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FY2015 Annual Report · Intuit
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The intu difference 

intu properties plc   
Annual report 2015

Welcome to our annual report 2015

At intu we are passionate about 
providing people with their perfect 
shopping experience. 

We create compelling experiences that 
surprise and delight our customers.

And it’s this that powers our business, 
creating value for our retailers,  
our communities and our investors 
and drives our long-term success.

Go online intugroup.co.uk/ar2015

intugroup.co.uk

Contents

The intu
difference
page 13

with our  
Chief Executive  
David Fischel
page 8

Corporate  
responsibility
page 52

Our growth story
page 10

How have we performed in the year?

Operating review  
page 40

Financial review
page 46

Read more content in the 
annual report

Read more content at  
intugroup.co.uk

Overview
Key highlights of 2015 
Top properties – our portfolio at a glance 

Strategic report
Chairman’s statement 
Interview with the Chief Executive 
Our growth story 
Investment case 

The intu difference 
What drives our success 
Understanding our market 
Optimising asset performance 
UK development momentum 
Making the brand count 
Seizing the growth opportunity in Spain 
A national company with a local face 

Our business model 
Relationships 
Strategy overview 
Key performance indicators 
intu Potteries case study 
Principal risks and uncertainties 
Operating review 
Financial review 
Corporate responsibility 
Our people 

Governance
Chairman’s introduction 
Board of Directors 
Executive Committee 
The Board 
Relations with shareholders 
Focus on risk 
Audit Committee 
Nomination and Review Committee 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Directors’ report 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Accounts
Independent auditors’ report 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income 
Balance sheets 
Statements of changes in equity 
Statements of cash flows 
Notes to the accounts 

Other information
Investment and development property 
Financial covenants 
Financial information including  
share of joint ventures 
Underlying profit statement 
EPRA performance measures 
Financial record 
Glossary 
Dividends 
Shareholder information 

1

2 
4

6 
8 
10 
12

15 
16 
19 
20 
23 
24 
27

28 
30 
32 
34  
36 
37 
40 
46 
52 
56

58 
60 
62 
63 
69 
70 
72 
76 
78 
92 
94

96 
102 

103 
104 
105 
108 
109

160 
162 

164 
167 
168 
172 
173 
175 
176

2

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Key highlights of 2015

Key financial highlights1

Our results for the year show growth in net rental  
income, underlying earnings, property valuation  
and net asset value:

 — net rental income increased by 8 per cent, due to a  
return to like-for-like growth of 1.8 per cent and the 
full-year impact of acquisitions

 — property revaluation surplus of £351 million represents  
a like-for-like increase in capital values of 4.0 per cent  
in the year, outperforming the IPD monthly retail index  
which increased by 2.8 per cent

 — profit for the year of £518 million included £351 million  

property revaluation surplus (2014: £600 million included  
£648 million property revaluation surplus)

 — underlying earnings per share increased by 7 per cent  

to 14.2 pence (2014: 13.3 pence) 

 — net asset value per share (diluted, adjusted) increased  

to 404 pence, an increase of 25 pence, delivering a total 
financial return in the year of 10 per cent including dividend

 — debt to assets ratio improved to 43.1 per cent and on  
a pro forma basis to 41.0 per cent, after the disposal  
of the Equity One investment in January 2016

 — cash and available facilities of £588 million at  
31 December 2015 with a further £202 million  
received from the disposal of Equity One shares  
in January 2016

1  Please refer to glossary for definition of terms. 
2 
3 

Including Group’s share of joint ventures.
 Pro forma of 41.0 per cent after cash realised from  
disposal of Equity One investment in January 2016.

Presentation of information
Amounts are presented including the Group’s share  
of joint ventures. 

See financial review, page 46, for details

Net rental income2

Underlying earnings

£428m

(2014: £397m)

£187m

(2014: £162m)

Property revaluation surplus2

Profit for the year

£351m

(2014: £648m)

£518m

(2014: £600m)

Underlying EPS

14.2p

(2014: 13.3p)

Dividend per share

13.7p

(2014: 13.7p)

Market value of  
investment properties2

£9,602m

(2014: £8,963m)

Net external debt2

£4,139m

(2014: £3,963m) 

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted)

Debt to assets ratio2

404p

(2014: 379p)

43.1%3

(2014: 44.2%)

intugroup.co.uk

Overview
Key highlights of 2015

3

Optimising asset 
performance

UK development 
momentum

Making the  
brand count

By extending and enhancing 
our existing locations we aim 
to deliver superior returns 

We aim to leverage the 
strength of our brand  
to create compelling 
experiences that  
deliver results

Seizing the growth 
opportunity in Spain

Our Spanish strategy  
is to create a business  
of national scale through 
acquisitions and 
development projects

Our focus is to deliver 
attractive long-term total 
property returns from strong, 
stable income streams and 
capital appreciation

 — increased like-for-like net 

rental income by 1.8 per cent 
in the year, a return to growth, 
reflecting the benefits of 
active asset management 
over the last few years

 — signed 261 long-term leases 
for £46 million new annual 
rent at an average 10 per cent 
above previous passing rent

 — increased occupancy to 96 per 
cent from strong levels of new 
lettings (December 2014:  
95 per cent)

 — increased retailer sales 

by 2 per cent and footfall 
remained robust across  
the portfolio

 — completed the £42 million 
mall refreshment and 
restaurant quarter at intu 
Victoria Centre and the £19 
million leisure extension at 
intu Potteries, generating  
a combined £3.6 million of 
new annual rent 

 — on site with three restaurant 
projects costing £30 million 
(intu share) at intu Eldon 
Square (20 units), intu 
Metrocentre (11 units) and 
intu Bromley (five units). All 
are due to complete in 2016 
and are substantially let

 — on site with the £178 million 
leisure and retail extension 
of intu Watford anchored by 
Cineworld and Debenhams

 — due to commence 

redevelopment of intu 
Broadmarsh and the leisure 
extension at intu Lakeside  
in 2016

 — over 24 million website 

 — completed the €451 million 

visits in 2015, a year-on-year 
increase of over 30 per cent

 — delivered strong metrics on 

marketing campaigns from an 
active marketing database of 
over two million subscribers

 — continued improvement  
in net promoter score, up  
20 per cent year-on-year,  
and driving dwell times

 — delivered nationwide, 

immersive multichannel 
events with global brands, 
such as MasterCard and  
20th Century Fox

acquisition of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza and brought in 
CPPIB as our 50 per cent  
joint venture partner

 — introduced the intu brand 

to Spain, rebranding Parque 
Principado, Oviedo, as  
intu Asturias

 — delivered positive operating 
metrics from these two  
top-10 centres with footfall  
and sales up 3 per cent and  
10 per cent respectively,  
both outperforming the 
Spanish benchmarks

 — exercised option to take 

ownership of development 
site and furthered tenant 
demand for the planned 
shopping resort development, 
intu Costa del Sol, near 
Málaga. We anticipate being 
on site before the end of 2016

 
4

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Top properties 
Our portfolio at a glance

intu owns and manages some of the best shopping  
centres, in some of the strongest locations, across the  
UK and in Spain, including nine of the UK’s top 20

intu Asturias

intu Trafford Centre

intu Derby

intu Lakeside

intu Metrocentre

intu Victoria Centre

intu Merry Hill 

intugroup.co.uk

Overview
Portfolio at a glance

5

Super-regional centres

In-town centres

18
16 17

**

1

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

Asset valuation  
at 31 December 2015 

£9.6bn*

(2014: £9.0bn)

2

63%

intu Trafford Centre  (£2,305m) 
intu Lakeside (£1,334m) 
intu Metrocentre  (£952m) 
intu Braehead  (£586m)
intu Merry Hill  (£448m) 

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6.  Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (£245m)

7

6

5

4

3

Spanish centres

3%

34%

intu Derby (£447m)

7. 
8.  Manchester Arndale  (£445m) 
9.  St David’s Cardiff (£369m) 
10. intu Victoria Centre (£356m) 
11. intu Watford (£336m) 
12. intu Eldon Square (£300m) 
13. intu Milton Keynes (£280m) 
14. intu Chapelfield (£273m) 
15. intu Potteries (£175m) 
16. intu Bromley (£174m) 

17.  Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza (£166m) 
18. intu Asturias (£89m) 

* 
Including Group share of joint ventures. 
**  Other properties <£100 million (£323m).

Market 
value

Size
(sq ft
000)

% 
ownership

Number 
of stores

Annual
property
income

Headline
rent
ITZA

ABC1  

customers

Key tenants

Super-regional centres

intu Trafford Centre

£2,305m

1,973

100%

234

£87.8m

£425

67% Debenhams, Topshop, Selfridges, John Lewis, 
Next, Apple, Ted Baker, Victoria’s Secret, 
Odeon, Legoland Discovery Centre, H&M, 
Hamleys, Marks & Spencer, Zara, Sea Life

intu Lakeside

£1,334m

1,435

100%

248

£59.2m

£350

67% House of Fraser, Debenhams,  

Marks & Spencer, Topshop, Zara, Primark, 
Forever 21, Vue, Hamleys, Victoria’s Secret

intu Metrocentre

£952m

2,085

90%

342

£48.2m

£300

57% House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, 

Debenhams, Apple, H&M, Topshop, Zara, 
Primark, River Island, Odeon

intu Braehead

£586m

1,127

100%

121

£26.2m

£2501

58% Marks & Spencer, Primark, Apple, Next, H&M, 

Topshop, Hollister, Superdry, Sainsbury’s, 
David’s Bridal

intu Merry Hill

£448m

1,671

50%

213

£22.5m

£180

46% Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Bhs, Primark, 

Cribbs Causeway

£245m

1,075

33%

153

£11.7m

£305

Sainsbury’s, Next, Topshop, Asda, Boots, 
H&M, Odeon

73% John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Apple, Next, 
Topshop, Timberland, Jigsaw, Hobbs, Hugo 
Boss, H&M

In-town centres

intu Derby

£447m

1,300

100%

181

£30.6m

£125

54% Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Sainsbury’s, 

Next, Boots, Topshop, Cinema de Lux,  
Zara, H&M

Manchester Arndale

£445m

1,600

48%

249

£21.9m

£275

57% Harvey Nichols, Apple, Burberry, LK Bennett, 

Topshop, Next, Ugg, Hugo Boss, Superdry, 
Zara, Hollister

St David’s, Cardiff

£369m

1,391

50%

201

£16.3m

£212

66% John Lewis, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, 

intu Victoria Centre

£356m

976

100%

113

£18.2m

£250

Apple, Hollister, Hugo Boss, H&M, River 
Island, Hamleys, Primark

54% House of Fraser, John Lewis, Next, Topshop, 
River Island, Boots, Urban Outfitters, 
Superdry, Office

intu Watford

£336m

726

93%

137

£17.8m

£250

82% John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Apple, Zara, 

intu Eldon Square

£300m

1,350

60%

140

£14.5m

£308

Spanish centres

Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza

Market 
value

€225m

Size
(sq m
000)

119

% 
ownership

Number 
of stores

Annual
property
income

50%

202

€11.0m

intu Asturias

€121m

75

50%

136

€6.8m

1  The amount presented is on the Scottish ITZA basis, the English equivalent is £335.

Primark, Next, Lakeland, Phase Eight, Lego, 
H&M, Topshop, New Look

61% John Lewis, Fenwick, Debenhams, Waitrose, 
Apple, Hollister, Topshop, Boots, River Island, 
Next, Marks & Spencer

Key tenants

El Corte Inglés, Primark, Ikea, Apple, 
Decathlon, Cinesa, H&M, Mediamarkt,  
Zara, Hollister, Toys R Us, Fnac

Primark, Zara, H&M, Cinesa, Eroski, Mango, 
Springfield, Fnac, Mediamarkt, Desigual

6

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Chairman’s statement

Our focus is to deliver strong returns over the medium term 
through rental growth in our existing assets and superior 
returns from our development pipeline

the industry and our end customers.  
intu Lakeside and intu Eldon Square  
both won BCSC Gold awards in the  
last two years for their redevelopment 
works. We have received excellent 
customer feedback at our newly opened 
developments at intu Victoria Centre  
and intu Potteries where visitor numbers 
have increased even beyond our  
high expectations.

intu and its customer proposition continue 
to increase brand traction with retail 
customers, brand partners and shoppers 
as well as wider audiences. The intu brand 
made its presence felt in the Spanish 
market when we rebranded Parque 
Principado, Oviedo as intu Asturias in  
June 2015 and this has been very well 
received by both customers and retailers. 

We continue to be at the forefront of  
our sector in terms of digital and 
customer experience. Our in-house  
digital innovation team is fully integrated 
into the wider business and delivering a 
series of industry-leading developments 
while the customer experience team has 
a comprehensive programme of signature 
experience initiatives – both focused on 
delivering a compelling experience in 
centre and online. 

For more details of our performance  
this year may I refer you to the interview 
with our Chief Executive on pages  
8 and 9 where David Fischel answers key 
questions about our business and to the 
financial review presented by our Chief 
Financial Officer Matthew Roberts on 
pages 46 to 51.

Corporate responsibility
Our centres are integral to the 
communities we serve. Although we  
are an international brand, we are rooted 
in our local communities. We create 
significant economic contributions to 
these communities, through regional 

It is now nearly six years since we 
demerged and three years since  
we introduced the intu brand. Over  
this period we have been shaping the 
business to enable growth and ensure we 
are well placed both to take advantage  
of improvements in the market and  
to withstand any adversity. We have 
focused on delivering our strategic 
objectives rather than being exclusively 
preoccupied with short-term gains. This 
has proved to be the right thing to do,  
as our results this year show. Managed 
this way, our prime retail real estate  
is an attractive investment delivering 
long-term security. 

Overview of 2015 activity
A key highlight of the year was the  
return to positive like-for-like net  
rental income growth. This, along  
with strong operating metrics that have 
outperformed national benchmarks,  
is a validation of the repositioning work 
we have done in the last few years.

The expertise and skills of our in-house 
team in continually improving our  
assets have been recognised by both  

We have focused  
on delivering our  
strategic objectives 
rather than being 
exclusively preoccupied 
with short-term gains. 
This has proved to  
be the right thing  
to do, as our results  
this year show 

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Chairman’s statement

7

Our approach to  
corporate responsibility
As a long-term and sustainable 
business our corporate responsibility 
approach is based on three pillars:

Communities and  
economic contribution

Environmental  
efficiency

Relationships with  
our stakeholders

  Read more on pages 52 to 55 

External recognition of our  
sustainability performance 

GRESB
[logo to be 
supplied]

C o m m u n i

t y M a r k

employment and development and by 
supporting community groups to address 
fundamental societal issues that are 
important to our long-term success.  
We measure total economic contribution 
through the gross value added (GVA) 
model; in 2015 this was valued at  
£4.2 billion (2014: £3.5 billion).

Environmentally, we are focused on our 
long-term goals and are working towards 
our 2020 targets, including our new 
carbon target which now measures 
emissions intensity rather than an 
absolute quantity. I am pleased to say  
we remain on course to achieve these  
and you can find more details on our 
progress on pages 52 to 55.

intu staff are an important part of this 
progress and have delivered impressive 
results over the past year, particularly in 
the areas of environmental management 
and community engagement through  
a multitude of partnerships.

Our people
I would like to record my thanks to  
the Board and all our staff for their 
commitment and dedication to intu’s 
values and vision in the year.

At the heart of intu’s success are the 
people who deliver these results for  
you, from apprentices, through senior 
managers to the Board. We look to 
employ and retain the very best people  
to keep us at the forefront of the 
shopping centre industry.

I welcome Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard 
and John Strachan to the Board. They 
bring a wealth of experience from the 
internet retail and retail property 
environment respectively. We are 
fortunate to have a Board which takes  
a keen interest in our operations. This 
gives a real vitality to our corporate 
governance arrangements, while allowing 
our executive team the freedom it needs. 

I am also pleased to report that this year 
we welcomed our first apprentices in our 
new national apprenticeship scheme and 
we achieved silver Investor in People 
accreditation at 14 intu-branded shopping 
centres. intu Trafford Centre retained its 
gold standard.

Like-for-like net rental income growth  
in 2015 

1.8%(2014: -3.2%)

Reduction in CO2e emissions intensity  
since 2011 

39%

retired as Chief Operating Officer in 
December 2015. We have valued the 
contributions they have both made  
to our progress very highly.

Dividends
Your Directors are recommending a final 
dividend of 9.1 pence per share, bringing 
the amount paid and payable in respect 
of 2015 to 13.7 pence, unchanged from 
the 2014 dividend. A scrip dividend 
alternative may be offered.

Looking forward
We continue to focus on our key strategic 
objectives which put us in a position 
where we can take advantage of a 
continued upturn in the economy, and 
also allow us to better withstand any 
future downturns. The strong and  
stable income streams from our quality 
shopping centres will be supported and 
supplemented by growth through our 
development pipeline as we embark on 
the next exciting phase of investment, 
across both the UK and Spain.

Our brand proposition around events, 
community, customer service and digital 
will continue to enhance the customer 
experience and attractiveness of intu 
centres to both retailers and customers.

In Spain, we will replicate our successful 
UK model both operationally in  
our existing two centres and on the 
development front at intu Costa del Sol.

Our focus is to deliver strong returns over 
the medium term through rental growth 
in our existing assets and superior returns 
from our development pipeline. 

Finally, on behalf of the Board I would like 
to thank Neil Sachdev who will step down 
as a Director at the 2016 AGM after over 
nine years and Mike Butterworth who 

Patrick Burgess
Chairman
26 February 2016

8

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Interview with  
the Chief Executive

David Fischel, Chief Executive, answers questions on  
intu’s results demonstrating how the business expects  
to benefit further from rising consumer confidence and 
strengthening demand from retailers for quality space

These factors provide a favourable 
background for our development 
programme as we look to introduce  
the next level of leisure concepts.  
We expect to undertake around  
£600 million of mixed retail and  
leisure projects in the next three years  
in the UK, in particular the intu Watford 
extension, and commence our major 
Spanish shopping resort development, 
intu Costa del Sol.

Our top shopping destinations help 
deliver high footfall and long dwell times 
for our retailers and restaurateurs. We 
attract some 400 million shopper visits  
a year and focus on delivering a great 
customer experience. We are continuing 
to make the intu brand really count  
through digital initiatives, including our 
transactional website, and multichannel 
promotional events, reflected in very 
positive customer feedback via our  
Tell intu programme.

While financial markets are volatile,  
the improved economic environment  
and tenant demand, together with  
the returns we are achieving from  
our investment in development, active 
management, technology and branding 
mean we are well positioned to achieve  
further organic growth in 2016.

 Can you explain the ‘intu difference’? 

 It is shorthand for what differentiates 
intu from other retail landlords. It means 
combining our scale, expertise and insight 
to create compelling experiences for our 
customers that deliver results for our 
retailers and value for our investors.

In practical terms it is how we bring the  
five elements of our brand proposition  
to life – digital connectivity, events  
with a difference, world class service,  
moments of surprise and delight and  
our commitment to the community.

 How was 2015 for intu?

 We are pleased to report a strong  
set of results for 2015 with a 7 per cent 
increase in underlying earnings per  
share and a 4 per cent revaluation  
surplus taking investment properties  
to £9.6 billion. Particularly encouraging 
was the return to like-for-like growth in  
net rental income, the result of quality 
lettings in aggregate 10 per cent ahead  
of previous passing rent, improved 
occupancy at 96 per cent and benefits 
from our investment programme  
with projects successfully concluded  
in 2015 in Nottingham, Newcastle  
and Stoke-on-Trent.

As economic recovery spreads out  
from London and the south east to  
the regions, consumer confidence is 
positive, driving improved retailer  
demand for space in our centres at a  
time when new supply of quality retail 
space is very limited. Investor interest  
for prime regional shopping centres 
remains keen.

As economic recovery 
spreads out from London 
and the south east to  
the regions, consumer 
confidence is positive, 
driving improved  
retailer demand for  
space in our centres

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Interview with the Chief Executive

9

The whole business is centred around  
our end customers. We want them to  
be happier when they leave our centres  
than when they walked through the  
door. Our net promoter scores prove  
that happy shoppers spend more which  
means happy retailers. We are a people  
business and everything our people  
do is underpinned by our values of 
creative, bold and genuine.

 What can we expect in terms of 
developments to your UK centres over 
the next 12 months?

 2016 will be another significant  
year for our UK development pipeline 
following a successful 2015 which  
saw us complete over £60 million  
worth of high impact developments  
at intu Victoria Centre and intu Potteries.  
These are already yielding results in  
the form of increased asset values  
and tenant demand.

This year our focus is on three major 
projects as part of our near-term,  
£580 million development pipeline: 
transformational developments at  
intu Watford and intu Broadmarsh and  
an innovative leisure extension at intu 
Lakeside, each of which is fully funded 
from existing resources.

At intu Watford we have begun our  
£178 million extension, demolishing 
Charter Place to replace it with a 
substantial retail and leisure offering 
anchored by a nine-screen Cineworld 
IMAX cinema and Debenhams. CACI 
predict that Watford will be promoted  
to a top-20 retail destination as a result  
of the development and interest is  
high with 50 per cent already let or  
in solicitors’ hands.

With the refurbishment of intu Victoria 
Centre complete, we are ready to turn  
our attention to the second phase of our 
Nottingham vision – the redevelopment 
of intu Broadmarsh. This project will bring 
a cinema, leisure uses and convenience 
retail to the southern end of the city. 

At intu Lakeside, we are in advanced talks 
with an international brand to introduce a 
new type of leisure offer to the shopping 
centre experience. This will be the first 
phase of a £95 million, 225,000 sq ft 
leisure extension designed to increase 
dwell time and the overall catchment  
of the centre.

Strategic priorities for 2016
Our focus in 2016 will be on four main goals 
which we believe will result in strong total 
returns over the medium term:

 — optimise the performance  

of existing assets

 — drive forward our UK  
development pipeline

 — make the brand count

 — seize the growth opportunity  

in Spain

  Read more on pages 32 to 33 

 It has now been over two years since 

you bought your first centre in Spain. 
Has Spain delivered on its promise so 
far and where will the next two years 
take you?

 Yes, investing in Spain in 2013 has 
proven to be a timely move for intu. We 
now have a strong foothold in a rapidly 
improving market that has just seen its 
17th successive quarter of retail sales 
growth. intu Asturias and Puerto Venecia 
are performing strongly with positive  
sales growth, dwell and footfall above the 
benchmarks. Our management team has 
introduced exciting new retailers at both 
centres, driving rental growth. Pleasingly 
the rebrand of Parque Principado to  
intu Asturias was very well-received and 
validated through substantially improved 
net promoter scores. We will look to 
repeat this success when Puerto Venecia 
goes through the rebranding process  
later this year. 

From a development point of view, our 
new concept retail resorts are being well 
received. At intu Costa del Sol, our first 
iteration of the concept, tenant demand  
is strong and the planning is well 
advanced. When we have secured full 
planning approval and our target level  
of exchanged pre-lets, we expect to  
be on site in the latter part of 2016. In 
tandem with this, we will continue to 
advance plans on the other development 
sites in Valencia, Vigo and Palma.

 You have stated your ambition to 
stay at the forefront of shopping centre 
innovation – what does this look like  
in practical terms?

 There are five elements of our brand 

proposition but let’s look at just one as  
an example – digital connectivity. We are  
the only landlord with an in-house digital 
innovation team, and we were the first in 
our industry to introduce a transactional 
website to offer 24/7 shopping for  
our customers and importantly give  
our retailers another route to market.  
intu.co.uk is already a top-10 affiliate 
website with 350 ‘shoppable’ retailers.

However we are not standing still. With 
the introduction of new technologies our 
offering will continue to evolve. We are 
running a number of innovation projects 
and website enhancement trials that, once 
proven, we can quickly and efficiently roll 
out. In 2015 we worked with Apple who 
digitally mapped our centres, another 
industry first. This along with our high 
quality wifi infrastructure has allowed  
us to build a uniquely personalised 
wayfinding and offers app that was  
piloted last year and is now being  
rolled out across intu branded centres.

 Can you summarise what 2016 has 

in store for intu?

 We are now well positioned to reap 
the benefits of our single-minded focus 
and brand strategy. 2016 is about building 
on that solid foundation while continuing 
to innovate to strengthen our market 
leading position. 

Our four strategic priorities remain: 
optimising our assets to create essential 
destinations for both our shoppers  
and retailers; delivering the near-term 
pipeline of UK development opportunities 
that will add real value to our portfolio; 
leveraging the strength and differentiation 
of our brand across all proposition areas; 
and building our Spanish presence. 

We intend to deliver continued growth  
in like-for-like net rental income which  
we expect to be in the 2 per cent to  
3 per cent range for 2016 subject to  
no material tenant failures. This will  
offset the dilution in earnings from the 
disposals of the Equity One shares and  
a 50 per cent stake in Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza as we recycle capital into  
other developments.

10

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Our growth story

We have a strong pipeline of organic growth opportunities 
for the next decade in the UK and Spain. Over the past few 
years we have been moving forward with planning approvals 
to be ready for an upturn in tenant demand. We expect to 
start around £750 million of these projects in the next three 
years, with optionality on further projects beyond 2018

£750m

our development pipeline 
over the next three years

Near term

Over the next three years we will focus on projects where we see improved tenant 
demand. We are commencing the project at intu Watford where pre-lets are now 
over 50 per cent. Demand is approaching the required level at the other near-term 
projects and we expect to commit to these in the next 12 months.

intu Watford

intu cost to completion 
New space
Indicative timing

£178m
380,000 sq ft
2016-2018

Our development of the site of the old 
Charter Place precinct adjacent to intu 
Watford will transform the centre into a 
1.4 million sq ft regional destination, with 
CACI estimating that, as a result, Watford 
will be promoted to a top 20 national 
retail destination ranking alongside 

Edinburgh and Bristol. The leisure-led 
extension will enhance the night-time 
economy in this affluent catchment 
across north London and Hertfordshire. 
Anchored by a nine-screen Cineworld 
IMAX cinema, 10 restaurants and a 
Debenhams department store, it will  
also deliver new large format units  
and a refurbishment of existing malls  
to bring them to the standard of the  
new extension. 

intu Lakeside

intu cost to completion 
New space
Indicative timing

£95m
225,000 sq ft
2016-2018

The approved leisure extension will bring 
additional restaurants and introduce new 
concept leisure brands to intu Lakeside, 
increasing catchment and dwell time. We 
are in detailed discussions with the leisure 
anchors which, along with the recent 
letting to Hamleys, will increase the 
family-oriented customer experience.

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Our growth story

11

intu Costa del Sol

intu cost to completion 
New space
Indicative timing

€232m 
(£172m)
175,000 sq m
2016-2018

intu Costa del Sol will be our first 
development in Spain, creating a leisure 
and retail destination for both residents 
and tourists. In developing our shopping 
resort concept we will look to build on  
the leisure and retail offer demonstrated 
by Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza and expand  
the intu brand in Spain. 

intu Broadmarsh

intu cost to completion 
New space
Indicative timing

£75m
50,000 sq ft
2016-2018

The second phase of our Nottingham  
vision will redevelop the 500,000 sq ft 
existing centre to provide a complementary  
offer to that of intu Victoria Centre.  
The redevelopment will focus on new 
brands and uses to the city with a  
cinema and restaurant-led upper level  
and convenience-driven lower level. 

