  
www.johnholcroft.com

Printed by Pureprint Group
www.pureprint.com

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

Annual Report 2013

I
n
f
o
r
m
a
p
l
c

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t
&
F
n
a
n
c
a

i

i

l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

2
0
1
3