Active asset management

intu cost to completion 
New space
Indicative timing

£185m
n/a
2016-2018

Our active asset management capital 
expenditure offers attractive returns, with 
stabilised initial yield on costs of 6-10 per 
cent. The projects vary in scale but they 
all focus on improving the customer 
experience, whether it is retail, catering or 
leisure. Examples in 2016 will be a hotel at 
intu Lakeside and bowling and mini-golf 
at intu Derby. 

Total

45

185

348
578

172
750

2016

45

60

60
165

22
187

Cost to completion

2017

2018

–

63

160
223

40
263

–

62

128
190

110
300

Future potential  
beyond 2018

intu Lakeside
We have planning approval for an additional 
440,000 sq ft of retail space which will be  
a natural development of the centre to 
meet the increased catchment and footfall 
from the leisure extension. 

intu Victoria Centre
The third phase of our Nottingham vision, 
following the successful refurbishment of 
intu Victoria Centre and redevelopment of 
intu Broadmarsh, is a retail extension to intu 
Victoria Centre. This has planning approval 
for up to 500,000 sq ft of retail and leisure.

intu Braehead
Our application is being re-determined 
following an objection to Braehead’s  
revised planning status within the Local 
Development Plan. Our project has 
widespread political and public support  
and would bring significant investment to 
Scotland. Approval of the plans will enable 
us to progress this 475,000 sq ft retail  
and leisure extension, creating 2,200 jobs  
in the construction phase and 2,650  
jobs thereafter.

intu Milton Keynes
In 2015 the council resolved to approve  
our plans to develop 100,000 sq ft of  
new floorspace, bringing more life and 
entertainment to the Boulevard area  
of the centre and creating 430 new jobs. 
Disappointingly, this has since been called  
in for a public inquiry by the Secretary of 
State which is due to be held later in 2016. 

Cribbs Causeway
We have submitted a planning application 
for a 380,000 sq ft retail and leisure 
extension to the centre reflecting growth  
in the overall catchment area, especially 
with the redevelopment of Filton airfield. 
This will bring an estimated 2,900 jobs  
to the local community.

Spain
We continue to progress our development 
options at Valencia, Vigo and Palma  
to create further shopping resorts  
similar to Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza  
and intu Costa del Sol. 

Overview

£m
Committed
Active asset management pipeline
Major extensions and redevelopments
Total UK
intu Costa del Sol*
Total

*  Assumes 50 per cent joint venture partner.

12

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Investment case

Our investment case sets out how we use our market-
leading position and unique insight to implement our 
strategy and deliver shareholder returns

Market-leading  
position

  See business model page 28

 — UK’s largest owner, developer and manager of prime shopping centres

 — only UK nationwide shopping centre brand 

 — providing in centre and online customer experience

 —  talented, motivated and empowered employees focused on delivering  

exceptional customer experience

 — robust capital structure with access to a wide range of funding sources

Unique insight

 — pure play focused shopping centre owner

 — dynamic operator at the forefront of an evolving retail environment, 

understanding the multichannel requirements of retailers

 — unique insight into customer trends and demands for the perfect shopping  

and leisure experience

 — connecting retailer requirements with customer demands to deliver  

compelling shopping experiences

  See key market trends page 16

Strategy

  See strategy overview page 32 and 33

 — combining our scale, expertise and insight 

 — creating compelling experiences for our customers

 — delivering results for our retailers

 — adding value for our investors

Shareholder  
returns

 — aim to deliver long-term total property returns from our prime properties,  

an attractive asset 

 — strong, stable income streams from long-term lease structures

 — development potential and capital appreciation

The intu difference

What makes intu different?
We create compelling experiences that surprise  
and delight our customers, delivering success  
for our retailers, enhancing our communities  
and driving value for our investors

Optimising asset 
performance
page 19

UK development 
momentum
page 20

Making the  
brand count
page 23

Seizing the growth 
opportunity in Spain
page 24

With 2/3 of  
the UK’s shopping 
population within 
45 minutes of an 
intu centre, and our 
unrivalled website, 
we’ve got the  
country covered

intugroup.co.uk

The intu difference

15

The intu difference  
is driving our success

400m

customer visits in 2015

35m

customers

24m

website visits

2m

marketing database

Signature experiences

Our in-house teams are always thinking 
up new signature experiences that 
express our brand proposition of world 
class service, digital connectivity and 
events with a difference. Joy jars, the new 
customer lounges, the intu app – just 
some of the ways we provide moments  
of surprise and delight. 

The figures are impressive but it is  
what we do with them that really  
makes the difference. 

With the whole business centred around 
our customer, we bring together our 
scale, experience and expertise to create 
compelling experiences, in centre and 
online, which deliver real results for our 
retailers, caterers and leisure operators. 
And it works – stores at intu centres are 
very often among the top performers  
in their businesses.

Our unique insight and research 
programmes help us understand what 
motivates customers to visit their local 
intu centre, stay longer and return often. 
We then combine the power of our  
brand with our scale to attract the best 
retailers, the most sought-after brands 
and exciting immersive experiences to  
do just that. 

Our aim is to put a  
smile on the face of  
our customers. We want  
them to be happier  
when they leave our 
centres than when they  
walked through the  
door. Happy shoppers  
mean happy retailers
David Fischel 

A culture of success

How we behave is an important part  
of the intu difference and a big reason 
behind our success. We encourage  
and equip all our employees to look  
at things differently and creatively,  
to consider carefully and then to act 
boldly and genuinely.

Our values

Creative
We look at the familiar and we see 
something different; we are insightful and 
imaginative, but not for their own sake,  
for we never lose sight of what is important 
and relevant. 

Bold 
We act confidently and decisively, always 
knowingly, perhaps at times controversially, 
but never rashly or without consideration. 

Genuine 
We are true to ourselves, act fairly  
and communicate clearly; we say what  
we mean and we mean what we say.  
We recognise our obligations to our 
stakeholders and the wider society,  
and commit to put our utmost into 
everything we do.

16

The intu difference

We understand our market

The face of UK retail is changing and we are positioned to take advantage  
of the opportunities this presents both in store and online

What are the major trends impacting our market?

Trends

Our response

Fewer stores, prime locations matter
 — store strategy is evolving

Optimising asset performance
 — our focus on the top shopping 

 – existing established retailers reduce store 
numbers, but not necessarily trading space

destinations delivers high footfall 
and long dwell times to our retailers

 – new entrants need a minimum footprint  

 — knowing our customers and 

of 30-50 stores to establish a viable  
UK presence

 — pure play online retailers now trialling  

physical locations

 — focus on the right locations in the right 
environments, in particular the top  
35 shopping centres

understanding retailer requirements 
to help them flourish in our centres
 — asset management initiatives deliver 
the right space in the right location 

A multichannel approach
 — seamless shopping experience across  

both online and in store sales channels,  
with shoppers who use both channels 
generating higher transaction values
 — single view of customer with a focus  

on personalisation

Making the brand count
 — we are the only UK nationwide 
shopping centre landlord  
who can offer retailers a 
transactional website to mirror  
their multichannel approach
 — our customer database gives 

 — stores also functioning as showrooms 
showcasing the products and brand

retailers further routes to market 
both online and in centre

Shopping is leisure
 — family friendly experience to compete  

with other leisure attractions

 — centres need to have the right mix of  
retail, catering and leisure to enhance  
the customer’s day out

Development momentum
 — introducing the optimal level of 

restaurants and leisure into centres 

 — bringing the next level of leisure 
concepts to intu Lakeside and  
intu Costa del Sol in the near term

Consumer insights 

We continually monitor and respond  
to customer trends both in centre  
and online with touch points across  
the whole customer journey.

28,000

Tell intu surveys completed annually

2,200

customer exit surveys completed by CACI

6,000

shopper view data points

House of Fraser’s multichannel approach

Department store group, House of Fraser, has transformed into a 
successful multichannel customer-centric business, which has delivered 
positive sales and margin growth both in store and online. House of Fraser 
offers customers a seamless shopping experience with a consistency in 
approach and communications across all channels.

This forward-looking approach mirrors its relationship with intu: in centre  
it has just completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment of its store at  
intu Metrocentre and online it is collaborating with our digital team to open 
additional channels to customers. 

intugroup.co.uk

The intu difference

19

Optimising asset performance

Our distinctive asset management approach combines expertise and experience  
with the intu difference to make our centres vibrant places for leisure and  
shopping that draw in customers and help retailers flourish

National Kiko roll-out

Investing in our centres, understanding 
what retailers need and knowing our 
customers are characteristics of intu that 
are helping retailers flourish. European 
beauty brand Kiko has been so impressed 
that since testing the water with its first 
intu store at intu Victoria Centre – where 
sales exceeded all targets – it expanded 
into seven more in 2015, with plans for 
further openings in our centres.

intu Victoria Centre

Our vision for Nottingham, which  
sees the city centre anchored by two 
complementary centres (intu Victoria 
Centre and intu Broadmarsh), has started 
to become a reality with our £42 million 
investment at intu Victoria Centre.

The transformation created a modern 
and contemporary retail space that has 
enticed new and exciting brands such as 
Kiko (see right), Swatch and Superdry to 
the city of Nottingham for the first time. 
Many existing tenants, such as JD Sports 
and Vision Express, are upsizing. 

Retailers have seen the difference, with 
shops reporting a Saturday afternoon 
level of crowds on Thursday mornings 
and spend rising by 14 per cent year  
on year (CACI 2015). Zone A rents have 
risen from £210 in 2013, before the 
development, to £250 in December 2015.

December 2015 saw the much-
anticipated opening of the restaurant 
quarter, which is helping to generate a 
vibrant night-time culture that benefits  
all retailers through longer opening hours. 
It is what intu is known for – creating the 
spaces and experiences both retailers  
and consumers want.

Only intu can

It has been 18 months since intu took over at intu Derby and intu Merry Hill in the heart of 
England; but what a difference we have made: 

115%

rise in net  
promoter score 

17%

Zone A rent  
increase

11%

rise in valuations

These figures show what intu’s active asset management is all about: driving improvement 
across a spectrum of KPIs, through an understanding of what works for the modern retailer  
and creating the environment that attracts customers and tempts them to stay.

We are excited to be able  
to build on our success  
at intu Victoria Centre  
and to work with intu to  
further expand in the UK
Kiko

20

The intu difference

UK development momentum

Our investment in our UK assets creates the stylish and sought-after  
shopping destinations retailers and customers want, revitalises city centres  
and brings economic benefits to communities

digital connectivity, new stores and 
customer service points. New tenants 
include Thomas Sabo, Skechers and 
Smiggle, altogether generating over  
£3 million per annum in new rents. 

New rents

£3m

The next phase is the £25 million 
restaurant development at Grey’s  
Quarter which, on completion in 2016,  
will bring 20 new restaurant brands to 
central Newcastle.

intu Bromley

Insight means we can deliver dramatic 
changes through small investments.  
The £3 million transformation of  
intu Bromley saw retailers competing  
for space in the newly rebranded centre, 
vying to get a share of the valuable 
catchment (88 per cent of intu Bromley’s 
customers are in the most affluent  
ABC1 category). 

New retailers over the past two years 
include White Stuff, Thomas Sabo, 
Smiggle, Hema, Carluccio’s, YO! Sushi,  
Ecco, Jo Malone, Timberland and Fat Face.

Refurbishment and the revitalised mix of 
tenants has tempted back affluent local 
shoppers who are choosing to use their 
local centre once again. The result has 
been around 20 new lettings.

The opening of the restaurant terrace  
at Queen’s Garden in 2016 will further 
enhance the aspirational offer and  
will be the catalyst for introducing a 
longer trading day in the centre, to make  
intu Bromley one of south east London’s  
most compelling destinations.

intu Eldon Square

Over the last ten years we have 
effectively rebuilt intu Eldon Square to 
create a dynamic shopping experience  
in the heart of Newcastle. This includes  
a stylish 400,000 sq ft extension and a  
£22 million investment to refurbish the 
mall, which have attracted new high-
quality tenants and increased revenues. 
Occupancy is nearly 100 per cent, with 
just two stores available to let.

Occupancy is nearly

100%

The mall overhaul has all the features of 
an intu reinvention – updating the centre 
and infrastructure from the technical to 
the technological, reducing operating 
costs with energy efficient lighting and 
ventilation, and attracting customers 
through the top-quality redesign, full 

Cost of the refurbishment

£22m

intugroup.co.uk

The intu difference

23

Making the brand count

Three years on from creating the new brand our customers and retailers are starting to 
understand the intu difference and what it means: a way of doing things that guarantees 
world class service, compelling events and the best digital connectivity in the business

Five ways we are using technology 
to improve customers’ experience

Bridging the divide between online and in store and 
creating the perfect personalised customer experience 
– intu has embraced the digital revolution by putting  
the customer first to benefit retailers

1. Two million database
A valuable bank of information  
of customers’ digital interactions 
which allows our customers to 
benefit from an unrivalled online 
and in-centre relationship  
with retailers

2. Innovative wayfinding app
Our app gives customers access  
to special offers based on their 
location in centre, and enables 
retailers to boost sales through 
personalised real-time offers

3. Affiliate website
Less than 18 months after 
launch intu.co.uk is one  
of the country’s top-10 
affiliate websites. intu is the  
only UK-wide shopping 
centre brand to have a 
transactional website

4. Customer lounges
Bringing all intu’s digital  
and physical services 
together in one stylish 
lounge, improving customer 
satisfaction scores

ty
5. Unrivalled connectivity
t 
Free wifi and 4G across most  
of our centres makes them 
’s 
go-to destinations for today’s 
digital natives

Student Nights

Student nights are a regular part  
of any shopping centre’s event 
calendar, but intu Student Nights 
really are events with a difference 
for both students and retailers. 

128,000

students attended events in 2015 

21% rise from 2014

By leveraging the intu consumer 
brand and our national presence, 
more retailers took part in the  
2015 events than ever before – 
1,045 across our portfolio,  
17 per cent more than last year.

Quotes from retailers bear out  
the events’ success: 

“ We thought we’d take £8k,  
we took £72k.” 

“ Achieved +686 per cent against 
our target – took £20,000 in  
four hours.” 

“ Can I just say how AMAZING  
the student event on Wednesday 
was for us. Made our store #1  
in Scotland & Ireland.”

From the events we signed up 
120,000 students to our database, 
giving retailers access to a coveted 
and hard-to-reach group of 
shoppers. We are planning a spring 
event for 2016, giving retailers and 
students another great opportunity.

Sponsorships and partnerships

With a million people coming into an intu centre every day, and over  
two million customers accessible via our marketing database, intu’s scale 
and national presence make us an unbeatable partner 
for global brands looking for access to a UK-wide 
audience. In 2015 more brands than ever before 
paid to promote their brands to the unmatched 
customer base provided by intu. These include 
20th Century Fox who have toured their films 
Home and The Peanuts Movie in every intu-
branded centre, which have in turn provided 
compelling half-term experiences for families, 
leading to higher net promoter scores during 
holiday periods.  

24

The intu difference

Seizing the growth  
opportunity in Spain

In Spain we are building a platform of the best centres through acquisition and development 
and we are creating a new class of regional destination centre – the retail resort

intu reigns in Spain

In Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza, the second of 
Spain’s top-10 shopping centres that we 
own, footfall is up 4 per cent and retailer 
sales are up by 13 per cent, reflecting 
improving economic conditions and the 
work we have done on retail mix. 

Our next step is to rebrand Puerto Venecia 
and then get on site with intu Costa del Sol 
near Málaga. The quality of what we’ve 
achieved is already lending confidence to 
the pre-letting of our next big venture. 

We also have options on three key sites  
in Valencia, Vigo and Palma.

Our successful brand  
goes international at  
intu Asturias

2015 was the year we proved that the  
intu brand, with its distinctive approach  
to asset management, customer 
experience and digital connectivity,  
could be as successful in the Spanish 
market as it is in the UK.

In June our first Spanish acquisition, 
Parque Principado, completed its first 
stage of rebrand to intu Asturias after  
a modernisation programme that saw  
the centre upgraded with decorative  
and lighting enhancements, new signage 
and seating, free wifi and the customer 
experience that bears the hallmark of  
the intu brand. 

The brand has proved eminently 
transferable, adapting to the local culture 
and community in much the same way it 
does in the UK. The high level of digital 
connectivity, compelling events and  
the world class service for which intu  
is already well-known, are proving as 
popular with Spanish customers as  
they are with British shoppers. 

38%

rise in net  
promoter score*

Since Tell intu was introduced in March 
2015, we have seen net promoter score 
rise by 38 per cent in the first quarter 
after the rebrand.

6% rise in footfall*

The effect on sales and footfall has been 
just as striking – the first quarter after 
rebranding saw a 6 per cent uplift in 
footfall leading to a 13 per cent rise in 
retailer sales. 

13% rise in retailer sales*

These figures, along with the near 100 per 
cent occupancy, show how much more 
attractive intu Asturias now is to retailers 
and customers alike. It is also increasing in 
value, rising from €162m at purchase to 
€242m in December 2015. 

* 

 In the first quarter after rebranding,  
July-September 2015.

Delivering the same 
brand experience  
in Spain and the UK

intugroup.co.uk

The intu difference

27

A national company with a local face

As a major employer in most of the UK towns and cities we operate in,  
we have an important role in supporting our communities

Contributing to our communities

intu centres are vibrant hubs for the community, providing places for people  
to meet, eat, socialise and be entertained while making a significant economic 
contribution to communities through employment, taxation and investment. 
Each year we report on our contribution through calculating the gross value 
added, or GVA, to the local and national economy. 

intu’s contribution  
to Watford

6,000

local people employed

Our enduring relationships in Watford are creating 
community and prosperity 

Opened in 1992, intu Watford is at  
the heart of the town, physically and 
figuratively. With over 6,000 local people 
working there, it is a major employer  
and the extension and mall upgrade  
will increase that role further. The panel 
on the right shows a snapshot of intu’s 
contribution to the local area. 

With almost 25 years in the town we 
invest in long-term partnerships such  
as the Peace Hospice. Our community 
programme reflects the community’s 
needs, from training young people, 
regenerating open spaces, and helping 
improve local health and wellbeing.

Our partnership with The Conservation 
Volunteers, in the Colne River Park, has 
attracted significant buy-in from local 
people and strong endorsement from  
the elected Mayor of Watford.

The relationships we nurture over the 
long term make us an integral part of  
the community and help us understand  
a range of local needs – and when it came 
to our plans for the development we got 
the thumbs-up from the community,  
with a 91 per cent approval rating.

91%

approval rating for the development

Supporting local causes in Watford  
Top: collecting for the local food bank. 
Bottom: students try out their retail skills  
on one of our employability programmes 

1,575

new direct and indirect 
jobs from extension

£20,000

community contributions  
in 2015, with 260 intu staff 
participating in community activity

£16m

business rates

50%

100%

decrease in energy 
use 2010 – 2015

waste diverted  
from landfill

Our annual economic contribution  
to Watford 

£296m 
GVA

28

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Our business model

By meeting the needs of customers and retailers we have 
built a long-term, sustainable business that delivers value 
for our shareholders

Our assets and resources

What we do

Our centres
National coverage of prime 
retail and leisure destinations 
visited by more than half the 
UK’s population each year

Our brand
Nationwide shopping centre  
brand focused on enriching  
the customer experience  
both in centre and online

Our employees
Professional, motivated 
and empowered teams are 
specialists in their fields

Our financial strength
Robust capital structure 
provides capacity to deliver  
our objectives from a range  
of funding sources

Create compelling  
shopping experiences
Our insight and management of 
centres attract customers more 
often, for longer and from further 
away by offering the right mix of 
retail, leisure and catering alongside 
our distinctive brand proposition 

Help retailers flourish
Our scale, flexibility, high-footfall 
locations and strong brand give 
retailers the confidence that they  
will trade successfully with intu, 
which drives rental income 

Develop long-term 
relationships
We develop enduring relationships 
with retailers, customers, employees, 
partners and communities that allow 
us to take a creative, collaborative 
approach to long-term investment 
and growth

  See the intu difference on pages 13 to 27

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Our business model

29

How we do it

The value we add

We apply our specialist knowledge, 
expertise and market insight to  
our prime portfolio and focus on  
our strategic objectives to deliver 
long term growth

y in Spain

nit
u
t
r
o
p
p
o

h
t
w
o

r

g

e

h

t

e

z

i

e

S

O p t i m i s e asset performance 

U

K

d

e

v

e

l

o
p
m
e
n
t
m
o
m
e
ntu
m 

Total  
property
returns

Make the bran d   c o u n t  

  See strategy overview on pages 32 and 33

Our shareholders
Strong stable income and capital growth

9% total property return

Our retailers
Environments that help retailers flourish

2% growth in estimated retailer sales

Our customers
Compelling experiences

20% increase in net promoter score 

Our people
Motivated and empowered

7% rise in engagement index since 2012

Our communities
Significant economic contribution

£4.2bn GVA in 2015

Our environment
Operational and environmental efficiency

39% reduction in carbon intensity since 2011

 
 
 
 
 
30

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Relationships

People are what make us tick: people as customers,  
as communities, as employees and as interested parties 
invested in our success. We understand these connections 
and know that if they do not prosper, neither do we

Customers
Keeping our competitive edge means understanding what our customers are looking 
for in a compelling shopping and leisure experience, from retailer mix to customer 
service expectations

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 — through questionnaires, forums, tasks 

 —  our world class service makes  

and an online shopping panel
 — our Tell intu customer feedback 

programme (28,000 responses this year)

customers feel valued
 — using insight to develop  
signature experiences 

 — introducing the retailers that  
customers say they want

Retailers
Maintaining strong relationships and an open dialogue with our retailers and 
occupiers is a prime focus. We want to make sure we are providing them with  
the high-quality service they need

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 — attended or hosted a wide range of 

 — introducing a customer relationship 

retailer-focused events

 — merchants’ association meetings
 — sustainability performance discussed  
with retailers and advice provided  
where requested

 — customer research shared with retailers

management programme for retailers

 — ensuring the right retail mix and the  

next level of leisure

 — an annual programme of events that 
attract a wider range of customers

Investors
Constructive engagement with our shareholders lets them know that we are 
managing our centres responsibly and the environmental, social and governance 
(ESG) risks we are exposed to

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 — 380 meetings with 190  
investment institutions

 — regular investor visits to our centres 
 — results presentations twice a year
 — press release on all major  

business activity 

 — keeping investors informed with 

roadshows, meetings and conferences
 — participating in and being recognised by 
ESG indices (see Chairman’s statement 
on page 7: awarded GRESB Green Star; 
EPRA Gold award)

 
intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Relationships

31

Our people
Our employees are critical to the success of our business. Employee engagement  
is key to a motivated workforce

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 — annual staff satisfaction survey
 — ‘toolbox’ talks, intranet, staff meetings
 — strategy and business plan presentations
 — staff consultative forums

 — staff survey action plans
 — reward and recognition programmes
 — extending leadership programmes
 — working towards National  

Equality Standard 

 — increasing awareness of  
charitable-giving options

Local and national government
Fostering strong relationships with local authorities, town centre management bodies 
and other community business partnerships is vital to the success of our business

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 — business rates submission to  

 — business rates/devolution submission 

HM Treasury

 — Sunday trading submission to 

Department of Business, Innovation  
and Skills (BIS)

 — meetings with individual MPs 
 — post-General Election  

Parliamentary reception

to Communities and Local Government 
(CLG) committee

 — meetings with ministers
 — meetings with individual MPs
 — ‘Contributing report’ produced each year
 — Parliamentary dinner

Suppliers
We rely on our suppliers to help our business run smoothly. It is essential they 
maintain the same high standards we set ourselves. An open and transparent 
relationship makes it easier for us to do this

How we have engaged

What we are doing

 —  key suppliers undergo intu brand-

 —  exploring opportunities for supply  

awareness training

 — pre-construction meetings to 
communicate intu standards  
and expectations

 — partnership approach to achieve 

environmental targets

chain accreditation 

 — implementing Modern Slavery Act
 — improving supplier recording  

and reporting

32

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Strategy overview

We have clear strategic objectives to ensure the business 
model is put into action effectively

1

Optimising  
asset performance

We are achieving this by
 — making our locations the most desirable for shopping and socialising
 — astutely managing the assets to take advantage of new trends and occupiers
 — building long-term partnerships with local authorities and communities

Progress in 2015
 — increased the leisure and catering elements 
of centres with the opening of the new 
leisure development at intu Potteries and 
restaurant quarter at intu Victoria Centre
 — introduced new brands to our customers 

including Kiko, David’s Bridal and  
Red Dog Saloon

Priorities in 2016
 — agree terms on final leases for catering 
developments at intu Metrocentre,  
intu Eldon Square and intu Bromley 
 —  continue to introduce new entrants to  
our centres to enhance the tenant mix.  
This may be from online brands looking  
for a store presence

 — built local authority and parliamentary 

 — continue to deliver growth in like-for-like 

relationships and made representation on 
retail issues including business rates and 
Sunday trading 

net rental income

KPIs we use to measure our success
 — optimising asset performance 

encompasses our whole business  
and as such is measured by all KPIs

Managing risk
 — property market
 — operations
 — brand

2

UK development 
momentum

We are achieving this by
 — delivering the required planning approvals for all projects
 — generating the required level of demand to commence a project
 — having the required funding to progress the pipeline

Progress in 2015
 — started work on the major extension at  

intu Watford

 — started restaurant developments at  
intu Metrocentre, intu Eldon Square  
and intu Bromley

 — achieved planning approval for the 
redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh

Priorities in 2016
 — complete ongoing developments at  
intu Metrocentre, intu Eldon Square  
and intu Bromley

 — continue the extension at intu Watford
 —  commence major projects at  

intu Broadmarsh and intu Lakeside

 — resolve planning issues at  

intu Braehead and intu Milton Keynes

KPIs we use to measure our success
 — shareholder return
 — total financial return
 — prime property assets
 — GVA

Managing risk
 — property market
 — financing
 — developments and acquisitions
 — brand

  For more information on KPIs see  
pages 34 and 35

  For more information on risk see  
pages 37to 39

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Strategic overview

33

3

Making the  
brand count

We are achieving this by
 — offering a distinctive customer signature experience to all our centres
 — having the best-in-class digital offering for retailers and customers
 — delivering continued world class service to retailers and shoppers

Progress in 2015
 — built on the Tell intu programme and 

Priorities in 2016
 — build on the success of our annual events, 

improved customer experience with net 
promoter score increasing 20 per cent
 — increased retailers trading on intu.co.uk  
to over 350, increasing sales through  
the website

such as Student Nights

 — continue to build new partnerships with 

global brands

 — nationwide launch of the intu app
 — increase revenues from in centre and  

 — secured national brand promotions with 

online initiatives

20th Century Fox and MasterCard

KPIs we use to measure our success
 — footfall
 — like-for-like net rental income
 — shareholder return
 — income performance
 — GVA

Managing risk
 — property market
 — operations
 — brand

4

Seizing the growth 
opportunity in Spain

We are achieving this by
 — building a platform of the best centres in Spain through acquisition and development
 — delivering the same brand experiences and returns in Spain as in the UK
 — moving the development options forward to a point where we can consider exercising  

them and commencing developments

Progress in 2015
 — integrated Puerto Venecia into the Group 
following its acquisition in January 2015

 — rebranded Parque Principado as  

intu Asturias, introducing the intu  
brand to Spain 

 — exercised the option to acquire the land 
near Málaga for the construction of  
intu Costa del Sol

KPIs we use to measure our success
 — footfall
 — like-for-like net rental income
 — shareholder return
 — total financial return
 — income performance
 — prime property assets 

Priorities in 2016
 — gain required planning approvals and level 

of pre-lets to start intu Costa del Sol
 — continue to improve asset performance  

of Spanish centres

 —  increase the exposure of the intu brand  

in Spain

Managing risk
 — property market
 — financing
 — developments and acquisitions
 — brand

34

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Key performance 
indicators

Key to strategic objectives

1   Optimise asset performance

2   UK development momentum

3   Make the brand count

4   Seize the growth opportunity in Spain

We measure progress against strategic objectives  
using the following financial and non-financial  
performance measures

Footfall (%)

2
1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5

Why is this important? 
Footfall is an important 
measure of a centre’s 
popularity with customers. 
Retailers use this measure 
as a key part of their 
decision-making process 
on where to locate  
their stores.

How is this measured? 
Footfall numbers across 
intu’s centres are captured 
using a combination of 
person or car counting 
cameras located at specific 
entrance and exit points 
within the centre.

How have we performed? 
Footfall was unchanged  
in 2015, ahead of the  
1 per cent reduction in  
the national benchmark  
as measured by Experian, 
continuing the trend  
of outperforming  
this benchmark.

+0%

-1%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

  intu
  Experian

Occupancy (%)

100

98

96

94

92

90

Why is this important? 
Attracting and retaining 
the right mix of retailers 
and catering and leisure 
operators will enhance  
our centres’ appeal and 
trading environment.

How is this measured? 
The passing rent of let  
and under-offer units 
expressed as a percentage 
of the passing rent of let 
and under-offer units plus 
the ERV of unlet units.

How have we performed? 
Occupancy has increased 
during the year to  
96 per cent and  
remains above the IPD 
(retail) monthly index  
benchmark figure.

96%

95%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

  intu
  IPD (retail)

Like-for-like net rental income (%)

+3.6%

-2.7%

-1.9%

-3.2%

+1.8%

4

2

0

-2

-4

Why is this important? 
Measures the organic 
growth in income 
generated from the 
Group’s properties  
in the year.

How is this measured? 
Removes from the 
year-on-year movement  
in net rental income  
the impact of acquisitions, 
developments  
and disposals.

How have we performed? 
Like-for-like net rental 
income has returned to 
growth in 2015 reflecting 
improved occupancy, 
better rental values from 
strong retailer demand, 
fewer tenants going  
into administration  
and development units  
coming back on stream,  
in particular in the second 
half of the year.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Shareholder return (%)

30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30

Why is this important? 
Combines share price 
movement and dividends 
to produce a direct 
measure of the change  
in shareholder value  
in the year.

How is this measured? 
Uses the movement  
in share price during  
the year plus dividends  
paid in the year.

How have we performed? 
The Group showed a small 
negative shareholder 
return in 2015 compared 
to a rise in the REIT sector 
which was largely driven 
by REITs with exposure  
to central London offices.

+11%

-1%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

  intu
  FTSE REIT index

Strategic 
objective

1

3

4

Strategic 
objective

1

Strategic 
objective

1

3

4

Strategic 
objective

1

2

3

4

 
intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Key performance indicators

35

Total financial return (%)

+4%

+4%

+1%

+14%

+10%

15

10

5

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Income performance (pence)

15.0p

14.7p

13.7p

13.3p

14.2p

15

10

5

0

Why is this important? 
This is a measure of  
the movement in the 
underlying value of assets 
and liabilities underpinning 
the value of a share  
plus the dividend paid  
to shareholders.

How is this measured? 
The movement in adjusted 
net asset value per share 
plus dividends paid in the 
year as a percentage of  
the opening net asset 
value per share.

How have we performed? 
Total financial return 
in the year was strong,  
driven by property 
valuation increases.

Why is this important? 
Underlying earnings per 
share is based on the 
underlying income 
generated in the year 
which gives an indication 
of the Group’s ability  
to pay dividends.

How is this measured? 
Underlying earnings 
exclude property and 
derivative valuation 
movements and 
exceptional income  
or charges.

How have we performed? 
Underlying earnings per 
share increased during the 
year, reflecting the positive 
like-for-like net rental 
income movement, along 
with the contribution from 
2014 acquisitions.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Prime property assets (%)

9
6
3
0
-3
-6
-9

Why is this important? 
Measures the capital 
return on the Group’s 
property assets and 
compares this with the  
IPD index, a recognised 
industry benchmark.

+4%

+2.8%

How is this measured? 
The valuation gain or loss 
in the year expressed as a 
percentage of the book 
value pre-valuation 
assessed on a like-for-like 
basis for the Group’s 
investment property.

How have we performed? 
The Group outpeformed 
the IPD benchmark again 
reflecting the overall 
quality of the Group’s 
assets and the active  
asset management  
and development 
initiatives undertaken.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

  intu
  IPD monthly index (retail)

GVA of community investment (£bn)

3.5

4.2

5

4

3

2

1

0

2014

2015

Greenhouse gas emissions intensity 
(CO2e kg/m2)

120

120

108

85

84

73

90

60

30

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Why is this important? 
Shopping centres  
create wealth and 
employment for their  
local communities. Gross 
value added, or GVA, 
measures the economic 
contribution of intu to  
local communities.

How is this measured? 
GVA is calculated on  
a range of different 
activities and types of 
economic output of our 
UK assets, including: 
investment expenditure, 
intu operational jobs,  
tenant jobs and tax 
contributions. This data  
is independently assured.

How have we performed? 
GVA has increased by  
20 per cent reflecting 
increases in employment 
by intu and at intu centres.

Why is this important? 
Measures our  
operational efficiency  
and performance of our 
existing assets. It also 
measures performance 
against our carbon 
intensity reduction target 
of 50 per cent by 2020 
against the 2010 baseline.

How is this measured? 
Greenhouse gas 
equivalents are  
calculated to work  
out the greenhouse gas 
intensity of the energy we 
use. These include direct 
and indirect emissions  
of our directly-managed 
UK centres.

How have we performed? 
We have had award-
winning reductions  
of 30 per cent from 
2011-2014. We are on 
track to meet our target  
of 50 per cent reduction  
by 2020.

Strategic 
objective

1

2

4

Strategic 
objective

1

3

4

Strategic 
objective

1

2

4

Strategic 
objective

1

2

3

Strategic 
objective

1

36

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

intu Potteries

A case study of how our developments add to the 
experience of customers, benefit our retailers and 
ultimately reap rewards for our business 

The leisure extension at intu Potteries 
in Stoke-on-Trent is our latest 
development project to complete

The extension brings a nine-screen cinema and seven quality restaurants including 
Nando’s, Coast-to-Coast and Pizza Express and opened to the public at the beginning 
of December 2015. 

28%rise in footfall in the first  

six weeks of opening

We anticipated good local demand for the £19 million, 70,000 sq ft development, and 
its impact was immediate, with footfall rising by 28 per cent in the first six weeks after 
opening. Our belief that investment in leisure benefits retail has also been proven, with 
retailers already reporting a rise in sales (one recorded taking 30 per cent more than in 
the same period the previous year). A number of new brands are looking to take space 
in the shopping centre as a result – H&M, the retailer most frequently requested by our 
customers, is set to open in 2016. JD Sports and Pandora have upsized their stores. 

And we are not finished yet. We have bought the land adjacent to the development for 
a second phase, and are putting plans in place to refresh the mall. Our aim is to make 
intu Potteries the major shopping and leisure destination for people living between 
Birmingham and Manchester.

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Principal risks and uncertainties

37

Principal risks  
and uncertainties

Fully integrated and thorough risk analysis underpins 
intu’s ability to achieve strategic objectives

intu’s Board has responsibility for 
establishing the Group’s appetite for risk 
based on the balance of potential risks 
and returns, and has overall responsibility 
for identifying and managing risks.  
The Board has undertaken a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing 
the Group, including those that would 

t
c
a
p
m

I

1

5

2

8

3

6

7

9

4

1 
1

 Property market – macro-economic

6  
6

 Financing – availability of funds

Likelihood

2  
2

 Property market – retail environment

7  
7

3  
3

 Operations – health and safety

4
4  

 Operations – cybersecurity

5  
5

 Operations – terrorism

   Developments and  
acquisitions – developments

8
8  

   Developments and  
acquisitions – acquisitions

9  
9

 Brand – integrity of the brand

impact the business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.  
More detail on this process, including  
how it is embedded into intu’s culture,  
is set out in detail in the governance 
section on pages 70 and 71.

We have identified principal risks and 
uncertainties under five key headings: 
property market; financing; operations; 
developments and acquisitions; and 
brand. These are discussed in detail on 
the following pages. A principal risk is one 
which has the potential to significantly 
affect the Group’s strategic objectives, 
financial position or future performance 
and includes both internal and external 
factors. We monitor movements in 
likelihood and severity such that the risks 
are appropriately mitigated in line with 
the Group’s risk appetite.

The risk profile for 2015 has remained 
broadly in line with 2014 with no 
significant new risks identified nor 
substantial changes in existing risks.  
The main changes from 2014 are:

 — we have started work on our 

development pipeline with risk  
around new developments such as  
the intu Watford extension increasing 
as funding is committed

 — we have identified increased risk 

around the brand as intu continues  
to gain momentum with a launch in 
Spain and a higher UK profile

 — an additional sub-category of property 

market risk has been identified, 
highlighting the risk of not reacting to 
changes in the retail environment such 
as changes in customers’ preferences 
in light of the increased importance of 
multichannel retailing

38

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Principal risks and  
uncertainties continued

Risk and impact

Mitigation

2015 commentary

Property market

1 Macro-economic 
Weakness in the macro-economic 
environment could undermine 
rental income levels and property 
values, reducing return on 
investment and covenant headroom

2 Retail environment 
Failure to react to changes in the 
retail environment could undermine 
intu’s ability to attract customers 
and tenants

 — focus on prime assets and upgrading assets
 — covenant headroom monitored and stress-tested 
 — make representation on key policies, for example  

business rates 

 — active management of tenant mix
 — regular monitoring of tenant strength and diversity
 — upgrading assets to meet demand, for example  

increased leisure offering

 — Tell intu customer feedback programme helps identify 

changes in customer preferences

 — work closely with retailers
 — digital strategy that embraces technology and digital 
customer engagement. This enables intu to engage in  
and support multichannel retailing, and to take the 
opportunities offered by ecommerce

Likelihood and severity of potential impact are 
unchanged during 2015 with continued strong  
demand for assets and stable rental levels

 — valuation increases continue to support  

LTV headroom

 — tenant administrations at relatively low levels

Likelihood and severity of potential impact are 
unchanged during 2015 with intu’s strategy continuing 
to deliver strong footfall numbers and occupancy

 — significant progress on planning and pre-letting  
of near-term pipeline with a focus on leisure  
and catering

 — digital investment to improve relevance as  

shopping habits change

 — occupancy remains strong at 96 per cent
 — footfall steady and continues to be ahead  

of benchmark

Strategic objectives affected:

1

2

3

4

Operations

3 Health and safety 
Accidents or system failure leading 
to financial and/or reputational loss

 — strong business process and procedures, supported by 

regular training and exercises

 — annual audits of operational standards carried out  

internally and by external consultants

 — culture of visitor and staff safety
 — crisis management and business continuity plans in place 

and tested

 — retailer liaison and briefings
 — appropriate levels of insurance
 — staff succession planning and development in place  
to ensure continued delivery of world class service

 — health and safety managers or coordinators in all centres

4 Cybersecurity 
Loss of data and information or 
failure of key systems resulting in 
financial and/or reputational loss

 — implemented data and cybersecurity strategies
 — regular testing programme
 — appropriate levels of insurance
 — crisis management and business continuity plans in  

5 Terrorism 
Terrorist incident at an intu  
centre or another major shopping  
centre resulting in loss of consumer 
confidence with consequent impact 
on lettings and rental growth

place and tested
 — data committee
 — monitoring of regulatory environment and best practice

 — strong business process and procedures, supported by 
regular training and exercises, designed to adapt and 
respond to changes in risk levels

 — annual audits of operational standards carried out  

internally and by external consultants

 — culture of visitor and staff safety
 — crisis management and business continuity plans in  

place and tested

 — retailer liaison and briefings
 — appropriate levels of insurance
 — strong relationships and frequent liaison with police, 

NaCTSO and other agencies

Strategic objectives affected:

1

3

Likelihood and severity of potential impact have not 
changed significantly during 2015

 — accredited with OHSAS 18001 certification, 

demonstrating the implementation of consistent 
health and safety management process and 
procedures across the portfolio

 — work continuing towards achieving ISO 9001,  

14001 and 55001 accreditation

 — continued to deliver improvements in systems and 
processes, including investment in new facilities 
management and contractor tracking systems
 — all individual intu centres and intu Retail Services 

awarded Investors in People accreditation

Likelihood and severity of potential impact have not 
changed significantly during 2015

 — ongoing Group-wide cybersecurity project 

with focus on proactive monitoring of technical 
infrastructure to mitigate cyber threats

Overall likelihood and severity of potential impact  
have increased due to external factors

 — national threat level remains at Severe following  

the incidents in Paris in November

 — all intu centres have reviewed their plans in 

preparation should the national threat level move 
to Critical

 — new operating procedures issued to allow for  
the introduction of further security measures  
if required

  
  
  
  
  
intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Principal risks and uncertainties

39

Key to strategic objectives

Change in level of risk

1   Optimise asset performance

2   UK development momentum

3   Make the brand count

4   Seize the growth opportunity in Spain

 Increased

 Decreased

 Remained the same

Risk and impact

Mitigation

2015 commentary

Financing

6 Availability of funds 
Reduced availability of funds could 
limit liquidity, leading to restriction 
of investing and operating activities 
and/or increase in funding cost

 — funding strategy regularly reported to the Board with 

current and projected funding position

 — effective treasury management aimed at balancing  

long debt maturity profile and diversification of sources  
of finance

 — consideration of financing plans including potential for 

recycling of capital before commitment to transactions  
and developments

 — strong relationships with lenders, shareholders and partners

Likelihood and severity of potential impact are 
unchanged during 2015 with regular refinancing  
activity undertaken continuing to evidence the 
availability of funding

 — extension of £351.8 million SGS term loan at  

a significantly reduced margin

 — secured €225 million of debt on acquisition  

of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza

 — extension of joint venture relationship with  

CPPIB in Spain

Strategic objectives affected:

2

4

Developments and acquisitions

7 Developments 
Developments fail to create 
shareholder value

 — Capital Projects Committee reviews detailed appraisals 
before and monitors progress during significant projects

 — fixed price construction contracts for developments  

agreed with clear apportionment of risk

 — significant levels of pre-lets exchanged prior to  

scheme development

8 Acquisitions 
Acquisitions fail to create 
shareholder value

 — research and third party due diligence undertaken  
for transactions including local specialists in Spain
 — local partner in Spain with market specialist knowledge
 — investment risk reduced through financing and joint  

venture investments

Strategic objectives affected:

2

4

Brand

9 Integrity of the brand 
The integrity of the brand is 
damaged leading to financial and/or 
reputational loss

 — intellectual property protection
 — strong guidelines for use of brand
 — strong underlying operational controls and crisis 

management procedures

 — ongoing training programme and reward and recognition 
schemes designed to embed brand values and culture 
throughout the organisation

 — traditional and digital media monitoring and analysis
 — Tell intu and shopper view customer feedback programmes

Strategic objectives affected:

1

2

3

4

Likelihood and severity of potential impact have 
increased during 2015 as the Group has started work  
on its development pipeline

 — demolition of the old Charter Place precinct in 
December paving the way for the extension of  
intu Watford

 — detailed appraisal work and significant pre-lets  
ahead of starting major development projects 
 — exercise of the option to acquire land in Málaga 

completed in May

 — new Spanish management structure implemented 
to enhance delivery of strategic goals including 
development pipeline

Likelihood and severity of potential impact have 
remained unchanged in 2015 

 — substantial property and financial due diligence 

undertaken before acquisition of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza

 — acquisitions from Westfield in 2014 proven to be 
successful with investment property valuations  
up 11 per cent post acquisition

Likelihood and severity of potential impact have 
increased during 2015 as the brand has continued  
to gain momentum with a launch in Spain and a  
higher UK profile

 — introduced intu brand in Spain through intu Asturias 
with key mitigating controls being implemented
 — increased media interest in intu and our opinions
 — increase in nationally promoted campaigns
 — net promoter score has increased from  

60 to 74 during 2015

  
  
  
  
  
40

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

UK investment market 
Investment demand remains strong for 
prime regional shopping centres. Global 
institutions perceive this asset class as 
having reliable growth characteristics and 
are prepared to invest beyond London  
and the south east. 

Shopping centre development remains  
at low levels with the majority of  
activity focused on extensions and 
reconfigurations. The combination of 
strong investor demand, limited supply  
and the improving underlying economy has 
seen continued strengthening in valuations.

Operating review

Our operating review analyses how we have performed  
in the year and sets out our strategy

Optimising asset 
performance

We focus on creating vibrant 
environments where shoppers want  
to be and retailers need to be. This 
increases the value of our centres and 
provides strong, stable income streams 
and positive operating metrics. These 
elements ensure we deliver attractive 
long-term total property returns.

Valuation
The valuation gain on our investment 
property, including the Group’s share  
of joint ventures, was £350.7 million, up  
4.0 per cent like-for-like in the year. This 
was significantly ahead of the IPD monthly 
retail index which reported a 2.8 per cent 
increase, a sixth consecutive year of 
outperformance.

The weighted average nominal equivalent 
yield at 31 December 2015 was 5.14 per 
cent, a reduction of 18 basis points in  
the year, reflecting our ongoing asset 
management initiatives and favourable 
investment market conditions. Based on 
the gross portfolio value, the net initial 
yield ‘topped-up’ for the expiry of  
rent-free periods was 4.52 per cent.

On a like-for-like basis, ERV increased by 
1.5 per cent in the year, outperforming  
the IPD index which indicated a 0.7 per 
cent increase.

There were three main drivers of the 
increase in property values across the 
portfolio in 2015:

 — strong new lettings demonstrate 

improvement in the occupier market 
with rental values increasing across 
most of our centres

 — investment in improvements and 

reconfigurations at centres have driven 
above-average increases in rental 
values. In particular this can be seen 
at intu Eldon Square, intu Victoria 
Centre and intu Potteries where our 
investment programme has not only 
added new rental income but also in 
each case proved highly beneficial  
in attracting new tenants to the 
existing centre

 —  enhancements to the overall  

market positioning of centres through 
developments and improved tenant 
mix along with continued investor 
demand for top destination centres 
has led to the 18 basis point  
yield compression

Group1 revaluation surplus (like-for-like)
IPD2 capital growth

Full year
2015
+4.0%
+2.8%

Second half
2015
+2.1%
+1.6%

First half
2015
+1.9%
+1.2%

The table right shows the main 
components of the £350.7 million 
revaluation surplus:

Group1 weighted average nominal equivalent yield

5.14%

5.14%

5.25%

Change in Group nominal equivalent yield
IPD2 equivalent yield shift

-18bp
-23bp

-11bp
-10bp

-7bp
-13bp

Group1 ‘topped-up’ initial yield (EPRA)

4.52%

4.52%

4.55%

Group1 change in like-for-like ERV
IPD2 change in rental value index

1 
2 

Including Group’s share of joint ventures.
IPD monthly index, retail.

+1.5%
+0.7%

+1.0%
+0.6%

+0.6%
+0.1%

 — intu Trafford Centre: new lettings  
have increased rental values and 
provided evidence for future growth
 — intu Lakeside: strengthening of the 

tenant mix and the upgraded dining 
offer has had a favourable impact  
on the attractiveness of this  
centre and demand from tenants
 — St David’s, Cardiff: improved tenant 

mix has seen the centre achieve super 
prime status as it becomes ever more 
established in its market. Rental uplifts 
from new lettings and the first series 
of rent reviews have further driven  
an exceptionally strong performance

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Operating review

41

Occupancy is 96 per cent, an increase  
of 1 per cent on December 2014 due  
to proactive asset management and 
improved tenant demand. The 4 per cent 
vacancy rate outperforms the PMA’s unit 
vacancy measure for ‘big shopping 
centres’ of 10 per cent.

Like-for-like net rental income was up  
1.8 per cent against 2014 due to the 
better rental values from strong retailer 
demand, improved occupancy, fewer 
tenants going into administration and 
development units coming back on 
stream, in particular in the second half  
of the year.

We agreed 261 new long-term leases  
in the year, amounting to £46 million  
new annual rent, at an average of  
10 per cent above previous passing rent 
(like-for-like units) and in line with valuers’ 
assumptions. Significant activity in the 
year includes:

 — continued strong demand from 
catering operators, with 63 new 
lettings across the portfolio. 
Restaurant brands opening at  
multiple centres in the year included 
Byron, YO! Sushi, Thaikhun and 
Barburrito. We also saw new brands 
expanding into shopping centres,  
for example Red Dog Saloon opened 
its first restaurant outside central  
London at intu Lakeside

 — intu Victoria Centre: the benefits of 
the mall refreshment work can now 
be seen through competitive letting 
activity driving Zone A rents from  
£230 per sq ft to £250 per sq ft
 — intu Derby: increased demand for 
space has moved rental values 
forward. In our first 18 months of 
ownership, the value of this centre  
has increased by over 13 per cent
 — intu Eldon Square: the substantial 

programme of investment we have 
undertaken has provided an enhanced 
environment with key new lettings 
improving rental tone and heightened 
tenant demand 

 — intu Braehead: the less buoyant 

 — retailers using intu’s scale to assist 

occupier and investment market in 
Scotland has resulted in a reduction  
in value of the centre 

 — intu Asturias: our proactive asset 

management both in terms of tenant 
mix and developments has seen  
a continuation in the strong growth  
of the centre, a third year of increased 
values and a total increase of  
36 per cent since acquisition 

them in getting national coverage, with 
Kiko and Smiggle signing leases for 10 
units each, taking their UK portfolios 
to 25 and 42 stores respectively 
 — intu Eldon Square where we saw a 

total of 25 new lettings in response to 
the refreshed malls (16 retail lettings) 
and catering redevelopment (nine 
restaurant lettings). Occupancy now 
stands at 99 per cent

Market value

31 December
2015
£m

31 December 
2014
£m

2,305.0
1,334.0
368.6
356.0
447.0
299.7
585.5
89.1
3,817.5

2,200.0
1,255.0
308.0
314.0
420.0
272.6
599.3
82.2
3,512.3

Like-for-like
surplus
%

5
6
21
10
5
8
(3)
13

Surplus 
£m

102.8
73.1
61.4
31.5
23.1
20.3
(15.6)
10.0
44.1

9,602.4

8,963.4

350.7

4

 — intu Lakeside where tenant mix 
improvements and several lease 
renewals resulted in 26 lettings, 
including Kurt Geiger and  
Victoria’s Secret

 — 350 shops opened or refitted in our 
centres in 2015, 11 per cent of our 
3,300 units. Tenants have invested 
approximately £105 million in these 
stores, a significant demonstration  
of their commitment to our centres

We settled 147 rent reviews in the year  
for new rents totalling £38 million, an 
average uplift of 8 per cent on the 
previous rents.

intu Victoria Centre
Valuation growth comes as a result of our 
transformation of the centre

Total property return 

9%(2014: 13%)

Property revaluation surplus 

£351m

(2014: £648m)

intu Trafford Centre
intu Lakeside
St David’s, Cardiff
intu Victoria Centre
intu Derby
intu Eldon Square
intu Braehead
intu Asturias
Other including non like-for-like
Investment and development 
property including Group share  
of joint ventures

42

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Operating review continued

2015 customer metrics

Operating metrics

2hrs 7 mins

estimated dwell time  
(super-regional centres)

400m

annual customer visits

Occupancy
– of which, occupied by tenants trading in administration
Like-for-like change in net rental income

Leasing activity  – number, new rent

– new rent relative to previous passing rent

Footfall
Retailer sales (like-for-like centres)
Rent to estimated sales (exc. anchors and major space users)

2015

96%
1%
+1.8%
261, 
£46m
+10% 
+0.3%
+2.1%
12.5%

2014

95%
1%
-3.2%
210, 
£34m
+5%
+0.1%
+2.5%
12.5%

21m

average customer  
visits per centre

74

net promoter score

£5.6bn

estimated retailer sales

Relative consumer spend
Our insight shows that happier customers  
stay longer and spend more

100

e
r
o
c
s
r
e
t
o
m
o
r
p
t
e
N

90

80

70

60

50

40

<1

1–2

2–4
Dwell time (hours)

4–6

>6

Size of bubble represents spend.

Footfall outperformed the Experian 
measure of UK national retail footfall  
by 170 basis points with our customer-
focused events programme and world 
class customer service delivering the 
outperformance.

reviews and lease expiry. Of the  
£42 million, £8 million relates to reversions 
only realisable on expiry of leases with over  
10 years remaining (for example anchor 
units), leaving £34 million, 7 per cent, from 
other lease expiries and rent reviews.

Estimated retailer sales in our centres 
were up 2.1 per cent in 2015 against the 
same period in 2014, continuing the trend 
we saw in 2014 and in line with the British 
Retail Consortium trends. The ratio of 
rents to estimated sales for standard 
units remained stable in the year at  
12.5 per cent. This ratio has reduced from 
14.6 per cent four years ago but, given the 
current increased market demand and 
low vacancy, we see good prospects of 
the ratio reverting to higher levels from 
growing rents. 

The difference between annual property 
income (see glossary) of £449 million  
and ERV of £531 million represents  
£40 million from vacant units and 
reversion of £42 million from rent  

The weighted average unexpired lease 
term is 7.9 years (31 December 2014:  
7.4 years).

UK development 
momentum

We are advanced in our planning  
for near-term developments  
in the UK, and expect to spend  
£578 million over the next three  
years. These will deliver value-enhancing 
returns which, along with a further  
£1.1 billion of opportunities over  
the next 10 years, provide a robust  
platform for organic growth.

In 2015 we invested £78 million on active 
asset management projects, including:

 — at intu Victoria Centre we completed 
the £42 million project adding new 
restaurants, which opened in time for 
Christmas, remodelled several units  
at the northern end of the scheme  
and fully refurbished the interiors.  
The incremental rent on reconfigured 
units was £2.4 million, with the impact 
of the refurbished malls and improved 
tenant demand increasing Zone A 
rents in other parts of the centre.  
New retailers in the year include  
Kiko, Tiger, Swatch and Smiggle

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Operating review

43

UK occupier market 
The majority of economic indicators show 
improving markets, in particular those  
that impact on retail. We continue to see 
wage growth rising faster than inflation, 
providing the customer with more 
disposable income. The Asda benchmark 
index indicates household income  
7 per cent higher than the previous year.

Consumer confidence continues to rise  
and was strong throughout 2015. The 
proportion of consumers feeling positive 
about their job prospects and willing to 
spend money are both at their highest 
levels for over seven years.

Retail spending, as shown by the  
British Retail Consortium like-for-like 
non-food retail sales, continues to  
show an average growth rate of above  
2 per cent year-on-year.

Retailer administrations in 2015 were at the 
lowest levels since 2007, according to the 
Centre for Retail Research, with USC and 
Bank being the largest. These were the only 
two significant failures in the intu portfolio 
and accounted for just over 1 per cent of 
our rent roll. Since the year end, Blue Inc. 
has put some of its units into administration 
(around 0.1 per cent of intu’s rent roll),  
but the majority continue to trade.

Funding 
We will fund our near-term pipeline from 
cash and available facilities and from 
recycling capital to deliver superior returns. 
On a pro forma basis, including the £202 
million realised from the disposal of our 
investment in Equity One in January 2016, 
cash and available facilities would have 
been £790 million. Further recycling 
potential lies in the introduction of  
partners into some of our centres.

In addition, to fund the future opportunities 
we expect to raise finance on near-term 
projects as they complete.

Change in like-for-like net rental income (%)

10

8

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

+1.8

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

We have progressed the next wave of 
major extensions and redevelopments 
and expect to invest an estimated  
£348 million:

 — at intu Watford we have commenced 
site clearance for the £178 million 
extension. Pre-lets stand at over  
50 per cent with Cineworld and 
Debenhams anchoring the leisure-led 
extension. This project is expected  
to deliver a return on costs of  
6-7 per cent, including 1-2 per cent  
generated through the existing centre

 — we are finalising pre-lets before 
commencing the £75 million  
(intu share) redevelopment of  
intu Broadmarsh and £95 million 
leisure extension at intu Lakeside

 — at intu Potteries we opened the £19 

million fully-let leisure extension. The 
stand-alone project added £1.2 million 
of new rent and we are already seeing 
increased demand in the centre with 
H&M signing a lease to open its first 
store in the city and JD Sports and 
Pandora upsizing their existing units

Near-term pipeline
Our UK development pipeline over the 
next three years amounts to £578 million. 

We have £230 million of active  
asset management projects either  
committed or planned:

 — committed capital expenditure of  

£45 million includes intu Metrocentre, 
intu Bromley and intu Eldon Square 
where we are nearing completion of 
three catering developments adding 
36 new restaurants and costing 
around £30 million in total (intu share). 
We anticipate that all three schemes 
will open fully let by summer 2016 and 
deliver returns, on average, of around 
8 per cent

 — we have £185 million of active asset 
management projects with every 
centre having proposed projects, 
including right sizing tenants at intu 
Merry Hill and a catering development 
at Manchester Arndale

intu Potteries
Increased leisure opportunities are leading  
to rising retailer demand

44

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Operating review continued

Future opportunities
Beyond 2018, we have a £1.1 billion 
pipeline of opportunities across several 
centres with major extensions planned  
at intu Lakeside, intu Victoria Centre, 
Cribbs Causeway and intu Braehead,  
and an upgrade and remodelling of intu 
Milton Keynes. The first two projects  
have planning approvals and we are  
in the planning process on the latter 
three. We will bring these projects 
forward in line with tenant demand.

For active asset management projects  
we expect to generate a stabilised initial 
yield of 6 to 10 per cent and around  
7 per cent on major projects. Where  
no significant additional space is  
created we assess project returns  
in the context of an internal rate  
of return based on the anticipated  
impact on overall centre performance.

For more information see our growth 
story on pages 10 and 11.

Making the brand count

Over the last three years we have 
created a national brand that our 
shoppers and retailers know and 
understand. By combining our  
scale, expertise and insight to create 
compelling experiences we are  
seeing the benefit of the brand  
grow year-on-year.

Digital connectivity
Wifi registrations at our centres have 
continued to grow steadily to over  
2.5 million individuals. We are still seeing 
approximately 60 per cent of registrants 
opt in to marketing communications and 
offers which, along with sign ups through 
other channels, has increased our active 
marketing database to over two million 
individuals. Our targeted marketing 
campaigns are achieving well above  
the industry standards for email 
performance, including open and 
click-through rates. 

Traffic to intu.co.uk continues to grow 
with over 24 million website visits in  
the last 12 months, an increase of over  
30 per cent on the previous year. We  
now have more than 350 affiliate retailers 

trading on our transactional website, 
giving customers access to the majority  
of our retailers online and in centre and  
our retailers an additional sales channel. 

The power of our digital offering is 
producing increased sales through  
intu.co.uk and demand from retailers  
for email marketing campaigns using  
the intu platform. 

In September 2015 we previewed our  
new app before its national launch in early 
2016. The app provides in centre blue dot 
Apple wayfinding, personalised special 
offers and centre information in one 
easy-to-use service. It was developed  
by our in-house digital innovation team, 
working with Apple to map all intu 
centres, and takes advantage of our  
own high-quality wifi infrastructure which 
allows accurate location-based services.

Events with a difference
Our national events programme gives 
customers reasons to come more often 
and stay longer which in turn provides 
retailers with enhanced footfall and sales 
opportunities. In early summer, our third 
annual ‘Everyone’s Invited’ festival, 
focusing heavily on the family audience, 
showed net promoter scores increasing 
by around 25 per cent for the weekend. 
The start of the new university year saw 
128,000 students, an increase of over  
20 per cent on the 2014 event, attending 
the student nights at 16 of our centres.

intu Experiences, our in-house team 
which delivers immersive brand 
partnerships, mall commercialisation  
and advertising, generated net income 
exceeding £15 million in 2015, around 4 
per cent of our rent roll. A greater share  
of this revenue is now from media and 
promotional activity rather than the 
traditional mall kiosks thereby enhancing 
the customer experience.

intu on television
The first nationwide shopping centre TV 
campaign, for Christmas 2015, had over  
three million views on social media

Industry recognition

 — BSCS Opal Awards 2015 for 
commercialisation – three  
awards including the highest honour, 
an Aurora Award, for our partnership 
with Ratchet Clothing, providing a 
multichannel environment suited to  
the young retailer’s brand ethos, 
including a pop-up at intu Lakeside  
and an online boutique on intu.co.uk

 — BSCS Purple Apple Marketing 

Awards 2015 – eight awards including 
the Golden Apple Award for intu 
Metrocentre’s launch of ‘The Heart  
of a Thousand Crystals’ chandelier
 — Sceptre Awards 2015, recognising best 
practice and best people – six awards 
including the highest honour, the Grand 
Prix, awarded for best overall owner/
managing agent

 — Transform Awards Europe 2015 – three 
gold awards recognising the impact of 
our rebrand on our business, including 
best visual identity in the retail sector 
and best overall visual identity

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Operating review

45

We also exercised the option for the 
prime development site for a shopping 
resort near Málaga, now referred to as 
intu Costa del Sol. The total cost to date 
of the land and predevelopment 
expenditure is €60 million.

Operational performance
Our two centres, intu Asturias and Puerto 
Venecia, Zaragoza, are benefiting from 
our active asset management approach 
and the improving Spanish economy, with 
footfall and retailer sales up by 3 per cent 
and 10 per cent respectively.

Occupancy is 100 per cent at  
intu Asturias and 95 per cent at  
Puerto Venecia. 

We agreed 22 new long-term lettings  
in the year, amounting to €2 million  
new annual rent, at an average of  
12 per cent above previous passing rent 
(like-for-like units) and in line with valuers’ 
assumptions. New names to our Spanish 
centres included Adidas, Levi’s, Fnac  
and Décimas.

intu’s 50 per cent share of Puerto  
Venecia was valued at €225 million  
at 31 December 2015, in line with the 
acquisition price. intu’s share of intu 
Asturias increased by €14 million (13 per 
cent) in the year to €121 million, an 
increase of 36 per cent since acquisition.

Development pipeline
Our development pipeline in Spain 
consists of the intu Costa del Sol project 
on the site we acquired in 2015 near 
Málaga and three future development 
opportunities – we have options on sites 
in Valencia, Vigo and Palma. 

Our plan for intu Costa del Sol is a 
175,000 sq m shopping resort positioned 
on the main Costa del Sol highway with 
access to a catchment of around three 
million residents and 10 million tourists 
annually. Discussions are progressing well 
with the key retail and leisure anchors 
who have shown strong interest in  
the development.

We continue to develop plans at the three 
other sites, with the next development, 
likely to be intu Valencia, following on 
from intu Costa del Sol. 

intu Asturias
The rebranding and mall refresh have been 
well-received, with increased sales and footfall

Spanish market
The Spanish economy continues to recover 
with improving labour market conditions, 
customer confidence at the highest level 
since 2000, increasing retailer sales and 
GDP growth.

Occupiers, in particular major fashion 
retailers, are looking to consolidate their 
positions in the best locations as the 
economy improves. Coupled with new 
international entrants this is driving strong 
leasing activity in prime locations.

The investment market remains vibrant 
with intense competition from international 
buyers and large SOCIMIs (Spanish 
equivalent of a REIT) for the best assets.

Puerto Venecia
The country’s leading retail resort is the model 
for intu’s future developments in Spain

With over half of the UK’s population 
visiting an intu centre at some point 
through the year in person or online,  
we are increasingly working with global 
brands on a national basis to provide  
high-quality promotional events, both 
physically and digitally, to our customers. 
We partnered with MasterCard to deliver 
a multichannel campaign for the Rugby 
World Cup 2015 and, following the 
success of the launch of their film Home 
at intu centres, 20th Century Fox again 
teamed up with us to promote the  
new Snoopy film over the autumn  
half term holiday.

World class service
The Tell intu measure of net promoter 
score continues to improve as we 
constantly aim to enhance the customer 
experience in our centres. Net promoter 
score for 2015, where we have like-for-like 
figures, is running at over 20 per cent 
higher than the same period in 2014. 

Seizing the growth 
opportunity in Spain

Our Spanish strategy is to create a 
business of scale through the acquisitions 
to date and our pipeline of development 
projects. Concentrating on the top-10 key 
catchments, we aim to establish a market- 
leading position in the country through 
ownership and management of prime 
shopping resorts. We have consolidated 
this position in 2015.

Acquisitions
In January 2015 we completed the  
€451 million acquisition of Puerto  
Venecia shopping resort in Zaragoza.  
In September 2015 we introduced CPPIB 
as our 50 per cent joint venture partner, 
extending our partnership, which  
started with the purchase of intu  
Asturias, to cover two of Spain’s  
top-10 shopping centres.

46

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial review

Recent acquisitions, positive like-for-like net rental 
income and continued increases in asset values have 
resulted in increases to both underlying earnings and 
NAV per share 

Financing metrics remain strong due to 
property valuation increases and recent 
refinancing activity:

 — debt to assets ratio at 43.1 per cent  
(31 December 2014: 44.2 per cent), 
below the Group’s target maximum 
level of 50 per cent; debt to assets 
ratio pro forma for the sale of the 
Group’s interest in Equity One shares  
in January 2016 of 41.0 per cent
 — interest cover ratio of 1.91x (31 

December 2014: 1.82x), above the 
Group’s target minimum level of 1.60x

 — cash and available facilities of 

£588.4 million (31 December 2014: 
£670.8 million) remains high but 
has reduced due to acquisitions and 
capital expenditure in the year; cash 
and available facilities pro forma for 
the sale of our interest in Equity One 
shares of £790.3 million

Major transactions:

 — in January the Group completed 

the acquisition of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza for €450.8 million. The 
acquired debt was refinanced on 
acquisition with €225.0 million of  
debt raised. In September the  
Group introduced CPPIB as a  
50 per cent joint venture partner
 — in June the Group renegotiated the 
£351.8 million term loan within the 
Secured Group Structure (SGS), 
extending this by two years to  
March 2020 and reducing the  
interest rate margin by 1.5 per cent
 — in September the Group agreed a  

one year extension to the £600 million 
revolving credit facility (RCF) which  
is now in place until 2020

 — in December the Group agreed a 

new facility of £95.8 million for intu 
Bromley, drawn down in January 2016, 
replacing the existing facility

Presentation of information
The Group accounts for its interests in  
joint ventures using the equity method as 
required by IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements 
which applied for the first time in the 2014 
consolidated financial statements. This 
means that the income statement and  
the balance sheet include single lines  
for the Group’s total share of post-tax  
profit and the net investment in joint 
ventures respectively.

Management both review and monitor  
the business, including the Group’s share  
of joint ventures, on an individual line  
basis rather than a post-tax profit or net 
investment basis and therefore the figures 
and commentary presented are consistent 
with this management approach. The other 
information section gives reconciliations 
between the two bases on pages  
164 to 166.

Overview

Recent acquisitions, positive like-for-like 
net rental income and continued 
increases in asset values have resulted in 
increases to both underlying earnings and 
NAV per share:

 — underlying earnings of £186.6 million, 
up 15 per cent on 2014, reflecting 
the acquisition of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza in January 2015 and a full 
year’s impact from the acquisitions 
and disposals in the first half of 2014

 — underlying earnings per share of  
14.2 pence, up 7 per cent on 2014
 — NAV per share of 404 pence; total 
financial return for the year of  
10 per cent

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Financial review

47

Results for the year

Income statement
The Group recorded a profit for the year 
of £517.6 million, a reduction on the 
£599.8 million reported for the year 
ended 31 December 2014. This was 
primarily due to a lower gain on property 
valuations of £350.7 million including  
the Group’s share of joint ventures  
(2014: £648.2 million), offset by:

 — a positive movement in the fair value 
of the Group’s financial instruments. 
2015 includes a credit of £5.3 million 
(2014: charge of £157.0 million)
 — lower exceptional finance costs of 
£31.4 million (2014: £50.7 million) 
largely due to the lower level of 
interest rate swap terminations in 
connection with debt refinancing
 — lower exceptional administration costs 
of £1.5 million (2014: £13.9 million). 
2014 included costs in relation to  
the acquisition of intu Merry Hill,  
intu Derby and Sprucefield

The Group’s investments in joint ventures 
contributed £108.6 million to the profit of 
the Group in 2015 (2014: £99.7 million) 
including £24.7 million of underlying 
earnings (2014: £18.6 million) and a gain 
on property valuations of £85.8 million 
(2014: £80.4 million).

Profit for the year (£m)
Underlying earnings (£m)
Underlying EPS (pence)
Net rental income1 (£m)

1 

Including Group share of joint ventures.

Underlying earnings increased by £24.9 
million to £186.6 million with underlying 
earnings per share increasing by 7 per 
cent to 14.2 pence. Underlying amounts 
exclude valuation movements, 
exceptional items and related tax and are 
presented as they are considered to be a 
key measure of the Group’s performance 
and an indication of the extent to which 
dividend payments are supported by 
underlying operations. The underlying 
profit statement is presented in full in the 
other information section on page 167. 

The principal components of the change 
in underlying earnings are as follows: 

 —  net rental income increase of  

£25.1 million due to the acquisition  
of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza in  
2015, a full year’s impact from  
2014 acquisitions and disposals  
and property held for development

 — like-for-like net rental income 
increased by £6.1 million,  
1.8 per cent (see operating review)
 — underlying net finance costs increased 

by £7.1 million reflecting the full 
impact of funding 2014 acquisitions 
and the acquisition of Puerto  
Venecia, Zaragoza in 2015. These  
are partially offset by the favourable 
impact of lower interest rates  
following debt refinancings

 —  ongoing administration expenses 
increased by £6.9 million, largely 
due to the costs of managing 
recently acquired properties and 
the administration of the Spanish 
properties and developments

Underlying  
earnings increased 
by £24.9 million  
to £186.6 million

Gross rental income
Head rent payable

Net service charge expense and void rates
Bad debt and lease incentive write-offs
Property operating expense
Net rental income
Net rental income margin
EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)

Year ended
 31 December
2015

Year ended 
31 December
2014

517.6
186.6
14.2
427.8

599.8
161.7
13.3
396.6

 —  other includes a saving of £2.9 million 
following the conversion of the 3.75 
per cent convertible bonds in July 2014

Underlying earnings bridge (£m)

200 161.7

25.1

6.1

-7.1

-6.9

7.7

186.6

150

100

50

0

r
e
h
t
O

5
1
0
2

s
t
s
o
c
e
c
n
a
n
fi
t
e
N

s
t
s
o
c
n
o
i
t
a
r
t
s
i
n
m
d
A

i

4
1
0
2

s
t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
e
d
/
s
l
a
s
o
p
s
i
d
/

s
n
o
i
t
i
s
i
u
q
c
a
–
e
m
o
c
n

i

l
a
t
n
e
r
t
e
N

e
k
i
l
-
r
o
f
-
e
k
i
l
–
e
m
o
c
n

i

l
a
t
n
e
r

t
e
N

As detailed in the table below, the Group’s 
net rental income margin including share 
of joint ventures is in line with 2014 at  
87.0 per cent. Property operating expenses 
largely comprise car park operating costs 
and the Group’s contribution to shopping 
centre marketing programmes. The 
Group’s ratio of total costs to income,  
as calculated in accordance with EPRA 
guidelines, remains low at 16.0 per cent.

Year ended
31 December
2015
£m

Year ended
31 December
2014
£m

514.0
(22.4)
491.6
(23.7)
(6.2)
(33.9)
427.8
87.0%
16.0%

480.4
(23.4)
457.0
(21.2)
(7.2)
(32.0)
396.6
86.8%
15.5%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial review continued

Balance sheet
The Group’s net assets attributable  
to shareholders have increased by  
£452.4 million to £4,976.4 million at  
31 December 2015 reflecting the  
retained profit for the year. 

a shopping centre developer listed on  
the Indian stock market, and a direct 
interest in Empire (£18.3 million), owner 
and operator of a shopping centre in 
Aurangabad. See notes 24 and 25 for 
further details. 

As detailed in the table, net assets 
(diluted, adjusted) have increased by 
£442.3 million from 31 December 2014  
to £5,411.2 million at 31 December 2015.

Investment and development property 
has increased by £634.9 million primarily 
due to the £350.7 million valuation gain  
in the year, capital expenditure of over 
£120 million (including the exercise of  
the option over land in Málaga) and the 
acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza, 
with intu’s 50 per cent holding valued at 
£166.1 million at 31 December 2015. 

Investments of £265.0 million principally 
comprise the Group’s interests in the  
US and India. The US investment of  
11.4 million shares in a US venture 
controlled by Equity One, a listed US REIT, 
is valued at £209.4 million based on the 
31 December 2015 Equity One share 
price. The Group subsequently sold this 
investment on 19 January 2016 for 
proceeds of £201.9 million. The India 
investment largely comprises a 32 per 
cent interest in Prozone (£36.4 million),  

Group
balance sheet
as presented
£m

8,403.9
991.9
265.0
(4,023.8)
(338.5)
(243.6)
5,054.9
(78.5)
4,976.4
322.1
96.5
16.2
5,411.2

2015

2014

Group 
including
share of joint
ventures
£m

Group 
including
share of joint
ventures
£m

9,523.7
–
265.0
(4,139.1)
(340.5)
(254.2)
5,054.9
(78.5)
4,976.4
322.1
96.5
16.2
5,411.2

8,888.8
–
227.7
(3,963.4)
(347.2)
(209.1)
4,596.8
(72.8)
4,524.0
333.6
89.1
22.2
4,968.9

Share of
joint
ventures
£m

1,119.8
(991.9)
–
(115.3)
(2.0)
(10.6)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Net external debt is discussed in the cash 
flow and net external debt section below. 

Derivative financial instruments comprise 
the fair value of the Group’s interest rate 
swaps. The net liability at 31 December 
2015 is £340.5 million, a reduction of  
£6.7 million in the year. Cash payments  
in the year totalled £44.1 million,  
£26.5 million of which has been classified 
as an exceptional finance cost as it relates 
to payments in respect of unallocated 
swaps. The balance of the payments  
has been included as underlying finance 
costs as it relates to ongoing interest  
rate swaps used to hedge debt.

As previously detailed, the Group has a 
number of interest rate swaps, entered 
into some years ago, which are unallocated 
due to a change in lenders’ practice. At  
31 December 2015 these swaps have a 
market value liability of £239.1 million  
(31 December 2014: £242.5 million). It is 
estimated the Group will be required to 
make cash payments on these swaps of 
around £24 million in 2016.

The Group’s investment in joint  
ventures, on an equity accounted basis,  
is £991.9 million as at 31 December 2015  
(2014: £851.5 million). The movement in 
the year reflects increases from the net 
investment in Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 
of £86.1 million and intu’s share of 
property valuation gains of £85.8 million. 
At 31 December 2015 the investment  
in joint ventures reflects investment 
property of £1,119.8 million (2014:  
£869.2 million) and net debt of  
£115.3 million (2014: £5.5 million). 

The non-controlling interest at 31 
December 2015 relates to our partner’s 
40 per cent stake in intu Metrocentre.

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange 
movements on its overseas investments. 
The Group’s policy is to ensure that the 
net exposure to foreign currency is less 

National scale
Smiggle is using intu’s scale to get national 
coverage, signing leases for 10 units in 2015, 
which takes its UK portfolio to 42 stores 

Investment and development property
Investment in joint ventures
Investment in associates and other investments
Net external debt
Derivative financial instruments
Other assets and liabilities
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Attributable to shareholders
Fair value of derivatives (net of tax)
Other adjustments
Effect of dilution
Net assets (diluted, adjusted)

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Financial review

49

than 10 per cent of the Group’s net assets 
attributable to shareholders. At 31 
December 2015 the exposure was 8 per 
cent, higher than the 6 per cent at 31 
December 2014 due to the Group’s 
acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza in 
January and the exercise of the Málaga 
option in May. This exposure reduces to 
less than 4 per cent pro forma for the sale 
of our interest in Equity One shares in 
January 2016.

Adjusted net assets per share
As illustrated in the chart below, diluted, 
adjusted net assets per share have 
increased from 379 pence per share at 31 
December 2014 to 404 pence per share at 
31 December 2015. The increase was 
driven by the property valuation gain of 
26 pence per share.

Improving retail mix
Active asset management is bringing new 
brands to Puerto Venecia such as Fnac

Adjusted net asset value per share bridge 
(pence)
450 379

-14

14

26

-2

1

404

Cash flow and net external debt
During 2015 the Group generated  
an increase in cash of £61.1 million.  
Cash flow from operating activities of 
£160.2 million is £103.7 million higher 
than 2014, primarily due to the lower  
level of exceptional swap termination 
costs compared to 2014 and working 
capital movements.

Cash flows from investing activities 
reflect the cash outflow for the 
acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza  
of £203.1 million and an inflow of  
£81.0 million from the subsequent sale  
of a 50 per cent interest to CPPIB net of 
new debt issued. Capital expenditure of  
£100.8 million was incurred in the year. 
2014 reflected a cash outflow on the 
acquisition of intu Merry Hill, intu Derby 
and Sprucefield of £851.3 million and an 
inflow from the disposal of 80 per cent  
of intu Uxbridge of £174.1 million.

Cash flows from financing activities 
include net debt drawdowns of  
£138.9 million primarily to fund the 
acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza. 
Dividends paid in cash during the year 
were £104.9 million. 2014 included an 
inflow of £492.0 million from the  
rights issue undertaken to part-fund 
acquisitions and net borrowings raised 
of £314.3 million.

Net external debt (including Group  
share of joint ventures) has increased  
by £175.7 million. Cash has increased  
by £41.3 million. Debt has increased  
by £217.0 million reflecting the key  
cash flows above. 

5
1
0
2
c
e
D
1
3

i

d
a
p
d
n
e
d
v
D

i

i

300

150

0

4
1
0
2
c
e
D
1
3

n
o
i
t
a
u
l
a
v
e
r
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
P

i

s
g
n
n
r
a
e
g
n
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

i

s
t
s
o
c
l
a
n
o
i
t
p
e
c
x
E

s
t
n
e
m

t
s
e
v
n

i

f
o
n
o
i
t
a
u

l
a
V

Group cash flow as reported
Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Foreign currency movements
Net increase in Group cash and cash equivalents
Net external debt (including Group share of joint ventures)
Cash (including Group share of joint ventures)
Debt (including Group share of joint ventures)
Net external debt (including Group share of joint ventures)

2015
£m

160.2
(175.0)
76.2
(0.3)
61.1

2014
£m

56.5
(719.1)
724.1
(0.1)
61.4

301.4
(4,440.5)
(4,139.1)

260.1
(4,223.5)
(3,963.4)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial review continued

Financing 

Debt maturity (£m)

Debt structure 
As a result of the significant refinancing 
activity in recent years, the Group has 
diversified its sources of funding. We  
now have a range of debt instruments 
including CMBS and other secured bonds 
plus syndicated bank debt secured on 
individual or pools of assets, with limited 
or non-recourse from the borrowing 
entities to other Group companies 
outside of these arrangements. 
Corporate-level debt remains limited  
to the revolving credit facility and  
the £300 million convertible bond.

During 2015 the main financing  
activities undertaken included: 

 — in January, €225.0 million of new  
debt was secured against Puerto 
Venecia, Zaragoza, refinancing  
the acquired debt

 — in June the Group renegotiated 

its £351.8 million Secured Group 
Structure term loan, extending  
the maturity by two years to March  
2020 and reducing the margin  
by 150 basis points

 — in September the Group agreed  
a one year extension to the RCF  
which is now in place until 2020

 — in December a new five year  

£130.0 million facility was secured 
against intu Uxbridge; intu’s share  
is £26.0 million

 — in December the Group agreed  

a new facility of £95.8 million for  
intu Bromley, drawn down in January 
2016, replacing the existing facility 
which was due in April 2016

The debt to assets 
ratio has reduced to 
43.1 per cent

1,000

24.3* 364.1** 418.9* 164.3 793.2

153.5

32.4

958.3 114.9 724.8 499.5 166.3

800

600

400

200

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2024-
2029

2030-
2034

2035+

*  Reflects the re-financing of intu Bromley agreed in December 2015 but not actioned until January 2016.
**   2017 includes £191 million relating to intu Merry Hill which has an initial maturity of 20 September 2016 extendable   
at intu’s option to 20 September 2017. It is anticipated that this option will be exercised at the earliest opportunity.

The chart above illustrates that there is 
no major refinancing requirement due 
until 2017. 

The table below summarises the Group’s 
main debt measures, all including the 
Group’s share of joint ventures. 

The debt to assets ratio has reduced to 
43.1 per cent with the increase in property 
valuations offsetting the increase in  
net external debt resulting from the 
acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 
and capital expenditure in the year. The 
debt to assets ratio is well below the 
Group’s target maximum level of 50 per 
cent. Pro forma for the sale of the Group’s 
interest in Equity One shares in January 
2016 the debt to assets ratio would 
reduce to 41.0 per cent.

Interest cover of 1.91x has increased 
reflecting the impact of recent 
acquisitions and lower interest rates 
following recent debt refinancing and 
remains above the Group’s targeted 
minimum level of 1.60x. 

The weighted average debt maturity  
has reduced to 7.8 years and includes  
the benefit from the extension of the  
SGS term loan.

The weighted average cost of gross debt 
has reduced to 4.6 per cent (excluding  
the revolving credit facility) reflecting  
the lower rates achieved on recent 
refinancing activity.

The Group uses interest rate swaps to  
fix interest obligations, reducing cash flow 
volatility caused by changes in interest 
rates. The proportion of debt with interest 
rate protection has reduced slightly in the 
year to 86 per cent within the Group’s 
policy range of between 75 per cent and 
100 per cent. The reduction is due to the 
higher level of borrowing against the 
Group’s revolving credit facility.

Cash and available facilities have reduced 
to £588.4 million at 31 December 2015. 
This comprises cash of £301.4 million  
in addition to undrawn facilities of 
£287.0 million.

Debt to assets
Interest cover 
Weighted average debt maturity
Weighted average cost of gross debt
Proportion of gross debt with interest rate protection
Cash and available facilities

31 December
2015
43.1%
1.91x
7.8 years
4.6%
86%
£588.4m

31 December
2014
44.2%
1.82x
8.4 years
4.7%
88%
£670.8m

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Financial review

51

intu Trafford Centre
The lasting appeal of the Orient

Covenants
Full details of the debt financial 
covenants are included in the financial 
covenants section of this report on  
pages 162 and 163. The Group is in 
compliance with all of its covenants.

Capital commitments
The Group has an aggregate cash 
commitment to capital projects of  
£65.2 million at 31 December 2015 
including the Group’s share of  
joint ventures. 

In addition to the committed expenditure, 
the Group has an identified uncommitted 
pipeline of active management projects, 
major extensions and developments that 
may become committed over the next 
three years (see operating review on  
page 43). 

Other information

Tax policy position 
Like all Real Estate Investment Trusts 
(REITs), tax on property operating profits 
is paid at shareholder level to the UK 
government rather than by intu itself. 
REIT status brings with it the requirement 
to operate within the rules of the REIT 
regime (for further information see 
glossary on pages 173 and 174).

As a good corporate citizen we believe 
that paying and collecting taxes is an 
important part of our role as a business 
and our wider contribution to society.  
We are committed to acting with integrity 
and transparency in all tax matters and 
have an open, up-front, and no surprises 
policy in dealing with HMRC, and as a 
result look to minimise the risk that 
anything that we do could be considered 
to be tax avoidance. In particular, the 
Group carries out regular risk reviews, 
seeks pre-clearance from HMRC in 
complex areas and actively engages in 
discussions on potential or proposed 
changes in the taxation system that 
might affect the Group.

The Group pays tax directly on overseas 
earnings, any UK non-property income 
under the REIT rules, business rates, and 
transaction taxes such as stamp duty 
land tax. In the year ended 31 December 
2015 the total of such payments to tax 
authorities was £23 million, of which  
£19 million was in the UK, £0.5 million  
in the US and £3.5 million in Spain. In 
addition, the Group also collects VAT, 
employment taxes and withholding tax 
on dividends for HMRC and the Spanish 
tax authorities. Business rates, principally 
paid by tenants, in respect of the Group’s 
UK properties amounted to around  
£297 million in 2015 (2014: £297 million).

Dividends
The Directors are recommending a final 
dividend of 9.1 pence per share bringing 
the amount paid and payable in respect 
of 2015 to 13.7 pence, unchanged from 
2014. A scrip dividend alternative may  
be offered. Details of the apportionment 
between the PID and non-PID elements 
per share will be confirmed in due course.

As at 31 December 2015 the Company 
has distributable reserves in excess of 
£1.3 billion, sufficient to cover around 
seven years of dividends at the 2015  
level. The Company typically pays 
dividends which are covered by the 
current year earnings of the Group and 
does not anticipate that the Group’s  
level of distributable reserves will create 
any restrictions on this approach in the 
foreseeable future.

Matthew Roberts
Chief Financial Officer
26 February 2016

52

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Better together

intu properties plc   
Corporate Responsibility Report 2015

For more detail please see  
our corporate responsibility report

£1.8mcash equivalent of total donations
£3.1mtotal energy savings since 2011

Customers engaged in surveys 

28,000

(2014: 26,500)

Employee engagement score 

769(2014: 747)

Net promoter score 

74 

(2014: 60)

Corporate responsibility

We are committed to supporting our local communities, 
delivering economic growth and operating with 
environmental responsibility

Why corporate responsibility matters 
As a national and growing international 
brand, how people perceive us today and 
in the future is essential to our long-term 
success. This success benefits our local 
communities, the people who work  
at our centres, our tenants and our 
shareholders. A responsible approach  
to our corporate behaviour is intrinsically 
linked to our day-to-day activities and 
longer-term focus. Senior level buy-in  
and employee engagement are key to  
our continued corporate responsibility 
(CR) activities; we believe it’s the only  
way to do business.

Genuine and visible CR has never been 
more important than now as businesses 
operate increasingly in the public eye. 
People have always wanted to do 
business with people they trust and  
their desire and ability to make informed 
choices is increasing with technology. 

As well as our customers we are  
subject to external scrutiny from 
investors, environmental, social and 
governance indices, public bodies and 
community leaders.

There are some significant external 
trends that we know will impact us in the 
future. The most important of these is  
the changing face of retail and responding 
to the changing needs and wants of 
 our consumers and retailers. Ageing 
populations and significant urbanisation 
will also put pressure on public resources 
and change the use of public realm space, 
something we will need to respond to in 
order to remain relevant to customers. 
These inform our material impacts and 
the issues we should focus on.

Our approach to CR
At intu, we create not just compelling 
experiences for our customers, but ones 
that are for all to access and enjoy. 

Sustainable shopping centres create a 
nicer shopping environment, meaning 
people are happy to stay for longer.

We base our CR on three key pillars  
that support the long-term success  
of intu: communities and economic 
contribution, environmental efficiency 
and relationships. This approach allows us 
to focus on the concerns and issues that 
are most important to our many and 
varied stakeholders and our business. 

We believe CR must be driven by the 
strategic aims of our business and be 
subject to the same quality of governance 
controls. We want intu to be a long-term 
and sustainable business. We can only do 
this if we care for the communities where 
our shopping centres are located and look 
after the communities we all share. 

As such, CR forms part of our Board 
Committee structure, giving it the 
prominence in decision-making needed to 
embed it into our day-to-day operations.

This year we have made significant 
headway in achieving our long-term  
2020 commitments to reduce our 
environmental impact and increase our 
community contributions. Notably, we 
have saved a further 10 per cent in carbon 
emissions, which means we are on track 
to meet our 50 per cent reduction in 
carbon intensity.

We have surpassed our target to divert  
99 per cent of waste from landfill by 
2020, this year achieving a diversion  
rate of 99.7 per cent.

Our community contributions totalled 
£1.8 million and the amount of time  
given by our employees almost doubled, 
showing the company-wide support  
for our communities.

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Corporate responsibility

53

Our progress in 2015

Pillar
Communities

Impact

Community

Commitment

2015 performance

Support relevant community initiatives 

£1.8m charitable donations

Extend employability programmes to all 
centres by 2025

New retail employability  
programme at intu Braehead

Improve community partner evaluation

Economic 
contribution

Demonstrate total economic impact

Environment

Energy and carbon

50% intensity reduction in carbon emissions  
by 2020 against 2010 baseline

Positive feedback from  
community partners

£4.2bn GVA
10% intensity reduction

Waste management

99% of waste diverted from landfill by 2020 99.7% diverted

75% of waste generated recycled by 2020

Water management

10% intensity reduction of m3/million 
customers by 2020 against 2010 baseline

71% recycled
13% intensity reduction

Relationships

Relationships

Further develop engagement process

Full participation

Improve customer experience score

People

Increase employee volunteering

Increase employee awareness of CR

74 (2014: 60)
101 volunteers (2014: 95)
 70% staff aware of CR programmes 

Better for the environment in 2015

Water use at directly managed centres

Absolute energy use and carbon emissions 
(CO2) at directly managed centres
120

420,000

390,000

360,000

330,000

300,000

270,000

240,000

m3

+20%

1,500

1,250

100

1,000

80

-13%

750

60

500

40

250

20

0

0

Waste disposal at directly managed centres

60

30

50

25

40

20

30

15

20

10

10

0

5

0

100

85

70

55

40

25

10

%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

m3/m

000
MWh

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

000
tonnes

tonnes

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Absolute water consumption (m3)  
Water intensity m3/million customers

Electricity (thousand MWh)  
Gas (thousand MWh)  
District heating (thousand MWh)
CO2 emissions (thousand tonnes)

Waste recycled (tonnes)  
Waste to landfill (tonnes)  
Waste to energy (tonnes)  
Waste diverted from landfill (%)  

 
 
 
54

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Our pillars in action

Communities

Environment

Relationships

Why it is important
Our shopping centres are integral to the 
communities we serve. We build social 
cohesion by providing the space for people  
to come together to eat, drink, socialise  
and be entertained.

Why it is important
We have a responsibility to minimise our 
operational environmental impacts, but  
we also see the benefits of increasing our 
operational efficiency to create a better retail 
environment. We focus our efforts on the 
common areas of our shopping centres  
where we have direct control.

We also share good practice and influence our 
delivery partners, retailers and visitors to more 
sustainable behaviour so we can all enjoy the 
benefits of environmental efficiency.

Challenging youth stereotypes
Supported by intu Lakeside, schoolchildren  
take part in the Future Theatre Sugar & Spice 
production in 2015

We create significant economic contributions 
to our communities, not just in employment, 
but also by supporting community groups  
to address fundamental societal issues 
affecting our long-term success such  
as anti-social behaviour, young people  
and education.

What we are doing
 — we have increased our volunteering 

to over 10 per cent of total employees 
through expanding the opportunities  
and better promoting them to staff

 — our ‘apprenticeships for retail’ programme 

expanded to intu Braehead with  
26 young people already benefiting

What we plan to do
 — increase volunteering to 15 per cent  

of total intu staff

 — set up a retail training programme  

at intu Watford

 — make partnership working easier by 
sharing best practice between  
charity partners

Sustainable travel
Every centre has a sustainable travel plan to 
encourage people to use their car less and 
make healthier travel choices

What we are doing
 — our LED programme continues to reap 

energy and carbon savings. This year we 
have reduced our carbon intensity by  
13 per cent

 — implemented energy audits and presented 
recommendations to senior management

 — revised our waste contracts to ensure  
better management and reporting of  
waste streams

 — explored and trialled options for reducing 

water intensity at our centres

What we plan to do
 — embark on phase four of our LED  

lighting installation

 — conduct feasibility studies to expand our 

on-site generation beyond Ground Source 
Heat Pumps at intu Victoria Centre

 — attain ISO 50001 accreditation

Why it is important
Strong and open relationships are 
fundamental to us doing business and  
our long-term success. We use a variety  
of channels to engage our stakeholders, 
ensuring a continuous dialogue throughout 
the year and engaging on key issues. 

Understanding their concerns and 
expectations means we can respond 
accordingly, support our communities and  
our people and serve our customers better.

What we are doing
 — now in its third year, we have  

reviewed and refreshed our annual  
360 stakeholder engagement
 — raised employee awareness of CR  
and the eco hero scheme through  
targeted communications

 — held a community and local and national 
government parliamentary reception  
to bring together key stakeholders 

Graduates of retail employability 
programme at intu Braehead
Working in partnership with local skills 
providers and retailers helps us to deliver the 
next generation of high-quality retail workers

What we plan to do
 — introduce a new stakeholder session on 
communication and sharing information

 — appoint a community manager at intu 
Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre
 — better communicate our CR strategy  

to customers

 
intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Corporate responsibility

55

Our contributions

We provide significant  
local employment

93,000

employed in our centres

We are investing in the future

£1.7bn

UK development pipeline  
over 10 years

We work with our communities  
and help to protect the environment

2,000

people directly reached  
by community projects

We contribute to the local  
and national economy

£297m

business rates paid by intu  
and our tenants

intu centres directly  
support a

£1.6bn

wage bill per annum

....all of which results in a total 
economic contribution in 2014 of 

£4.2 billion
GVA

Business class at intu Derby
We are working with Business in the Community in Derby to create partnerships  
between businesses and schools, aiming to make an impact in four core areas: leadership, 
curriculum, enterprise and employment. intu is partnered with the City of Derby Academy 
where we have provided employability support for 160 young people aged 11-16, such as 
sending students through the same assessment centre that intu uses to recruit staff. The 
programme gives them the opportunity to develop skills and improve their employability 
and all those participating report a direct positive impact on their quality of life.

A winning partnership 
intu Trafford Centre partnered with local 
autism charity, the Together Trust, to 
become the first autism-friendly shopping 
centre in the UK. 

Busy, vibrant spaces can be challenging 
environments for people who are on the 
autism spectrum. We want all our 
customers to enjoy visiting intu so 400 staff 
were trained to understand the issues and 
how to support people with autism.

We had extremely positive feedback and 
plan to extend this programme to other 
centres so all customers can enjoy a 
consistent experience.

Making our staff eco heroes
This summer we launched our ‘eco hero’ 
campaign. Providing simple and informative 
messages to help our staff be more 
eco-friendly, not just at work, but at home 
as well where they can see the benefit in 
their energy bills.

The eco hero pack contains all the 
information needed to become an intu  
eco hero – energy use facts, energy-saving 
tips for at home and at work, checklists  
for energy use audits and thermometers  
to help regulate heating.

56

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Our people

Our people are at the heart of intu’s success and  
are passionate about what they do, helping to deliver  
compelling shopping experiences to our customers

Highlights of the year
 — intu Retail Services achieved silver 
Investor in People accreditation at  
14 intu branded shopping centres  
and for its central team, and retained 
gold standard at intu Trafford Centre
 — Every member of staff has taken part  
in brand engagement development

 — Our new national apprenticeship 

scheme took on its first apprentices at 
intu Lakeside and intu Milton Keynes

 — 11 senior managers from across 

the business took part in the Firefly 
leadership development programme, 
with a further 15 working through  
other programmes which will feed in

Our values

We look at the familiar and we see something 
different; we are insightful and imaginative, but 
not for their own sake, for we never lose sight of 
what is important and relevant

We act confidently and decisively, always 
knowingly, perhaps at times controversially,  
but never rashly or without consideration 

We are true to ourselves, act fairly and 
communicate clearly; we say what we mean  
and we mean what we say. We recognise our 
obligations to our stakeholders and the wider 
society, and commit to put our utmost into 
everything we do

We increasingly recognise the 
importance of our people to our 
business. From apprentices to senior 
managers, we look for the best people in 
the business to keep us at the forefront 
of the shopping centre industry and 
provide the trademark intu experience 
and embodiment of our values that sets 
us apart from our competitors.

As our business grows our strategy is  
to ensure our people grow with it. We 
focus on finding and retaining the best 
people, engaging them in our purpose, 
developing their talent and rewarding 
their effort. We measure our success  
by reducing turnover and increasing  
the number of posts we fill from  
internal promotions. 

Our employees
We have 2,544 staff employed in 16 
locations across the UK, in 15 centres and 
at 40 Broadway, and in Spain. Of these, 
2,131 are frontline shopping centre staff, 
directly employed by intu Retail Services. 
Turnover was 21 per cent for frontline 
staff and 14 per cent at 40 Broadway. 

Recruitment 
We ensure we have the right talent to be 
able to promote from within the business 
supported by processes that mean we 
employ the best potential talent from 
outside. This year we recruited 529 staff 
externally and promoted 50 from within.

Talent development
Our aim this year has been to give more 
staff insight and understanding of the 
strategic direction of the business and to 
increase the opportunities for people to 
take on new skills. We introduced the 
Firefly leadership programme ‘Building 
better futures’ to 11 senior managers  
and 15 other managers embarked on  
a ‘Leading self, leading others, leading 

change’ programme. We built on  
the success of our world class service 
programme with development sessions 
for all staff focusing on delivering a 
compelling experience and we introduced 
a national apprenticeship scheme to ‘grow 
our own talent’. An outstanding success 
has been the achievement by intu Retail 
Services of silver Investor in People 
accreditation at 14 intu-branded shopping 
centres and its central team, and retaining 
the gold standard at intu Trafford Centre.

The apprentice
Adam Gillespie was among the initial  
intake of intu’s first national apprenticeship 
programme, joining the customer  
services team at intu Lakeside in October  
but circulating around a number of 
departments for his first year to help  
his longer-term career choice. 

Adam says: “I thought apprenticeships  
were a good way to get into the work 
environment; you get paid and get a 
qualification at the end. It is harder than 
college but I prefer it. You can really make  
a difference to people. I helped plan our 
Halloween event and had a sense of 
fulfilment watching the customers smile  
as they looked at the display of pumpkins 
knowing that I had played a part in it.”

intugroup.co.uk

Strategic report
Our people

57

Human rights
At intu we respect the dignity, liberty and 
equality of everyone we work with. Our 
policies and procedures are consistent with 
the United Nations’ universal declaration  
of human rights, which sets “a common 
standard of achievement for all peoples 
and all nations”. We are committed to 
implementing the UN guiding principles  
on business and human rights. We only 
work with people who choose to work 
freely and we respect their rights to equal 
opportunities and freedom of association. 

We work with our suppliers, retailers and 
associated companies to ensure they meet 
acceptable standards of human dignity  
in their own sourcing policies. We will 
continue to evaluate the pay and conditions 
of all our employees, in particular new staff 
on or near to minimum wage, to bring them 
into line with the rest of our staff in terms of 
wages and benefits and ensure fair working 
conditions. Fair treatment of people who 
work for intu or our suppliers is a key focus 
of our corporate responsibility approach.  
As appropriate our Board CR Committee 
and CR Management Committee consider 
the potential human rights risks faced by  
intu and assess approaches to mitigate 
those risks. We will implement the Modern 
Slavery Act in 2016 to ensure our suppliers 
meet our standards on human rights.

We will continue to develop our 
leadership programmes and extend  
the capabilities of our talented 
management, both in 40 Broadway  
and in operational management in  
our centres.

We will work to achieve the National 
Equality Standard, a groundbreaking 
initiative for businesses to set clear 
equality, diversity and inclusion criteria 
that can be independently assessed.

Our graduate programme is to be more 
structured to enable graduates to gain a 
broader experience across the business 
and enhance their chances of becoming 
future leaders in intu.

We are also going to link our induction 
and training programmes, so that 
employees benefit from a complete 
development package that is more 
consistent with intu’s values. 

84%of staff are proud to work for intu 

(2014: 83%)

89%of all staff took part in the survey 

(2014: 84%)

Gender profile

Female

1,032

(2014: 973)

Male

1,512

(2014: 1,486)

Gender profile senior managers

Female

9

(2014: 9)

Male

20

(2014: 22)

Reward and recognition 
This year we introduced Win 
Your Dream, a peer-to-peer  
nomination programme that  
acknowledges staff who have shown 
exceptional performance in displaying  
our values and delivering our brand 
proposition. The programme includes a 
tiered award structure with monthly prizes 
at each centre and 40 Broadway, four 
national quarterly winners and the ultimate 
accolade, the annual winner who receives 
£10,000 to spend on their dream. 

Employee engagement
Making sure our staff understand  
our business and know how they can 
contribute to intu’s success is crucial  
to our progress. 

We use a range of channels to 
communicate with our staff, wherever 
they work in the business, from the 
intranet and staff meetings to ‘toolbox 
talks’. This year we have improved internal 
communications networks further by 
ensuring each location has its own staff 
consultative forum.

Our annual staff survey continues  
to reflect widespread employee 
engagement, with 84 per cent (2014:  
83 per cent) of staff proud to work for 
intu, and 94 per cent (2014: 91 per cent) 
agreeing intu puts customers at the heart 
of everything we do. This year 89 per cent 
of all staff took part in the survey, up  
five per cent from 2014, and the overall 
engagement index improved for the  
fifth year in succession, from 747 to 769. 

Understanding of intu’s values and  
vision both now stand at 90 per cent  
and there were major improvements  
in staff recognition that performance  
is accurately evaluated and rewarded 
appropriately and that individuals could 
contribute directly to our success.

We continue to encourage staff to achieve 
their personal and professional goals  
and to take part in our corporate 
responsibility, community support  
and sustainability programmes.

Our plans for 2016
As the intu business spectrum expands 
we will be providing more opportunities 
for functional specialists to develop  
a broader understanding of our  
strategic direction. 

58

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

We have maintained  
our commitment to the 
highest standards of 
governance, with a focus 
during the year on 
refreshing composition  
of the Board and its 
Committees in line with 
our succession plans

Governance

Dear shareholder 

I am pleased to introduce intu’s corporate governance report for 2015.

A revised version of the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) was issued in 
September 2014 and is applicable to the Company for the first time for the year  
ended 31 December 2015. 

The Board has reviewed its revised obligations under the 2014 version of the Code  
and determined that it remains fully compliant with all Code provisions. This reflects 
the Board’s robust approach to good governance, with a continuing emphasis on 
matching or exceeding the best practice expectations of a major quoted company.

Key strategic matters discussed in 2015

Optimise asset performance
 — review and approval of the Group’s 

UK development momentum
 — management and oversight of the 

strategic plan

 — review and approval of  

centre-focused refinancings
 — Board visit to intu Merry Hill

Group’s capital investment programme

 — Board visit to intu Bromley
 — regular Capital Projects  
Committee meetings

Make the brand count
 — supporting development of the  

Group’s digital strategy and operations

 — focus on Group net promoter  

score performance 

Seize the growth opportunity  
in Spain
 — the Group’s Spanish strategy
 — the strengthening of the Group’s 

partnership with CPPIB, announced 
in June, to include our Puerto Venecia 
shopping resort in Spain

 — extended Board visit to review our 
Spanish operations during the year

Other key matters discussed 
 — appointment and induction of two new Non-Executive Directors in accordance  

with the Board’s succession planning

 — formal commencement of succession planning for the Chairman’s scheduled  

2017 retirement

 — Committee governance, as a result of new appointments and the extension of the  

Senior Independent Director’s term

 — continuing focus on risk modelling and analysis, including cybersecurity risk
 — the new viability statement

Areas of focus in 2016
 — continuation of progressive refreshing of the Board, in line with agreed succession planning
 — progression of Nomination and Review Committee processes for the new  

Chairman appointment

 — monitoring and progression of corporate objectives for 2016
 — rigorous maintenance of a strong controls environment around UK and Spanish 

development pipeline

 — continuing oversight of strategic and operational delivery

intugroup.co.uk

Governance

59

2015 governance highlights
Composition and succession planning
During the year I led our annual  
review of the Board’s composition and 
succession plans. The review took into 
account the fact that experienced and 
valued Board members were approaching 
the maximum tenure permitted for 
independent non-executive directors 
under the Code. 

As a direct consequence, the Board 
decided to strengthen its composition 
and in September welcomed two  
new Non-Executive Directors,  
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard and John 
Strachan, with expertise in digital and 
global real estate matters respectively.

The processes which led to Rakhi and 
John’s selection and appointment were 
co-ordinated by the Nomination and 
Review Committee, in line with relevant 
Board policies, and with appropriate input 
from an independent executive search 
adviser Korn Ferry. Further information 
can be found in the Nomination and 
Review Committee report on page 76.

In the light of Neil Sachdev not seeking 
re-election at the 2016 annual general 
meeting, we have made changes in the 
composition of our Committees. During 
the year the Board also extended the 
term of the Senior Independent Director, 
Andrew Huntley, for one year.

The Board has previously outlined its 
support for the recommendations of  
The Davies Review, and I am therefore 
particularly pleased to confirm that,  
as a result of the recent appointments  
to the Board, intu met the target for  
25 per cent female representation  
before the end of 2015. We outline  
our approach to diversity further in  
the main report on pages 67 and 76.

Board communication
Having identified enthusiasm for 
additional informal update meetings  
by conference call, as an important area  
for improvement last year, we improved 
and streamlined the quality and focus  
of Board materials both formally and 
informally, further integrated electronic 
papers and have encouraged more 
informal interaction between Board 
members. We took advantage of this 
during centre visits, at the away day in 
October, on Board update calls and at the 
Chairman’s twice-yearly working dinners. 

The Board visited intu Bromley in April 
and the annual strategy away day was 
held at intu Merry Hill, our super-regional 
centre in the West Midlands. 

In June the Board travelled as a group to 
intu Asturias and Puerto Venecia in Spain 
to carry out an assessment of the newly 
acquired centres, receive presentations 
from local advisers regarding local market 
dynamics and prospects and gain closer 
familiarity with the Spanish market.

Risk
The effective assessment and 
management of risk is key to the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy. The setting  
of the Group’s risk appetite by the  
Board provides the framework within  
which the Group’s risk management 
process operates. 

Risk management is embedded 
throughout the business with all 
employees aware of the role they play in 
this. The Board has overall responsibility 
for risk management and the Audit 
Committee monitors and reviews the 
effectiveness of the risk management 
process. The Group’s risk management 
process is set out in more detail on pages 
70 and 71, and the Group’s principal risks 
are discussed on pages 37 to 39.

Given the high profile of cybersecurity 
risks, Trevor Pereira, Group Digital  
and Commercial Director, attends all 
Board meetings to advise on digital  
and cyber matters.

The Group has presented a viability 
statement for the first time this year in 
line with the provisions of the Code. While 
the requirement to include the statement 
is new, the key inputs to this assessment 
are those which the Group produces  
as a matter of course and would consider 
to be best practice. These include the 
Group’s strategic plan, analysis of 
sensitivity to risks, operating metrics  
such as the weighted average life of  
debt and features of the industry in  
which we operate. 

The Audit Committee assessed the 
Group’s viability position alongside its 
review of going concern and reported  
its recommendations to the Board.  
The viability statement is presented  
on page 71. 

Patrick Burgess
Chairman
26 February 2016

The Group has presented  
a viability statement for 
the first time this year in 
line with the provisions  
of the Code. While the 
requirement to include 
this statement is new,  
the key inputs to this 
assessment are those 
which the Group produces 
as a matter of course

60

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Board of Directors

Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors

Patrick Burgess OBE, DL
Chairman
Age 71  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director of the Group in 2001  
and Chairman on 1 August 2008
Career: Patrick Burgess qualified as a solicitor in 
1972 and became a partner in Gouldens in 1974, 
serving as head of the Corporate Department for  
14 years and as senior partner for six, culminating 
with the merger of Gouldens with Jones Day in 2003, 
from which he retired in 2007. He stepped down as  
a Non-Executive Director of ICBC Standard Bank  
in October 2015. He has also been active in a number 
of charitable and community organisations. 
Skills and experience: At Jones Day, Patrick 
specialised in mergers and acquisitions and corporate 
restructuring. He has considerable experience in 
compliance, regulatory and stock exchange matters. 
Other appointments: None. 
Chairman of the Capital Projects Committee, 
Chairman of the Nomination and Review Committee, 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

John Whittaker
Deputy Chairman
Age 73  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as Deputy 
Chairman and a Non-Executive Director  
on 28 January 2011
Career: John Whittaker is the Chairman of the  
Peel Group which he founded in 1971 and developed  
into a leading UK infrastructure, transport and  
real estate enterprise. 
Skills and experience: John is a highly regarded real 
estate investor, and has overseen the growth of the 
Peel Group across many sectors such as land, real 
estate, ports, airports, renewable energy and media. 
John is an experienced property developer and 
business leader illustrated by projects such  
as The Trafford Centre and MediacityUK. His 
appointment to the Board followed the acquisition 
by intu of The Trafford Centre from the Peel Group. 
Other appointments: Chairman of the Peel Group.

Adèle Anderson
Age 50  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director on 22 February 2013
Career: Adèle Anderson commenced her career  
at KPMG where she became a partner and held a 
number of senior roles, including Chief Financial 
Officer. She is currently Chairman of the Audit 
Committee of easyJet plc and a trustee of Save  
the Children UK.
Skills and experience: Adèle graduated from  
Kent University with BSc Hons in mathematics  
and computer science. She is a qualified ACA  
and has gained extensive financial experience 
throughout her career and has significant Audit  
Committee experience. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
of easyJet plc; a member of the board of trustees  
of Save the Children UK. 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

David Fischel
Chief Executive
Age 57  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed Finance 
Director in 1988, Managing Director in 1992  
and Chief Executive in March 2001
Career: David Fischel qualified as a chartered 
accountant in 1983 at Touche Ross & Co before 
joining the Group in 1985. 
Skills and experience: At Touche Ross, David 
worked in the corporate finance department with 
experience in acquisitions, flotations and capital 
raisings. During his 30-year career with intu,  
David has gained significant executive experience  
in numerous aspects of the shopping centre  
industry including shopping centre acquisitions and 
developments. He has also been closely involved 
with the Group’s corporate development including 
equity and debt financings and a wide range of other 
corporate transactions, including the 2010 demerger 
of Capital & Counties from intu. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
of Prozone Intu Properties Limited, resigned  
as a Non-Executive Director of Equity One, Inc 
(NYSE: EQY) with effect 19 January 2016.
Chairman of the Executive Committee

Matthew Roberts
Chief Financial Officer
Age 52  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as Finance 
Director on 3 June 2010
Career: Matthew Roberts was previously the Finance 
Director of Debenhams plc from 1996 to 2003, and 
Chief Financial Officer of Gala, subsequently Gala 
Coral Group Ltd, from 2004 to 2008.
Skills and experience: Matthew Roberts (FCA) 
joined intu as Finance Director in May 2010 and was 
part of the team which acquired The Trafford Centre, 
Manchester, in the UK’s largest ever single property 
transaction. In spring 2013 he led the establishment 
of intu’s secured Group structure with initial issue of 
£1.15 billion of bond and bank debt. Since then he 
has led a series of further transactions which have 
raised over £2 billion of leverage. In January 2016 
Matthew also assumed responsibility for intu’s 
centre-based operations, while retaining his  
existing responsibilities.

Louise Patten
Age 62  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director on 22 September 2011
Career: Louise Patten began her career at Citibank, 
working mainly in retail financial services until she 
joined global strategy advisers Bain & Company Inc in 
1993 where since 1997 she has been a senior adviser.
Skills and experience: Louise has extensive Board 
level experience at a number of retail and property 
companies including as Chairman of Brixton plc  
and interim Chairman of Somerfield plc, and 
Non-Executive roles at Marks and Spencer plc,  
where she chaired the Remuneration Committee, 
GUS plc, Hilton Group plc, Harveys Furnishings plc 
and Control Risks Group. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
at Abcam plc.
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
intugroup.co.uk

Key to Committees

  Audit Committee

 Remuneration Committee
 Nomination and Review Committee

 Executive Committee
 Corporate Responsibility Committee
 Capital Projects Committee

Governance
Board of Directors

61

Richard Gordon
Age 57
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director in May 2010
Career: Richard Gordon previously served as a 
Non-Executive Director of Capital Shopping Centres 
plc between 1996 and 2006 and was appointed as  
an alternate Director in respect of Graeme Gordon’s 
Directorship of the Group in 2001. 
Skills and experience: Richard has also served on 
the boards of a number of companies within the 
Liberty Life Group and various companies within the 
commercial and residential real estate sector, mainly 
in South Africa.

Andrew Huntley
Age 77  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director on 8 July 2009 and  
Senior Independent Director with effect from  
1 August 2013
Career: Andrew Huntley’s career commenced  
some 41 years ago with Richard Ellis where he  
served as Chairman from 1993 until 2002. He was  
a Non-Executive Director of Pillar Property plc  
from 2000 to 2005 and a Non-Executive Director  
of LondonMetric Property plc from 2010 until 2013. 
Skills and experience: Andrew is a chartered 
surveyor and an experienced property adviser. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
of Capital & Counties Properties plc.

Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard
Age 41  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director on 7 October 2015.
Career: Rakhi’s early career included roles at 
TomTom, content management provider Article27 
and 11 years at Amazon until 2014, where she  
held a number of key roles including responsibility  
for the Amazon UK Media category.
Skills and experience: Rakhi has an up-to-date 
perspective on retail and consumer trends, as  
well as deep insight and knowledge of the digital 
environment. Rakhi has a BA in marketing and 
communications from the University of 
Pennsylvania. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
of Rightmove plc. Non-Executive Director at Be 
Heard Group plc. With effect 1 February 2016,  
a Non-Executive Director of Kingfisher plc.

Neil Sachdev
Age 57  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director in November 2006.  
Neil will step down from the Board at the  
2016 annual general meeting in May.
Career: Neil Sachdev joined Tesco plc in 1978, rising 
to the position of Property Director before joining J 
Sainsbury plc as Commercial Director in March 2007. 
He was subsequently appointed Property Director  
in June 2010 and he held this position until leaving  
J Sainsbury plc in March 2014. He was Chairman of 
the Institute of Grocery Distribution until April 2014. 
Skills and experience: Neil has an MBA from Stirling 
University and has gained significant experience in 
retail and property matters throughout his career. 
Other appointments: Deputy Chairman of HSS  
Hire Group plc. Chairman of Martins Property 
Limited and Market Tech Holdings Limited. Director 
of Barleygold Limited, Clevertec Limited, and Sixth 
Sense Partnership Limited. Non-Executive Director 
of NHS Property Services Limited. Council Member 
of the University of Warwick.

John Strachan
Age 65  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director on 7 October 2015
Career: John was Global Head of Retail Services  
at Cushman and Wakefield until December 2015. 
John’s career commenced at Healey and Baker in 
1972 where he rose to become head of UK and 
European retail from 1996 to 2000. Healey and Baker 
was acquired by Cushman and Wakefield in 2000.
Skills and experience: John brings a wealth of 
experience from the retail property sector, an
international perspective including extensive 
knowledge of the Spanish retail property market.  
He is known for his creative and entrepreneurial 
approach to developing new business opportunities.
He is a fellow of the Royal Institution of  
Chartered Surveyors.
Other appointments: Advisory Board member  
of Truecap Private Equity; a member of the European 
Executive Committee and Advisory Board of the 
International Council of Shopping Centres.

Andrew Strang
Age 63  
Appointed to the Board: Appointed as a  
Non-Executive Director on 8 July 2009. 
Career: Andrew Strang started his career with 
Richard Ellis 40 years ago. He served as Managing 
Director of Threadneedle Property Investments 
Limited for 17 years until January 2008. He was 
Chairman of Hermes Real Estate Investment 
Management from 2009 to 2011. He was a Director 
of the British Property Federation from 1994 to 
2013. He is a current member of the Norges Bank 
Investment Management real estate advisory  
board, a member of the investment and governance 
committees at AEW UK and he was appointed as 
Director of The Pollen Estate Trustee Company 
Limited between August 2014 and January 2016. 
Skills and experience: Andrew is a chartered 
surveyor and has substantially focused on  
property investment throughout his career. 
Other appointments: Non-Executive Director  
of Capital & Counties Properties plc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
62

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Executive Committee

Kate Bowyer Director of Finance
Joined the Group in 2000 as Group Financial Controller and 
managed the Group’s investor relations from 2008 until 2014.  
She was appointed Director of Finance in August 2014. Kate 
qualified as a chartered accountant with Coopers & Lybrand  
(now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in 1995, working in their  
Canadian and corporate finance practices.

Martin Breeden Development Director
Joined the Group in 2002 and was appointed Group Development 
Director and a member of the Executive Committee in January 2016. 
Martin has direct responsibility for intu’s development programme 
across the UK and intu’s Spanish business. Martin has worked on 
almost all of intu’s assets and has over 25 years’ experience in the  
retail property industry. He is a fellow of the RICS and a member  
of the advisory panel of the British Council of Shopping Centres.

Hugh Ford General Counsel & Group Treasurer
Joined the Group as General Counsel in 2003. Appointed General 
Counsel & Group Treasurer in April 2015. Previously he was General 
Manager Legal at Virgin Atlantic Airways, and before that a 
commercial lawyer with British Airways plc. He qualified as a 
solicitor in 1992 with Freshfields.

Susan Marsden Group Company Secretary
Joined the Group as Company Secretary in 2000. A fellow of  
the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Susan 
began her career at the London Stock Exchange, and has been 
company secretary of two FTSE real estate sector companies 
before joining intu.

Trevor Pereira Digital and Commercial Director
Joined the Group in 2007 as Commercial Director, Capital Shopping 
Centres plc. He was subsequently appointed Group Digital  
and Commercial Director, responsible for digital activities, 
commercialisation, marketing and customer experience. Previously 
worked for airport Group BAA plc for 21 years, latterly as Retail and 
Commercial Director for Heathrow Airport.

Dushyant Sangar Corporate Development Director
Joined the Group in 2010 and appointed Corporate Development 
Director and a member of the Executive Committee in 2014. He 
has been closely involved in all of the Group’s major acquisitions 
and new joint ventures in the UK and Spain. He previously worked 
for MGPA, a real estate private equity investment advisory business 
and for UBS. He is a Non-Executive Director of Prozone Intu 
Properties Limited. 

Julian Wilkinson Asset Management Director
Appointed Group Asset Management Director and a member of the 
Executive Committee in January 2016, Julian has responsibility for 
optimising the performance of intu’s shopping centres. He has held 
similar positions at director level over the last 25 years on behalf of 
both retailers and landlords.

Executive  
management team

Biographies of the executive management 
team are available on our website at:  
intugroup.co.uk/who-we-are/our-people/
executive-management/

 
intugroup.co.uk

Governance

63

The Board

The role of the Board and its Committees

Led by the Chairman, the Board takes primary responsibility for 
defining the Group’s strategic objectives, risk appetite and controls 
environment; for monitoring delivery of strategy by the Executive 
Directors; and for shaping the resourcing, culture and values  
by which the wider business delivers targeted performance. 

The Board

Audit Committee 

Remuneration Committee 

Chairman 
Adèle Anderson
Members
Neil Sachdev, Andrew Strang,  
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard 
Key responsibilities
Monitors the integrity of financial 
statements, internal controls and  
risk management process and 
reviews the effectiveness of the 
internal and external auditors.  

Chairman 
Louise Patten
Members
Adèle Anderson, Neil Sachdev,  
Andrew Huntley
Key responsibilities
Sets remuneration policy for  
all Executive Directors and the 
Chairman and recommends  
and monitors the level and  
structure of remuneration  
for senior management. 

Nomination and Review 
Committee 

Chairman 
Patrick Burgess
Members
Andrew Huntley, Neil Sachdev, 
Louise Patten
Key responsibilities
Ensures that the Board is  
comprised of individuals with  
an appropriate balance of skills, 
knowledge and experience. 

 See page 72 for more 
information

 See page 78 for more 
information

 See page 76 for more 
information

Capital Projects Committee

Chairman 
Patrick Burgess
Members
John Whittaker, David Fischel, 
Matthew Roberts, Andrew Huntley,  
Neil Sachdev
Key responsibilities
Reviews new projects and project 
expenditure in detail and, as 
appropriate, comments on certain 
projects for the Board. Has no power 
to approve proposals or authorise 
expenditure.
The Capital Projects Committee  
is not a formal Committee of  
the Board.

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Chairman 
Patrick Burgess
Members
David Fischel, Neil Sachdev,  
Alexander Nicoll (CR Director),  
Jennifer Sandars/Helen Drury  
(CR Manager)
Key responsibilities
Oversees the management of  
the Group’s CR activities.

Executive Committee 

Chairman 
David Fischel
Members
Matthew Roberts, Kate Bowyer, 
Martin Breeden, Hugh Ford,  
Susan Marsden, Trevor Pereira, 
Dushyant Sangar, Julian Wilkinson
Key responsibilities
Considers investment proposals, 
reviews progress on projects and 
project expenditure in detail and 
receives updates on other business 
matters. Has delegated authority, 
within limits, to authorise initiatives 
and expenditure.
The Executive Committee is not  
a formal Committee of the Board.

 See page 52 for more 
information

 See left for more  
information

64

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

The Board continued

The Board
The business model described on pages 28 
and 29 illustrates the key value creation and 
operational drivers for intu’s strategy and  
the means by which the Board ultimately 
delivers long-term growth and sustainable 
returns for its shareholders and  
debt investors. 

Appropriate and effective corporate 
governance is taken seriously at intu  
and is intrinsic to all aspects of the  
Board’s activities. 

The Board has therefore established a 
governance framework which underpins  
the culture and workings of the Group.  
This framework consists of:

 — committees with specific delegated 

responsibilities (as shown in the diagram 
on page 63)

 — delegated authority limits, which 

apply at all levels of the business and 
are incorporated into the standard 
procedures for the execution of all  
leases, licences, contracts and other 
relevant documentation by the Group

 — internal policies, procedures and  

controls (including delegated authority 
limits and a related parties protocol) 
which are regularly reported on,  
reviewed and updated by the  
Board and relevant committees

 — internal processes which are 

communicated to all staff and are 
available at all times on the Group’s 
intranet site

Structure of the Board  
and independence

Board structure

  Chairman  
  Executives  
  Non-Executives  

1
2
9

Board independence (excluding Chairman)

  Executives 
  Non-Executives
  Non Independents 

2
7
2

Gender split

  Men
  Women

Length of tenure of Directors

  0 – 3 years 
  3 – 6 years  
  6 – 9 years
9+ years

9
3

2
5
2
3

Board culture
The intu Board and its workings are 
characterised by the strong relationships 
between individual Directors and the senior 
executives. Those relationships have been 
formed over several years of collaborative 
working, with very few changes to the Board’s 
composition or key positions necessary prior to 
the new appointments announced in October. 

The Chairman is directly accountable for the 
culture of the Board, which is defined by a 
conservative, measured approach to business, 
allied to a willingness to take considered risks 
through investment to achieve strategic goals, 
as demonstrated by intu’s strategic growth in 
Spain since 2013. 

The Board’s culture permeates through the 
Group’s operations, with a comprehensive 
suite of policies to reinforce the open dialogue 
between management and staff and tone set 
by Board members.

Board processes have been refined over many 
years of consistent application, and are 
consequently now well understood with very 
high levels of adherence. The Board’s culture 
and thinking nevertheless remain reflective of 
the Group’s values, which encourage all staff 
to be creative, bold and genuine at all times.

Our approach to CR
The Group’s approach to corporate 
responsibility is a key element of its 
governance framework. We have 
consistently demonstrated a strong 
commitment to high standards of 
corporate responsibility, particularly 
focused on the local communities where 
our shopping centres are embedded. 

Further details of our related activities can  

be found in the CR report on pages 52 to 55

The Board’s culture 
permeates through  
the Group’s operations,  
to reinforce the open 
dialogue between 
management and staff

Patrick Burgess
Chairman

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Governance

65

Roles and responsibilities
Overview 

Role
Chairman

Patrick Burgess

Chief Executive

David Fischel

Chief Financial  
Officer

Non-Executive 
Directors

Senior Independent 
Director

Alternate Directors

Matthew Roberts

Louise Patten, Adèle Anderson,  
Neil Sachdev, Andrew Strang,  
John Whittaker, Andrew Huntley 
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard,  
John Strachan, Richard Gordon
Andrew Huntley

Responsibility
Leading the Board, setting its agenda, achieving clarity of decision-making, 
ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its remit and heading up the culture  
of accountability

Delivery of the Group strategy, primary accountability for day-to-day operational 
management, implementation of the policies and strategies developed by the 
Board, and developing the abilities and skills of the Group’s personnel to their 
maximum potential

Responsibility for the Group’s funding strategy, financing, reporting and investor 
programme, encompassing leadership of the finance function. From January 2016 
also responsible for intu’s centre-based operations

Bring an external and independent view to the Board’s discussions, providing 
constructive challenge to executive management when appropriate

Provides advice and additional support and experience to the Chairman as required, 
and is available to act as an intermediary for the other Directors if necessary

Steven Underwood,  
Raymond Fine

Ensure that key strategic and operational decision-making is best aligned with the 
interests of the Group’s major shareholders

Non-Independent Directors
intu has two representatives of different 
significant shareholders appointed  
to non-executive board positions, including  
the Deputy Chairman John Whittaker. Those 
representatives are also permitted to appoint 
alternate directors in accordance with the 
Company’s Articles of Association. 

Direct shareholder Board representation 
ensures that key strategic, operational and 
governance decision making is shaped with 
input from those individuals, and is more 
closely aligned with the interests of both the 
direct shareholder groups they represent  
and other institutional and retail investors 
generally. In this respect the Group surpasses 
the expectations of the stewardship code. 

However, the representative directors also 
contribute strongly to the Board’s culture and 
personality, adding insight and influence from 
their varied commercial backgrounds, their 
experience and expertise. We discuss the 
rigorous Board policies and enhanced 
processes the Board operates to manage 
potential conflicts of interest arising from 
these relationships in a specific case study  
on page 66 of this report. 

Roles of the Chairman  
and Chief Executive
The roles of the Chairman Patrick Burgess,  
and of the Chief Executive David Fischel, are 
separate and have been defined in writing  
by the Board. In summary, the Chairman’s 
responsibilities include leading the Board, 
setting its agenda, achieving clarity of decision 
making and ensuring its effectiveness on  
all aspects of its remit. He also ensures  
that the Board maintains effective two-way 
communication with shareholders and senior 
management and holds the management  
to account. 

The Chief Executive’s key responsibilities 
include delivery of the Group strategy, primary 
accountability for day-to-day operational 
management, implementation of the policies 
and strategies developed by the Board,  
and developing the abilities and skills of the 
Group’s personnel to their maximum potential.

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors bring an external 
and independent view to the Board’s 
discussions, providing constructive challenge 
to executive management when appropriate. 
Biographical details of each Director are set 
out on pages 60 and 61. 

The Senior Independent Director
Andrew Huntley was appointed as Senior 
Independent Director in August 2013. In his 
role, Andrew provides advice and additional 
support and experience to the Chairman as 

required, and is available to act as an 
intermediary for the other directors if 
necessary. Andrew also leads the appraisal  
of the Chairman’s performance annually in 
discussion with the other Non-Executive 
Directors, and is available as an additional 
point of contact for shareholders should they 
feel that communication through the normal 
channels of the Chairman, Chief Executive, 
Secretariat or Investor Relations teams has 
failed or is otherwise inappropriate. 

During the year the Nomination and Review 
Committee decided to extend Andrew’s  
term of appointment as Senior Independent 
Director for a further 12 months, through to 
the 2017 annual general meeting. Andrew, in 
his capacity as Senior Independent Director, 
is expected to play a leading role in planning 
and managing the Chairman’s succession.

Alternate Directors
John Whittaker and Richard Gordon,  
both significant shareholders, have 
appointed Steven Underwood and Raymond 
Fine respectively as their alternates under 
the terms of the Company’s Articles  
of Association. The Board has generally  
invited the Alternate Directors to attend 
Board meetings.

The presence of John and Richard in person 
on the Board ensures that key strategic and 
operational decision making is best aligned 
with the interests of all the Group’s 
significant shareholders.

66

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

The Board continued

Matters reserved for the Board
Responsibility for day-to-day operational 
management of the Group is delegated 
by the Board to the Executive Directors, 
the Executive Committee, and senior 
management. Aspects of these delegated 
powers are supported by delegated 
authority limits which are documented 
and kept under review by the Board. 
Certain matters have been reserved solely 
for decision by the whole Board and a 
schedule setting out a list of these is 
reviewed regularly. 

These include, but are not limited to:

 — all matters relating to strategy
 — the application of the Board protocol 
for dealing with related party matters

 — dividend payments and policy
 — major acquisitions and disposals,  

other capital expenditure and controls

 — risk management
 — regulatory matters, including material 

shareholder communications

The Board also receives regular reports 
on the proceedings of its Committees and 
considers their recommendations. It has 
been the Board’s custom over many years 
to ensure that major decisions are taken 
after a reiterative process which involves 
examination and review at several levels. 

In part, this examination and review 
process is dealt with by the Board and 
other Committees as mentioned on  
page 63.

Communication between  
Board meetings
Directors are kept fully informed of 
progress on key matters, including 
operational and financial performance, 
between formal meetings. This is in 
particular achieved by way of either 
scheduled conference calls or less formal 
update meetings each month when there 
is not a formal Board meeting. Ad hoc 
meetings and working visits to centres  
are also regularly arranged to support  
the Chairman’s policy of open 
communication. As the Chairman 

Board: Related party protocol
The Group completed two transactions  
with subsidiaries of the Peel Group in 2015. 
The first involved the exercise in May of an 
option granted by Peel to intu in 2012, 
under which a site for a prime retail and 
leisure resort in Málaga, Spain, was acquired 
for development. The second, in November, 
involved a lease for commercial use from 
intu to Peel for a 30.96 acre site, known as 
KGV West, which neighbours the Group’s 
intu Braehead centre. 

Given the presence of representative directors 
on the Board, intu has a specific Board 
protocol for related party matters. Those 
procedures require all Directors to report  
all contingent, potential or actual conflicts  
of interest and to recuse themselves from 
Board discussions when appropriate.

The governance procedures also require 
independent verification and, for property 
transactions, the Group’s real estate  
advisers are asked to provide written 
independent third-party validation for  
the proposed valuation.

John Whittaker followed all aspects of the 
Board protocol for both transactions with  
the Peel Group in 2015.

In accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006, the Group also sought 
shareholder approval prior to completion of 
both the Málaga option and the KGV West 
lease, and shareholders overwhelmingly 
supported the proposed transactions at 
specifically convened general meetings 
during the year.

intu’s proposed Málaga development
An impression of the plans for the acquired land

Lease secured for KGV site, Braehead
An aerial image of the KGV West site for 
which the lease was agreed in 2015

 
intugroup.co.uk

Governance

67

explains on page 59, this has been an  
area of focus in 2015. The Chairmen of 
the Audit Committee and Remuneration 
Committee communicate regularly with 
relevant staff and external advisers, 
including but not limited to the Head  
of Risk and Internal Audit, the Company 
Secretary and the Remuneration 
Committee’s consultants, Deloitte.

Effectiveness
Balance, composition and culture
The Nomination and Review Committee 
regularly reviews the balance (including 
skills and experience) and composition of 
the Board to ensure that it operates 
efficiently. The Board determined that 
new candidates for the role of non-
executive director should have sector 
relevant qualifications and experience, 
notably in property, retail, finance and 
digital to ensure that these areas of 
importance to intu are well represented. 

Those criteria were applied to the 
appointment of Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-
Custard and John Strachan during the 
year, who bring experience of digital 
strategy and global real estate markets  
to the Board.

In November the Board approved  
the following committee changes, in 
anticipation of Neil Sachdev stepping 
down from all positions with the Group  
at the 2016 AGM: Louise Patten and 
Andrew Huntley were appointed as 
Chairman and as an additional member 
of the Remuneration Committee 
respectively, and Rakhi (Parekh)  
Goss-Custard was appointed as a 
member of the Audit Committee.

The appropriate balance of skills, 
independence, experience and knowledge 
does not in itself ensure the efficient 
operation of a Board. To this end, the 
Chairman’s style and leadership of the 
Board are essential to creating an 
environment where the Non-Executive 
Directors are able to draw on their own 
experience to constructively challenge 
the views of the executive management. 

The Chairman and Company Secretary 
ensure that all Directors are provided with 
fully accurate and timely information to 
facilitate informed discussion at Board 
meetings. The Chairman is particularly 
mindful that the views of all Directors 
should be taken into consideration and 
that the range of experience of our 
Non-Executive Directors must be drawn 
upon to provide insight and alternative 
perspectives to aid the Board’s decisions 
on key strategic matters. 

The Board reviews the independence  
of its Non-Executive Directors on an 
annual basis. With the exception of  
John Whittaker and Richard Gordon,  
both representatives of significant 
shareholders, the Board has concluded 
that all other Non-Executive Directors 
continue to demonstrate their 
independence and commitment  
to their roles. The balance of the  
Board is illustrated on page 64.

Board meetings
The attendance of Directors at all Board meetings held in 2015 is set out in the  
table below:

Board attendance table 2015 

Patrick Burgess
John Whittaker
David Fischel
Matthew Roberts
Andrew Huntley
Adèle Anderson
Richard Gordon
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard
Louise Patten
Neil Sachdev
John Strachan
Andrew Strang

Board 1
4/42
4/4
4/4
4/4
3/4
4/4
4/4
0/15
3/4
4/4
1/1
4/4

Audit
4/44
–
4/44
4/44
–
4/42
–
0/0
–
4/4
–
4/4

Nomination 
& Review
3/32
–
3/34
–
3/3
3/34
–
–
3/3
3/3
–
–

Remuneration
5/64
–
6/64
–
1/1
6/6
–
–
6/63
5/63
–
–

1 

 Scheduled Board meetings only, excludes Board away day, Spanish centres visit and calendar  
of Board update conference calls.

2  Board or Committee chair.
3  Louise Patten assumed the Committee chair with effect from 9 November 2015 from Neil Sachdev.
4  Attends meetings in a non-voting capacity.
5  Unavailable for Board meeting immediately following appointment, due to prior commitment.

The Board meets regularly during the course of the year and met a total of four times in 2015. 
There were four scheduled meetings as well as a Board away day focused on strategy and 
planning for 2016. No unscheduled meetings were held during the year as there were no 
matters arising between the scheduled meetings which needed to be dealt with at short notice. 
At each scheduled meeting, the Executive Directors, the Chief Operating Officer and the Digital 
and Commercial Director, Trevor Pereira, each give reports on their key areas of responsibility. 
In addition, the chairmen of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination and Review Committees 
give updates on the workings of and progress made by those Committees, highlighting any 
areas requiring escalation to, or consideration by, the full Board. Other matters for discussion 
are added to the agenda for scheduled Board meetings, or discussed at additionally convened 
Board meetings, as required.

Key matters discussed/approved by the Board in 2015
A summary of the key matters discussed and approved by the Board in 2015 can be found 
with the Chairman’s introduction on page 58.

 Read more on page 64

68

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

The Board continued

The Board has adopted a formal 
procedure for the identification of 
conflicts under which Directors must 
notify the Chairman of any potential 
conflicts. The Chairman then decides 
whether a conflict exists and 
recommends its authorisation by the 
Board where appropriate. In certain 
circumstances, the conflicted Director 
may be required to recuse himself from 
the Board’s discussions on a matter in 
which he or she is conflicted. Directors 
must also notify the Chairman when they 
take on any additional responsibilities  
or external appointments, and it is  
their responsibility to ensure that such 
appointments will not prevent them 
from meeting the time commitments 
discussed above.

In addition, the Board has implemented  
a related party protocol for situations 
where a proposed transaction could be 
captured by the related party provisions 
of the Listing Rules or by the Companies 
Act 2006, and maintains accurate records 
of all actual and potential related party 
transactions involving Directors and their 
connected persons or associates. Further 
detail on the protocol can be found on 
page 66.

Strategic focus 
CPPIB joint venture
In June 2015, the Group announced it had 
agreed to introduce CPPIB as a 50 per cent 
joint venture partner of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza. This followed intu’s acquisition of 
the centre for €451 million in January 2015. 

The transaction required that intu develop 
new governance arrangements for the 
operation of the centre with CPPIB.

To facilitate completion of the transaction  
in September 2015, the Board agreed to 
complete a listing of the asset management 
holding company, Zaragoza Properties 
SOCIMI S.A., as a Spanish real estate 
investment trust on the Mercado Alternativo 
Bursatil (‘MAB’) exchange. The complex 
listing application, and associated Spanish 
structuring transactions related to CPPIB’s 
investment, were both led by our Company 
Secretary, Susan Marsden, working in 
conjunction with the Group’s Spanish  
legal advisers, Linklaters, and the listing 
sponsor, Renta4. As a result intu now 
complies with obligations across three 
separate jurisdictional listings in London, 
Johannesburg and Madrid. Susan is pictured 
opening trading at the MAB exchange in 
Madrid in September.

Time commitment, external activities 
and conflicts of interest
Non-Executive Directors are generally 
appointed for a three-year term and their 
continuing service thereafter is subject  
to review by the Board. Their annual time 
commitment varies according to their 
membership of Board Committees and 
the specific corporate activities of the 
business in any given year. The terms  
of appointment of the Non-Executive 
Directors set out minimum expectations 
with regard to preparation for and 
attendance at all Board meetings,  
Board Committee meetings wherever 
appropriate, ad hoc meetings and the 
annual Board away day. Non-Executive 
Directors are required to confirm on 
accepting their appointment, and 
annually, that they are able to allocate 
sufficient time to meet the expectations 
of their role. 

The terms of appointment for each of the 
Non-Executive Directors are available for 
inspection at the Company’s registered 
office, or on written request from the 
Company Secretary. 

Directors have a statutory duty under the 
Companies Act 2006 to avoid situations in 
which they have or may be deemed to 
have interests that conflict with those  
of intu, including when a Director takes  
up a position with another company. The 
obligations are relaxed wherever the 
conflict is first authorised by the Board. 

The appointment  
of Rakhi (Parekh)  
Goss-Custard and 
John Strachan bring 
additional experience 
of digital strategy  
and global real estate  
markets to the Board

intugroup.co.uk

Governance

69

investor meetings in 2015

380+
190investment institutions

engaged with in 2015

Relations with shareholders

Overall approach
intu places considerable emphasis on 
maintaining an open and frank dialogue 
with investors. Our programme of 
investor relations activities is based 
around the financial reporting calendar 
and seeks to:

 — develop existing and potential 

investors’ understanding of intu’s 
business strategy, operations, 
performance and investment case 
 — provide to the Board and executive 
team an insight into the differing 
views of intu’s institutional and other 
significant investors together with a 
cross-section of retail shareholders

With these objectives in mind, the 
executive team (including, on occasion, 
the Chairman) together with the Head of 
Investor Relations attended over 380 
meetings with representatives of 190 
investment institutions during 2015 to 
keep them informed of our performance 
and plans, to answer their specific 
questions and to understand their views. 
In addition the investor section of our 
Group website provides all shareholders 
with a great deal of immediate as well as 
general information and a feedback 
facility. Regular visits to our centres 
enable investors to learn more about the 
culture and values of the Group and gain 
insight into operational delivery.

Key components of the investor relations programme

One-on-one meetings with 
principal shareholders: The 
Chairman is available to meet 
with key investors to answer 
their questions and to better 
understand their views, 
particularly with regard to 
governance matters.

Results-related meetings: 
Institutional shareholders are 
invited to a presentation with a 
question and answer session by 
the executive team on the day  
of announcement of final and 
interim results. The Chairman and 
a number of the Non-Executives 
also attend these presentations.

General meetings: The annual 
general meeting (AGM), usually 
held in May, gives the opportunity 
for all shareholders (private and 
institutional) to ask questions  
of the Board, including the  
Chairmen of both the Audit and 
Remuneration Committees. The 
entire Board is also available to 
talk to shareholders before and 
after the meeting.

Investor conferences:  
Several investment banks hold 
conferences for investors and 
companies in the real-estate 
sector. They are a good 
opportunity for the executive 
team to meet a large number of 
current and potential investors 
in a mixture of group and 
one-to-one meetings, and 
informally. intu attended five 
such conferences in 2015 in the 
UK, Europe and the US.

5investor conferences

Read more at intugroup.co.uk/investors

Road shows: Following results 
announcements, executive 
management conducts one-to-
one and Group meetings with 
institutional shareholders in the 
UK, South Africa, Europe and  
the US, giving the opportunity  
to meet other fund managers  
as well as the sector specialist of 
each institution. Unattributable 
feedback from these meetings  
is provided to the Board.

Investor and analyst property 
visits: Institutional shareholders 
are invited to attend at least one 
property visit each year with 
presentations on intu’s business. 
This gives an opportunity for 
formal and informal interaction 
with the executive team and the 
next tier of management. In 
2015, investors visited Puerto 
Venecia and intu Lakeside to  
see recent changes and to hear 
about our strategic objectives. 

Interaction with ‘sell side’ 
analysts: Many investors  
develop their understanding  
of the Company partly through 
discussions with independent 
analysts. intu engages with 
analysts from 20 institutions in 
order to improve the accuracy  
and insight of their research.  
The Board is kept informed  
of analyst commentary  
and recommendations. 

20sell-side institutions cover intu

Debt investors: Representatives 
of intu’s key relationship  
banks are invited to the  
results presentations and  
meet periodically with the  
Chief Financial Officer. 
Institutional investors in certain 
of the Group’s listed debt are 
invited to periodic updates  
on the Group’s business and 
performance. We welcome  
the moves by some credit-side 
institutional investors towards 
more openness regarding 
holdings of debt instruments 
and ‘road show’ style  
one-to-one meetings.

70

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Focus on risk

The effective assessment and management of risk is key  
to the delivery of the Group’s strategy

The effective assessment and 
management of risk is key to the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy. The setting of  
the Group’s risk appetite by the Board 
provides the framework within which  
the Group’s risk management process 
operates. Risk management is embedded 
throughout the business with all 
employees aware of the role they play.

An independent review of the maturity  
of the intu risk processes was performed 
during 2015. intu’s risk management was 
benchmarked as equivalent to or better 
than that of peers in property and retail. 
Risk processes were found to be sound 
and the business was found to be 
engaged in managing risk. 

Risk appetite
Our risk appetite remains broadly 
unchanged in 2015. Risk appetite is the 
level of risk the Group is willing to take to 
achieve its strategic objectives and is set 
by the Board. The Board looks at the 
Group’s appetite to risk across a number 
of areas including the property market, 
financing, operations, strategy and 
execution, developments, cybersecurity 
and technology and brand. 

The Group’s risk appetite is set in the 
context of our focus on one sector – 
prime shopping centres. As experts in  
this sector we are able to mitigate the  
risk involved in growing the business by 
acquisition, development and our active 

asset management strategy. This focus 
on our core strengths is balanced by a 
more cautious approach to risk in other 
areas. In financing we set a target Group 
debt-to-asset ratio of 40-50 per cent and 
require interest cover of more than  
160 per cent, giving us significant 
headroom against our loan covenants  
to ensure that we are in a strong position 
in the event of any substantial falls in 
property values. We continue to look to 
minimise interest rate risk with a policy  
of hedging at least 75 per cent of the 
exposure and seek to refinance debt early 
to reduce risk. This does not however 
prevent us looking at innovative debt 
structures that provide the Group with 
diverse funding options.

Risk management framework

Board

 — ensure that risk is managed across the business
 — define the Group’s appetite for risk
 — with the Executive Committee, assess the Group’s principal risks

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Audit Committee

 — monitor and review the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management system
 — monitor and review the Group’s overall approach to monitoring areas of risk

Risk and internal audit

 — lead the development of risk management
 — collate outputs of risk management exercises including risk registers for presentation  

to Audit Committee, Executive Committee and Board

 — identify emerging risks across the business

Executive Committee

 — input into Board’s process for setting risk appetite
 — implement strategy in line with the Group’s risk appetite
 — lead operational management’s approach to risk
 — with the Board, assess the Group’s principal risks

Operational management

 — implement and maintain risk management processes
 — produce and maintain risk registers including identification of risks, mitigating controls  

 — create an environment where risk management is embraced and the responsibility of  

risk management is accepted by all employees

and actions required

Employees

 — active in the day-to-day management of risk

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intugroup.co.uk

Governance

71

Risks are measured for impact and 
likelihood, and an assessment is made of 
how quickly the risks would impact the 
business and how long those risks would 
impact the business for. Impact and 
likelihood change as businesses and 
external factors evolve. intu’s ongoing  
risk management ensures that changes  
in impact and likelihood are identified  
and managed appropriately.

The risk registers created through this 
process are subject to at least an annual 
review, facilitated by the risk and internal 
audit team. Operational management  
are responsible for managing the risks 
and for updating the risk registers.  
The Audit Committee oversees the risk 
management process, receiving risk 
updates at least four times a year.

The principal risks identified by this 
process are discussed in more detail  
on pages 37 to 39.

Risk management process
intu’s Board has overall responsibility  
for risk management. The effectiveness  
of the risk management system is 
monitored and reviewed by the Audit 
Committee and through periodic  
external review. Risk management is 
embedded in intu’s culture, from cleaners 
making sure that the centres are free  
of hazards to the construction team 
ensuring the right contractors are 
selected for developments.

All businesses need to take risk in order  
to generate returns. Risk management 
assists in understanding the risks that  
we are taking; it does not try to prevent  
us from taking risks. Risks are identified 
and assessed to ascertain if they are 
within the acceptable risk appetite of  
the business. If not, action is taken to  
reduce the risk to an acceptable level. 

Our assessment of risk is underpinned by 
a formal risk review process conducted 
for each area and every level of the 
business including for each centre, each 
department and the executive team. 
These reviews identify risks and assess 
them for controllability and stability.

Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of The UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have 
assessed the prospects of the Company over a longer period than that required in adopting 
the going concern basis of accounting. Based on the result of this analysis, the Directors have  
a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the next five years. This period is considered appropriate 
because of the combination of the following factors:

 — the Group’s strategic plan covers 10 years, with a greater degree of detail and rigour 

applied to the first five years 

 — the Group’s weighted average unexpired lease term, which at 31 December 2015 was  

7.9 years

 — the Group’s weighted average debt maturity, which at 31 December 2015 was 7.8 years

 — the term of the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility, which currently extends to 2020

The strategic plan incorporates the Group’s strategic objectives and considers the impact of 
the principal risks. The plan considers net rental income, cash flows, development expenditure, 
potential corporate transactions and refinancing plans over the 10 year period. It highlights 
the impact of the relevant principal risks on key metrics such as debt to assets ratios, earnings 
per share and financial headroom and models the impact of potential corporate transactions 
and their impact. We also consider the impact on the Group’s financial position of changes in 
key input assumptions including asset values, income and refinancing. Key assumptions and 
sensitivities addressed include:

 — refinancing of debt; £1.6 billion (around 35 per cent) of the Group’s debt is due for 

repayment in the next five years

 — falls in the value of investment property of up to 25 per cent

 — falls in income of up to 10 per cent

Insurance renewal
As part of the renewal processes for  
2015, insurers were invited to visit intu 
centres to see the business in action.  
As a result significant interest was 
generated and a reduction in intu’s 
insurance renewal rates of more than  
£1 million on a like-for-like basis was 
achieved and passed on to tenants.

The site visits were accompanied by  
a detailed presentation highlighting  
how intu’s proactive approach reduces  
risk for both the insurers and the  
business, for example:

 — National Counter Terrorism Security 

Office links for all centres

 — documented crisis management plan 

and procedures

 — documented emergency plans, for 

example threat level response, business 
impact assessments

 — annual desktop testing of emergency 

plans for all centres

 — investing in ongoing training and 

development for employees to help 
them carry out responsibilities to  
a high standard

 — retailer duct work inspection process  

to mitigate risk of fire

 — independent fire surveys carried out  

at all managed centres

 — direct relationships with loss mitigation 

company to minimise the impact  
of incidents

 — 24-hour CCTV in use at all centres

 — police presence at centres including  
a number of police offices within  
the centres

72

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Audit Committee

Dear shareholder

As the Chairman of the Audit Committee 
it is my role to present to you the Audit 
Committee report for 2015. 

The Committee has this year continued  
to focus on risk management, particularly 
in relation to the evolving digital 
environment, our partners and joint 
ventures and our expanding operations  
in Spain. The Committee has carried out  
a comprehensive risk review with the 
results also presented to and discussed 
with the full Board. The Group’s approach 
to risk management is described in detail 
on pages 70 and 71 and the principal  
risks are detailed on pages 37 to 39.

Following our annual review of auditor 
quality and independence (see page 74 
for more detail), we have recommended 
that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)  
be reappointed for the 2016 audit.

The EU Audit Regulation (537/2014)  
and Audit Directive (2014/56/EU) become 
applicable from 17 June 2016 and must 
be implemented in the UK by the same 
date. These limit the length of tenure  
an audit firm can serve and put in place 
requirements for the audit tender 
process. PwC has been intu’s audit  
firm for more than 20 years and a tender 
process will be carried out to coincide 
with the end of the current audit partner’s 
five-year tenure such that a new audit 
firm will be in place for the year ending  
31 December 2018.

Adèle Anderson
Chairman of the Audit Committee
26 February 2016

Responsibilities
The Audit Committee’s key 
responsibilities are to monitor and review:

 — the integrity of the financial 

statements, including a review of 
the significant financial reporting 
judgements and accounting policies

 — the effectiveness of the Group’s 

internal control and risk management

 — the effectiveness of the internal  
audit function, including the  
work programme undertaken  
by the function

 — the Group’s policy on whistleblowing
 — the Group’s overall approach  
to monitoring areas of risk

 — the Company’s relationship with  
the external auditor, including  
its independence

Main activities during the year
The Audit Committee considered the 
following key matters in 2015:

 — the Group’s investment property 

valuation process

 — the Group’s cybersecurity plans
 — accounting treatment of the most 
significant transactions in the year 
including the acquisition of Puerto 
Venecia and subsequent creation  
of a joint venture with CPPIB

 — financial control of Spanish businesses
 — the 2015 internal audit plan and  

audit charter

 — the new viability statement
 — discussion on the appropriateness of 
those items classified as ‘exceptional’ 
in the year and therefore excluded 
from underlying earnings

 — the results of a review of the carrying 
value of the Group’s investment  
in Prozone

 — the Group’s counter-terrorism approach

Key Matters of 2015
 — cybersecurity
 — international operations
 — partners and joint ventures
 — viability statement

Members in 2015
Chairman 
Adèle Anderson  
(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Members 
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard  
(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Neil Sachdev 
(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Andrew Strang  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

Areas of focus in 2016
 — developments
 — international operations
 — partners and joint ventures

intugroup.co.uk

Governance

73

Fair, balanced and understandable
At the request of the Board, the Committee 
considered whether the 2015 annual report 
was fair, balanced and understandable  
and whether it provided the necessary 
information for shareholders to assess 
intu’s performance, business model, 
position and strategy. As part of its 
considerations the Committee took into 
account the preparation process detailed 
below which, together with opinions of key 
executives and the external auditor, has 
been designed to assist the Audit 
Committee in reaching its view:

 — at an early stage, a matrix is produced 

identifying key themes and the  
sections in which those themes  
should be reflected

 — individual sections of the annual  
report are drafted by appropriate  
senior management with regular  
review meetings to ensure consistency 
across the whole document

 — a verification process is undertaken  

to ensure that information contained  
is appropriately supported and  
factually accurate

 — detailed reviews of drafts of the annual 
report are undertaken by members of 
the Executive Committee and other 
senior management

 — drafts are discussed with the Group’s 

legal advisors and brokers

 — a final draft is reviewed by the Audit 

Committee and discussed with senior 
management prior to consideration  
by the Board

As a result of its considerations the 
Committee is satisfied that, taken  
as a whole, the annual report is fair,  
balanced and understandable and has 
recommended as such to the Board.

Key financial reporting and 
significant judgements
During the year the Committee  
discussed the planning, progress and  
final conclusions of the external audit 
process. The audit plan was reviewed  
and approved at the July 2015 Committee 
meeting. The significant risk areas 
identified were: investment property 
valuations; revenue recognition; and 
management override of controls. 
International Standards on Auditing  
(UK and Ireland) identify these latter  
two risks as significant for all companies. 

These issues were discussed by the 
Committee following finalisation  
of the audit.

The Committee takes into account  
the views of the external auditor in 
understanding and assessing whether 
suitable accounting policies have been 
adopted, whether management has 
made appropriate estimates and 
judgements and whether disclosures  
are balanced and fair. The main issues 
discussed by the Committee in the  
year are detailed in the table below. 

Issue

Action taken

Valuation of 
investment  
and development 
property

Presentation of 
information

Going concern

Viability 
statement

For the interim results at 30 June the Audit Committee carried out a review 
of the investment property valuations. The full Board carried out a review  
of the 31 December valuations included in this report.

Due to the overall importance of the valuations to the Group’s results,  
the relevant Audit Committee and Board meetings included a presentation  
from Cushman & Wakefield as part of the discussions considering the 
valuation process.

The Audit Committee review included discussion with management and  
the auditor of the key assumptions and results of the valuation process 
undertaken by the independent third party valuers. 

This review also included understanding which general factors had influenced 
the valuers in concluding on appropriate yields to use in the valuations. This 
involved factors affecting both the investment and occupier markets and 
recent comparable market transactions.

Particular emphasis was given to understanding the factors that had resulted 
in individual property valuations being either significantly above or below  
the average movement in the Group’s valuations. 

Operating through joint ventures is a core part of intu’s strategy. 
Management both review and monitor the business, including the Group’s 
share of joint ventures, on an individual line basis not on a post-tax profit or 
net investment basis. The figures and commentary presented in the strategic 
report have therefore been presented consistently with this management 
approach. Reconciliations between the management and statutory bases  
are provided in the other information section on pages 164 to 166.

The Committee has reviewed the prominence given to both statutory 
information and information on a management basis, and concluded that the 
approach adopted provides the most useful analysis of the results for the 
year.

The Company’s ‘going concern’ review which is based on an 18-month cash 
flow projection with particular focus on the next 12 months, was discussed 
with management. The projections cover the major trading cash flows, being 
rental income and interest expense, and capital expenditure plans in the 
context of the latest debt maturity profile.

Stress tests of the projections were considered, covering reductions in net 
rental income levels and the value of the Group’s properties and what impact 
such changes may have on both the Group’s liquidity and its ability to meet 
the financial covenants on its debt facilities. The discussion also considered 
what actions were available to the Group to mitigate the impact of such 
reductions on the cash flow projections.

Following discussions with management, the Committee agreed with the 
conclusions reached and the treatments relating to the above issues adopted 
in these financial statements.

In accordance with provision C.2.2 of The UK Corporate Governance Code, 
the Board has assessed the prospects of the Company over a longer period 
than that required in adopting the going concern basis of accounting. The 
viability statement is included on page 71 and sets out the conclusion of  
that assessment. The Audit Committee assessed the viability position and 
reported its recommendations to the Board.

74

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Audit Committee continued

External auditor
The Audit Committee has assessed  
the effectiveness of the external auditor, 
PwC, in line with the approach set out in 
the Financial Reporting Council’s Audit 
Quality Practice Aid. In carrying out their 
evaluation the Audit Committee has held 
discussions without the auditor, asked the 
auditor to explain the risks to audit quality 
that they have identified and their 
firm-wide controls relied upon, enquired 
about the findings from internal and 
external inspections of their audit, probed 
and challenged the auditor’s strategy and 
plan and discussed the outputs of the 
audit with the auditor. This included direct 
meetings, review of reporting issued by 
the external auditor and review of 
independent reports:

 — senior finance staff reviewed the 

detailed execution of the 2014 audit 
plan with the engagement team and 
identified specific improvements  
for the 2015 plan 

 — the report of the Financial Reporting 

Council (FRC)’s May 2015 Audit Quality 
Inspection review of PwC was reviewed 
and found to be supportive of the firm’s 
overall systems of quality control 
 — the Chairman of the Audit Committee 
and the Chief Financial Officer each 
met privately with a senior partner  
of PwC unrelated to the engagement 
shortly after the publication  
of the Group’s annual report to  
review the performance of the firm 
 — the Audit Committee reviewed the 

audit plan provided by PwC, including 
the risks identified and its approach  
to these

The Company has complied with the 
provisions of The Statutory Audit Services 
for Large Companies Market Investigation 
(Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender 
Processes and Audit Committee 
Responsibilities) Order 2014 and in doing 
so has applied the transitional provisions 
related to the audit tender process. PwC 
has been intu’s audit firm for more than 
20 years without a formal tender process 
having been completed in recent years.  
A tender process will be carried out to 
coincide with the end of the current audit 
partner’s five-year tenure such that a new 
audit firm will be in place for the year 
ending 31 December 2018. 

The EU Audit Regulation (537/2014) and 
Audit Directive (2014/56/EU) become 
applicable from 17 June 2016 and must  
be implemented in the UK by the same 
date. The above plans are in line with the 
requirements of these.

A resolution to reappoint PwC for the 
2016 audit will be proposed at the 2016 
annual general meeting.

The Committee will continue to review  
the effectiveness and independence of 
PwC each year.

Non-audit services
The Group has a policy to ensure that  
the provision of any non-audit services  
by the incumbent external auditor  
does not impair the external auditor’s 
independence or objectivity. 

The Audit Committee has considered the 
option of putting material non-audit work 
out to tender. While recognising that the 
circumstances of a particular transaction 
may make it most sensible to use the 
incumbent external auditor for such work 
(for example where the nature of the 
transaction would not allow a new firm 
sufficient time to assimilate the requisite 
knowledge of the Group’s operations in 
order to carry out the non-audit work),  
the Audit Committee has recommended 
that non-audit work should be undertaken 
by someone other than the external 
auditor wherever practical.

The Audit Committee has delegated to 
the Executive Directors the authority to 
contract for non-audit services with the 
external auditor subject to observing 
certain guidelines including:

 — Executive Directors have the authority 
to commission the external auditor 
to undertake non-audit work up to a 
specified value 

 —  the Executive Directors must consider 
whether the proposed arrangements 
will maintain audit independence
 —   the external auditor must satisfy 
the Company that it is acting 
independently

Details of the amounts paid to the external 
auditor for audit and non-audit services  
are included in note 9 to the financial 
statements. The Company engaged PwC  
to carry out certain non-audit work in 2015 
including assurance services in respect of 
the Group’s 2015 interim report and  
work associated with the listing of Puerto 
Venecia, Zaragoza as a SOCIMI in Spain.

The above safeguards were adhered to 
when awarding this non-audit work and 
PwC were chosen for the work on Puerto 
Venecia as this primarily related to 
producing interim review reports for the 
entities in the structure. Fees paid to PwC  
in respect of non-audit work represented  
15 per cent of the total fees paid. During 
2015 the Group used accounting firms other 
than PwC for a number of assignments.

The EU Audit Regulation (537/2014)  
and Audit Directive (2014/56/EU), which 
come into force on 17 June 2016, impose 
restrictions on certain non-audit services.  
A number of non-audit services will be 
prohibited and others will require approval 
by the Audit Committee. There will be  
an overall fee limit of 70 per cent of the 
average of audit fees charged in the past 
three years, though this and other rules are 
expected to be subject to transitional 
arrangements and it is anticipated that 
non-audit services required under EU or 
national regulation will be excluded from 
this test. Further to recent consultations  
the UK regulator is expected to release the 
final text on the implementation of these 
directives in the UK in the second quarter  
of 2016. intu’s current policy on non-audit 
services set out above continues in force  
for the time being. As soon as there is  
more clarity on the new regulations, and  
in particular which services are impacted,  
intu will review its policy and make any 
necessary amendments to comply with  
the new rules.

The table below summarises the fees paid 
to auditors over the last three years. The 
three-year average ratio of non-audit fees 
to audit fees is 109 per cent. The higher 
levels of non-audit fees in 2013 and 2014 
principally related to reporting accountant 

Audit fees
Non-audit fees
Total fees paid to auditors
Ratio of non-audit fees to audit fees

2015
£000

628
96
724
15%

2014
£000

566
1,034
1,640
190%

2013
£000

370
573
943
155%

intugroup.co.uk

Governance

75

Audit Committee effectiveness
As part of the Board evaluation process, 
the Audit Committee reviewed its own 
effectiveness and this confirmed that  
the Committee remained effective at 
meeting its objectives.

Adèle Anderson
Chairman of the Audit Committee
26 February 2016

work in respect of raising debt and the 
2014 rights issue. This analysis does not 
remove certain non-audit fees which may 
be excluded from the calculation of the 
ratio when it comes into force in 2016.

Risk management and  
internal control
The Board has overall responsibility to 
oversee the Group’s system of internal 
control and to keep its effectiveness 
under review, as well as to determine the 
nature and extent of the risks it is willing 
to take in achieving its strategic objectives 
based on the balance of potential risks 
and reward. The Group’s approach to  
risk management is described in detail  
on pages 70 to 71 and the principal risks 
are detailed on pages 37 to 39.

The Board conducts an annual  
review of the effectiveness of the risk 
management and internal control 
systems. During this review the Board  
has not identified nor been made aware 
of any failing or weakness which it has 
determined to be significant.

The key elements taken into account  
in this review include:

 — the Group’s internal audit function’s 
work during the year (see below)

 — the Group’s risk management  
process (see pages 70 to 71)

 — the Group’s controls over its financial 

reporting process including: the 
comprehensive system for reporting 
results to the Board; the process for 
producing the consolidated financial 
statements; and the experience and 
quality of the team involved in the 
financial reporting processes

Internal audit
The Group has a risk and internal audit 
function which reports to the Audit 
Committee. The risk and internal audit 
function reviews internal controls and 
reports to the Audit Committee on 
whether such controls are in place and 
are being operated effectively. The 
function covers intu properties plc  
and its subsidiaries and joint ventures.

The risk and internal audit function has  
a rolling programme of reviews ensuring 
that all centres, functions and areas of 
the business are reviewed regularly. The 
most significant areas covered in 2015 
included shopping centre healthchecks 
(or follow-up reviews) at six centres, a 

post-acquisition review of Puerto  
Venecia, Zaragoza, information and 
communication technology change 
management, valuations, construction 
and development, treasury and anti-
terrorism processes. Additionally, annual 
assurance activities were performed, 
including a review of gifts and hospitality 
and executive expenses. 

The Audit Committee regularly reviews 
the effectiveness of the risk and internal 
audit function and in particular ensures 
that the function remains sufficiently 
independent of the wider business to 
ensure it can carry out its work effectively. 
An independent review of the risk and 
internal audit function is carried out every 
five years and was last performed at the 
end of 2013. An external review of the 
Group’s risk management process was 
carried out during 2015 as discussed in 
the focus on risk section on page 70.

Whistleblowing policy
The Audit Committee is responsible for 
overseeing the Group’s whistleblowing 
policy and procedures, under which 
employees can raise concerns about 
possible improprieties (whether financial 
or otherwise) within the Group on a 
confidential basis. The arrangements are 
monitored by the committee throughout 
the year. All whistleblowing incidents are 
reported to the Committee and fully 
investigated with procedures reviewed 
and improved where appropriate.

During 2015, the Committee:
 — continued to review the scope, 

resourcing and application of the 
existing whistleblowing policy to make 
sure this remained appropriate to intu’s 
operations and employees

 — extended the policy to cover the 
Group’s operations in Spain, in 
particular Puerto Venecia,  
Zaragoza acquired in January 2015

 — initiated a process to extend the 

Group’s policy to include key suppliers

There were two whistleblowing  
incidents relating to the intu Group  
during 2015. The first related to alleged 
misuse of CCTV and was found to be 
unsubstantiated. The outcome was not 
challenged by the original complainant. 
The second, an allegation against a  
staff member, was not corroborated by 
evidence on investigation, but has been 
noted by the Audit Committee for 
follow-up action.

76

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Nomination and 
Review Committee

Dear shareholder

2015 has been an important and  
busy year for the Committee. 

As Chairman of the Committee it is my 
responsibility to ensure that we follow  
a robust process and best governance 
practice whenever key decisions are taken 
by this Committee, in particular relating 
to new appointments.

The Committee’s main 
focus in 2015 was the 
composition of the Board 
and succession planning

The Committee was pleased to 
recommend the appointments of  
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard and John 
Strachan to the Board with effect from  
7 October 2015. The Board is already 
benefiting from their respective expertise 
in digital and global real estate areas.

ensure that a range of suitable candidates 
is taken into account when drawing up 
shortlists. The priority of the Committee 
is to ensure that the Group continues to 
have the most effective Board possible 
and all appointments to the Board are 
made on merit against objective criteria. 

As a result of the changes in Directors, 
intu now has 25 per cent female 
representation on the Board. The Board  
is supportive of Lord Davies’s aspirational 
target of 33 per cent female Board 
representation by 2020. Further 
information regarding our diversity  
policy is set out below. 

Responsibilities and how they were 
discharged in 2015 
The principal role of the Nomination  
and Review Committee is to evaluate  
the skills available on the Board and  
to determine when appointments and 
retirements are appropriate. 

In addition to its key responsibilities  
set out above, the Committee is also 
responsible for carrying out the annual 
performance evaluation of the Board, its 
Committees and individual Directors, as 
well as making recommendations to the 
Board on appointments to the Board, 
including the induction programme for 
newly appointed Directors, and on 
succession planning. 

The Committee met three times in 2015 
with its main focus on the composition  
of the Board and succession planning. 

Statement on diversity policy 
The Nomination and Review Committee, 
and the Board, recognise the importance 
of boardroom diversity and the 
Committee’s policy is to seek to  

Board composition 
The Committee’s discussions regarding 
the composition of the Board continued 
to be framed by the Company’s previously 
stated goal of reducing the overall size of 
the Board. The Committee is satisfied 
that the balance of skills, knowledge  
and experience on the Board and its 
Committees is appropriate following  
the appointment of the new Non-
Executive Directors in October. The 
Committee has begun the process of 
planning for the retirements at the  
AGM in 2017 of the Chairman and  
Senior Independent Director. 

Appointment of John Strachan
The Committee considers that John 
Strachan is fully independent. The 
Committee has taken account of the fact 
that John was, until December 2015, a 
partner of Cushman & Wakefield which  
is one of several real estate advisory firms 
which carries out valuation work for intu. 
He continues on a limited consultancy 
basis with Cushman & Wakefield, serving 
as a member of the International Council 
of Shopping Centres. 

John has in the past provided strategic 
advice to intu, notably in relation to the 
Group’s entry into Spain, but he has not 
had any direct involvement in valuation 
work carried out by Cushman & Wakefield 
for intu during the three years prior to  
his appointment. 

Highlights of 2015
 — Appointment of Rakhi (Parekh)  

Goss-Custard and John Strachan  
in October

 — Changes to Board Committee 

governance in line with  
new appointments

 — Advanced medium-term  
succession planning and  
governance risk assessment

Members in 2015
Chairman 

Patrick Burgess 
(Chairman of the Board)

Members

Andrew Huntley 
(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Louise Patten 
(Independent Non-Executive Director) 
Neil Sachdev 
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

Areas of focus 2016
 — Continued refreshing of  

Board composition in line with 
succession plans

 — Commencement of process for new 
Chairman to be appointed in 2017

intugroup.co.uk

Governance

77

The Board also recognises the need for 
Directors to keep up to date with relevant 
legislative and regulatory developments 
as well as changes to corporate 
governance best practice and investor 
expectations. The Company Secretary 
reports to each Board meeting on these 
matters, drawing attention to any issues 
of particular relevance. In addition, the 
Company Secretary maintains an 
up-to-date comprehensive schedule 
summarising legislative and regulatory 
developments relevant to the Company 
and rated according to risk/impact on  
the Group, which is available to the  
Board and senior management. 

Patrick Burgess
Chairman
26 February 2016

Induction for new Directors
There is a comprehensive induction 
programme for new directors which is 
tailored by the Chairman, in consultation 
with the Chief Executive and Company 
Secretary, depending on the type of 
appointment. The programme ordinarily 
includes meetings with Board members, 
senior management and external advisers, 
as well as a high-level review of all current 
projects, Board strategy and an in-depth 
review of the Group’s assets. Additional 
elements are added to the programme on 
discussion between the Chairman and the 
individual Director. 

Where required, the Company Secretary 
provides guidance or facilitates the 
provision of training on Directors’ duties 
under the Companies Act 2006 and on 
legal, regulatory and governance matters 
with which the Company, Board and 
individual Directors must comply. 

Talent development
Talent development is a key focus of the 
Committee and a comprehensive talent 
and leadership development programme, 
including succession planning, has been 
implemented for senior management 
across the entire Group. The Committee 
receives regular update reports regarding 
progress and remains confident in the 
future potential of the Group’s most 
promising executives and staff. 

Renewal of Non-Executive 
appointments
All Directors, other than Neil Sachdev 
who is stepping down, will submit 
themselves for election or re-election  
at the forthcoming annual general 
meeting in May 2016. 

Training and development
The Chairman, with the assistance of  
the Nomination and Review Committee, 
regularly considers the need for Directors 
to update and expand their skills and 
knowledge. Training is provided for 
Non-Executive Directors in the form  
of presentations at Board meetings, as 
well as attendance at relevant seminars 
and courses. 

Performance evaluation 
Every year, the Board conducts an evaluation of the performance of the Board and its Committees. In addition, the Chairman reviews the 
performance of each Director and the Senior Independent Director oversees the review of the Chairman’s performance. The evaluation exercise 
conducted during 2014 identified three areas requiring attention during 2015. Progress against those areas is shown in the table below:

Areas identified for attention in 2015

Action taken

Board succession planning

Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard and John Strachan were appointed in the year in anticipation of forthcoming 
retirements from the Board

Enhancing Board communication

Board members have taken every opportunity to meet, formally or informally, on numerous occasions throughout 
the year in order to enhance communication and forge stronger relationships. This has included additional centre 
visits, including to the Group’s Spanish centres as further described on page 59

Risk as a standard agenda item

The Audit Committee discusses risk as a standard agenda item at each meeting

2015 performance evaluation
The 2015 performance evaluation was conducted by way of an internal questionnaire, with the expectation that the 2016 evaluation will be 
conducted by an external facilitator. The key points identified in 2015 formed the basis for recommendations which the Board used to establish 
a specific action plan for 2016. The main areas covered by the action plan are: 

 — succession and development planning – planning for the forthcoming retirement of the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director
 — Nomination and Review Committee – increase in number of meetings and Board succession as a standard agenda item
 — Board Committees – review of Board Committees’ terms of reference, and in particular a review of the interaction between the Capital 

Projects Committee and the Board

78

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration 
report

Dear shareholder 

I am pleased to present intu’s 2015 
Directors’ remuneration report to you, 
which has been prepared by the 
Remuneration Committee and 
approved by the Board.

This is my first year as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee and I would 
like to thank Neil Sachdev for his work 
as Committee Chairman prior to my 
appointment. The substantive review  
of our remuneration arrangements,  
which Neil oversaw during 2012, was  
well received by shareholders and we 
have been pleased to have received  
a consistently positive response from 
shareholders to our remuneration 
approach. This is in large part due to Neil’s 
guidance and hard work during his tenure. 

Results and context of remuneration
intu continues to focus on delivering 
long-term strategic objectives. In 2015  
we have seen benefits from this focus, 
with the return to positive like-for-like  
net rental income growth and  
strong operating metrics that have 
outperformed national benchmarks.  
We have also delivered a total 

shareholder return of 10 per cent and 
have received excellent customer 
feedback and improved customer metrics 
at our newly opened developments. We 
continue to develop our in-house digital 
operations and are at the forefront of our 
sector in terms of digital and customer 
experience. While achieving these results 
we have maintained financial headroom 
throughout the year. Our forward-looking 
financial strategy is well progressed and 
we have made significant progress in the 
Spanish market. 

Remuneration policy
We are not proposing to make any 
changes to our Directors’ remuneration 
policy this year. Our Directors’ 
remuneration policy, which was approved 
by shareholders at the 2014 annual 
general meeting, will continue to apply 
for a third year. In the interests of succinct 
reporting we have not reproduced the  
full policy report. A summary table, 
setting out an overview of remuneration 
elements and policy for 2015 is included 
in the body of the report. The approved 
policy table is included at the end of this 
report for ease of reference. The full 
policy report can be found on our website, 
intugroup.co.uk. In 2016 we will be 

Key areas of focus and decisions in 2015 and for 2016

The key decisions made in applying our policies in 2015 and for 2016 included the following:

 — the Chief Executive’s salary will be increased by 3.9 per cent to £587,000, and the 

Chief Financial Officer’s salary by 4 per cent to £463,320. The average salary increase  
for executive directors was lower than the average increase for other staff in the business

 — the annual bonus awarded to the Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 
2015 was 114.4 per cent of salary representing 95.3 per cent of maximum opportunity, 
based on EPS performance in the year and the achievement of key strategic objectives
 — the first tranche of the 2013 PSP award is due to vest at 37.6 per cent, reflecting intu’s 
strong Absolute Total Return (NAV per share plus dividends) over a three-year period
 — no changes have been made to the performance measures for the annual bonus and 

performance share plan

 — performance share plan awards of 250 per cent of salary were made to each of the 

Executive Directors. These will only vest subject to the achievement of stretching Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) and Absolute Total Return performance conditions, over  
three, four and five years

 — all incentive awards in respect of 2015 have malus and clawback provisions under  
which incentive amounts delivered to the Executive Directors may be reclaimed in  
certain circumstances

Members and meetings in 2015

Remuneration 
Committee1
(6 meetings)

A

6

6

6

1

B

6

5

6

1

Louise Patten (Chairman 
– appointed 9 November 
2015) (Independent 
Non-Executive Director)
Neil Sachdev (Stepped 
down as Chairman 
9 November 2015)
(Independent 
Non-Executive Director)
Adèle Anderson
(Independent  
Non-Executive Director)
Andrew Huntley 
(with effect from 
9 November 2015)
(Independent 
Non-Executive Director)

A = Maximum number of meetings eligible to attend.
B = Number of meetings actually attended.
1 

  The Committee normally invites the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive to attend the scheduled 
meetings. The Chairman attended five of the 
scheduled meetings in 2015. The Chief Executive 
attended all of the six scheduled meetings. No 
individual is present when his or her 
remuneration is being determined.

Remuneration governance  
aligned features

Malus provisions for both the annual  
bonus and the PSP 

Clawback provision for both the  
annual bonus and the PSP 

Time horizon extending to five  
years for a portion of the PSP 

Full retrospective disclosure of 
annual bonus financial targets 
including minimum and maximum 
target range 

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

79

undertaking a review of the Policy ahead 
of submitting it to shareholder vote at the 
2017 annual general meeting, as required 
by regulations. We would consult with 
shareholders prior to any substantive 
changes to our policy.

Shareholder annual  
general meeting 
The Directors’ remuneration report  
will be put to the shareholder vote at  
our 2016 AGM and we look forward  
to receiving your views and support.

Louise Patten
Chairman of the  
Remuneration Committee
26 February 2016

Alignment with long-term success
The Committee believes that our 
remuneration philosophy and incentive 
policy is aligned with the long-term 
success of the Company. Our long-term 
incentive plan has time horizons 
extending to five years, and 50 per cent  
of our annual bonus is deferred into 
shares. Performance pay is linked to:

 — out-performance of total shareholder 

return (TSR) against our peers
 — delivering absolute total return  

for our shareholders
 — annual EPS performance
 — achievement of our strategic initiatives 
that will build value for the longer term

Compliance statement
This is the Directors’ remuneration report 
of the Company which has been produced 
pursuant to, and in accordance with, the 
Listing Rules, section 420 of the Companies 
Act 2006 and Schedule 8 to the Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 
(as amended 2013). The Company also 
complies with the requirements of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’).

This report contains both auditable and 
non-auditable information. The information 
subject to audit is set out in the Directors’ 
remuneration report, in sections marked 
with §. 

A copy of our shareholder-approved 
Directors’ remuneration policy can  
be found on the Company’s website  
at intugroup.co.uk/who-we-are/
governance/corporate-policies

Overview of Executive Director remuneration 
An overview of the key remuneration elements in place for Executive Directors is set out below. We have made no changes to the 
operation of our policy this year. 

Key elements

Summary of policy

Details of policy for 2016

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Base salary

Pension  
and benefits

 — Salaries are reviewed annually and will take  

 — Salaries for 2016 are:

into account factors such as: market pay levels  
for the role, increases for the rest of the Group 
and individual and Company performance

 – David Fischel, Chief Executive: £587,000
 – Matthew Roberts, Chief Financial Officer: £463,320
 — This is in line with increases to staff across the business

 — The Company operates an approved defined contribution pension arrangement, where the contribution 
is 24 per cent of basic salary. The Chief Executive receives an extra six per cent in recognition of the 
benefit foregone on the closure of the defined benefit scheme

 — Benefits include a car allowance (up to £18,000), private medical insurance, life assurance and long-term 

sickness insurance

Short-term 
Short-term 
Annual bonus
incentive
incentive

Vesting period

 — Maximum opportunity of 120 per cent of salary
 — A proportion earned is deferred into intu shares, 

which vest over two and three years subject to 
continued employment

 — At least two-thirds of this award is based on 
Group financial measures or quantitative key 
performance measures

 — For 2016 performance is based two-thirds on 

EPS and one-third on strategic and operational 
objectives. This is the same framework which 
applied for 2015

 — 50 per cent of the award deferred into shares

Long-term 
incentives

Vesting period

 — The normal maximum grant size is 250 per 
cent of salary per annum; however this may 
be increased to 375 per cent in exceptional 
circumstances

 — Awards under the plan vest one-third after 

each of three, four and five years

 — Awards of 250 per cent of salary
 — For 2016, the awards will be based:

 – 50 per cent on TSR relative to the top five 

listed REITs 

 – 50 per cent on Absolute Total Return  
(NAV per share growth plus dividends)

 — Targets unchanged from 2015

Shareholding
guidelines

 — Executive Directors must build up, over a period of three to five years, a holding with a value equivalent 

to 200 per cent of salary (Chief Executive) and 150 per cent of salary (Chief Financial Officer)

80

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Annual remuneration report

This report sets out how the Directors’ remuneration policy of the Company has been applied in the year and details of how the 
Committee intends to apply the policy going forward. In accordance with section 439 of the Companies Act 2006, an advisory 
shareholder resolution to approve this report will be proposed at the 2016 annual general meeting of the Company. Subsections 
marked with § have been audited in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.

Key responsibilities
The principal role of the Remuneration Committee is to determine and then agree with the Board the framework and policy for the 
remuneration of the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chairman of the Company and such other members of the 
executive management as it is tasked to consider.

Key principles of remuneration policy
The Company’s remuneration policy aims to attract, motivate and retain high-calibre executives by rewarding them appropriately 
with competitive compensation and benefit packages. The policy seeks to align the interests of Executive Directors with the 
performance of the Company and the interests of its shareholders. 

Our incentive arrangements are designed to reward performance on our key performance indicators. Our aim is to focus 
management on delivering sustainable long-term performance and support the retention of critical talent.

Total remuneration in 2015 §
The table below sets out the total remuneration received by each Director for the year to 31 December 2015. 

Director

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Salary or fees
£000

Benefits
£000

Annual bonus 
(cash and 
deferred shares)
£000

Long-term 
incentive 
(PSP)
£000

Pension
£000

Total
remuneration
£000

Executive
David Fischel
Matthew Roberts
Chairman
Patrick Burgess
Independent Non-Executive
Adèle Anderson 
Andrew Huntley
Louise Patten
Neil Sachdev
Andrew Strang
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard
(appointed 7 October 2015)
John Strachan
(appointed 7 October 2015)
Other Non-Executive
Richard Gordon
John Whittaker1
Total

560
442

545
427

20
20

20
20

646
510

425
327

259
199

407

400

78
79
70
91
63

15

14

76
77
66
89
61

–

–

8

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

7

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

58
–
1,877

56
–
1,797

–
–
48

–
–
47

–
–
1,156

–
–
752

–
–
458

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

168
106

164 1,653 1, 154
103 1,277
877

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
274

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

415

407

78
79
70
91
63

15

14

76
77
66
89
61

–

–

–
–

58
–

56
–
267 3,813 2,863

1 

 John Whittaker did not receive any remuneration in 2015 or 2014 in connection with his position as Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Company. 
A management fee of £207,500 was paid to Peel Management Limited for the provision by Peel of management and advisory services, as further described on page 89.

The figures have been calculated as follows:
 — Base salary: amount earned for the year.
 — Benefits: the taxable value of annual benefits received in the year. The main benefits are life assurance, long-term sickness insurance, private healthcare and company 

car cash allowance. The value of the company car cash allowance is £18,000.

 — Pension: the value of the Company’s contribution during the year (30 per cent salary supplement in lieu of contributions for the Chief Executive, 24 per cent SIPP 

contribution, part taken as a salary supplement in lieu of SIPP contributions, for the Chief Financial Officer).

 — Annual bonus (cash and deferred): the value at grant of the annual incentive payable for performance over 2015.
 — PSP: awards made in 2013, one third subject to each of three-, four- and five-year performance periods. The amount shown is the amount due to vest in respect of the first 
tranche, with a three-year performance period to 31 December 2015 and calculated using a three month average share price of £3.28. Further information regarding the 
vesting can be found on page 83. 

 
intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

81

Performance out-turns and incentives
Annual bonus §
The maximum award for both the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer in 2015 was 120 per cent of salary, of which 50 per cent 
is deferred for two and three years. This will remain unchanged for 2016.

Annual bonus payments are based on pre-determined performance measures. Two-thirds is based on adjusted EPS performance in 
the year, split evenly between performance versus budget and prior year figures. The overall structure ensures that the maximum 
EPS related bonus is only achievable if management deliver both the Board’s expectations for the year and if there is an increase in 
EPS on the prior year.

The remaining third is based on achievement of strategic and operational objectives against a scorecard of measures. The 
Remuneration Committee considers the objectives carefully each year to align with intu’s strategic objectives, and include 
quantitatively assessed financial and operational measures and milestones. Each objective relates directly to the strategic plan. 
Under the scorecard approach, the weightings of each objective vary between Executive Directors to reflect their roles and 
responsibilities. For 2016, the scorecard will include objectives in the following key areas:

 — optimising assets
 — key capital expenditure projects
 — building the intu brand and delivering customer experience
 — maximising the growth opportunities internationally
 — financial flexibility
 — talent development and staff engagement.

Annual bonus – 2015 out-turn §
Performance against the targets for the 2015 short-term incentive arrangements is given below. As in previous years, full 
retrospective disclosure of financial targets is provided.

Performance element

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Adjusted EPS vs. budget
Adjusted EPS vs. prior year

33%
33%

12.5p
100%

13.2p
102.5%

13.9p
105%

Target

2015 
performance

14.2p
106.8%

Out-turn
(% max element)

100%
100%

Scorecard of strategic and  
operational measures 
Total

33% See details of scorecard achievements

David Fischel Matthew Roberts
86%
95.3%

86%
95.3%

The strategic objectives in the annual bonus are a key part of the remuneration framework for incentivising and rewarding 
achievements and milestones which are the foundation for value creation in the future. The Committee follows a rigorous 
process in the setting and monitoring of scorecard objectives and then exercises judgement in assessing performance in the 
key areas selected. This includes determination of objectives by reference to the approved Board strategy, quarterly reviews of 
quantitative and qualitative data, and an end of year full review with supporting evidence, to ensure a robust assessment of 
performance against the objectives.

 
 
82

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

For 2015, the scorecard weightings and out-turns were as follows: 

Scorecard

Weighting

Summary achievement against objectives

(Including specific objectives 
under each area of focus)

Optimising performance 
of existing assets

David 
Fischel

25%

Matthew 
Roberts

20%

 — Delivery of key strategic priorities, including year-on-year improvement in 

net rental income in 2015

 — Material outperformance of IPD index and other industry benchmarks
 — Strong regional and centre specific strategic delivery, together with active 

management initiatives, contributing to strong pan-portfolio performance in 
UK and Spain

UPPER QUARTILE ACHIEVEMENT

Progress on key capital 
expenditure projects

20%

20%

 — Good progress with existing centre developments, with construction phases at both 

intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham (restaurants and reconfigurations) and intu Potteries, 
Stoke-on-Trent (cinema and restaurants) completed to schedule 

 — Renovation projects commenced at intu Bromley, intu Eldon Square and 

intu Metrocentre 

 — Improvements to forecast returns, including yields, for extensions and renovated 

centres through construction phases

 — Achievement of planning and pre-construction milestones for Charter Place 

redevelopment at intu Watford, commencing construction in early 2016 and supported 
by exchange for anchor tenancy with Debenhams; planning progress made for 
extension at intu Broadmarsh, Nottingham, on track to commence construction in 2017

UPPER QUARTILE ACHIEVEMENT

Branding and 
customer relationships

20%

15%

 — Significant outperformance across net promoter score performance measures and 

targets in year, following introduction in 2014 

 — Clear improvement against new ‘Baseline Spontaneous Awareness’ metric
 — Continued integration of digital offering, including further strengthening of online, 
wifi and mobile infrastructure and content in accordance with digital strategy
 — Strong performance by digital operations against financial budget and traffic 

KPI measures

UPPER QUARTILE ACHIEVEMENT

Financial flexibility

10%

20%

 — Maintained financial flexibility throughout 2015, exceeding the Board’s minimum 

International growth 
opportunity

headroom threshold throughout year

 — Centre-specific refinancing projects successfully delivered
 — Financing strategy for 2016 and subsequent years well progressed, in particular for 

newly acquired Spanish centres and development pipeline

15%

15%

MAXIMUM ACHIEVEMENT
 — Spanish centres both delivering net rental income improvements, and valuation uplifts 

in excess of forecast at acquisition

 — Acquisition and integration of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza delivered, with strategic joint 

venture with existing partner CPPIB agreed in June

 — Planning approval for intu Costa del Sol advancing well, with regional government 

approval anticipated in 2016

UPPER QUARTILE ACHIEVEMENT

Talent development 
and staff engagement

10%

10%

 — Strong improvement in employee satisfaction, by 23 points to 769 (2014: 747)
 — ‘Second tier’ talent management initiative delivered to support the leadership 

development program commenced in 2014

 — Phased introduction of enhanced leadership training modules

UPPER QUARTILE ACHIEVEMENT

The resulting total short-term incentive payouts for David Fischel and Matthew Roberts in respect of 2015 were 114.4 per cent and 
114.4 per cent of salary (95.3 per cent and 95.3 per cent of maximum opportunity), respectively.

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

83

Deferral into shares
50 per cent of the 2015 short-term incentive for both David Fischel and Matthew Roberts was deferred into shares of the Company.

Executive Directors must remain in employment with the Company for a period of two years (half of award) and three years  
(half of award) after the date of award before such shares are released.

Long-term incentives §
Awards with performance periods ending in the year – Performance Share Plan (PSP)
The LTIP awards shown in the single figure relate to the first tranche of the 2013 PSP awards which is due to vest in May 2016. 
The second and third tranches of this award are due to vest in May 2017 and May 2018 respectively.

The performance condition was as follows:

 — half of awards vest by reference to TSR relative to the top-five UK-listed REITs with 25 per cent minimum vesting for TSR in line 
with the third-ranked company; vesting of 60 per cent for TSR in line with the second-ranked company; full vesting for TSR in 
line with the top-ranked company; and straight line vesting between points, proportionate to TSR achieved. This portion is also 
subject to a committee-operated discretionary assessment of underlying financial performance 

 — half of the awards vest by reference to Absolute Total Return (NAV growth per share plus dividends) with 25 per cent minimum 
vesting for 6 per cent per annum; full vesting for 10 per cent per annum; straight-line vesting in between). Awards will lapse for 
growth of less than 6 per cent per annum

Over the three-year period to 31 December 2015:

 — intu’s TSR was ranked 6th against the comparator group resulting in 0 per cent vesting for this element of the tranche. 

 — Absolute Total Return was 8.7 per cent per annum resulting in 75.3 per cent vesting for this element of the tranche. 

Based on the above performance the Remuneration Committee has determined that 37.6 per cent of the first tranche of the 
2013 PSP awards will vest in May 2016.

Awards granted during the year §
This table summarises awards granted during the year in March 2015:

Individual

Type of interest

£

% of salary

Face value of 2015 award*

David Fischel

Matthew Roberts
David Fischel

Matthew Roberts

PSP**  
(nil cost options)

Deferred  
bonus award  
(restricted shares)

1,364,000

250%

1,075,000
213,000

250%
38.3%

169,000

38.3%

% vesting 
at threshold

Performance period end

3 years

4 years

5 years

31 December
 2017
31 December
 2017

31 December
 2018
31 December
 2018

31 December
 2019
31 December
 2019

25%

25%

*  Face value calculated using an average share price at date of grant of £3.49 for the PSP and £3.49 for the Deferred Bonus Award.
**   Vesting of awards is based 50 per cent on relative TSR and 50 per cent on Absolute Total Return (NAV growth per share plus dividends) performance, with targets equivalent 

to the 2016 award.

84

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Awards for 2016
Awards for 2016 will be 250 per cent of salary.

Awards under the plan vest one-third after each of three, four and five years. 

A summary of the applicable targets are as follows:

Absolute Total Return
(NAV growth per share plus dividends)
(50% of award)

Minimum vesting (25% of element vesting) 6 per cent per annum
Full vesting (100% of element vesting)

10 per cent per annum
Straight line vesting between points

Total Shareholder Return relative to top-five UK-listed REITs
(50% of award)

TSR in line with the third-ranked company
TSR in line with the top-ranked company
Straight line vesting between points, proportionate  
to TSR achieved, with 60% vesting for TSR in line with  
the second-ranked company. Subject to a Committee-
operated discretionary assessment of underlying  
financial performance

Malus and clawback
Shares awarded under the deferred bonus plan and the performance share plan are subject to malus provisions. The Committee 
may apply malus at its discretion in circumstances including (but not limited to):

 — a material misstatement of the Company’s audited financial results
 — a material failure of risk management by the Company, any Group company or business unit
 — a material breach of any applicable health and safety or environmental regulations by the Company, any Group company  

or business unit

 — serious reputational damage to the Company, any Group company or business unit
 — serious misconduct of the individual

The annual bonus and the performance share plan (PSP) are also subject to clawback provisions. The Committee may at its 
discretion seek to apply clawback in circumstances of:

 — a material misstatement of the Company’s audited financial results where the individual is responsible or accountable  

(and where Executive Directors would always be deemed to have management responsibility)

 — serious misconduct of the individual

Clawback provisions may be applied up to two years following the determination of the annual incentive and up to one further 
year following vesting for awards under the performance share plan. Taking into account the three, four and five year vesting 
timescales, this means that PSP awards may be reclaimed for up to four, five and six years, respectively, from the date of award.

Other share scheme information
The Company operates an employee share ownership plan (‘ESOP’) which has in the past used funds provided to purchase shares 
required under the annual bonus scheme.

The Company operates a share incentive plan (‘SIP’) for all eligible employees, including Executive Directors, who may receive up to 
£3,600 worth of shares as part of their annual bonus arrangements. As part of the SIP arrangements, the Company offers eligible 
employees the opportunity to participate in a ‘partnership’ share scheme, the terms of which are governed by HM Revenue & 
Customs regulations.

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

85

Season ticket loan
All employees of the Group are entitled to an interest-free travel season ticket loan which is repaid over the year via deductions  
from salary. Neither David Fischel nor Matthew Roberts received a season ticket or other loan from the Group during 2015.

Chief Executive pay increase in relation to all employees
The table below sets out details of the percentage change in salary, benefits and annual bonus for Chief Executive and wider 
employee comparator group. For these purposes, head office employees (who have been in employment over both periods)  
have been used as a comparator group as this is considered to be a reasonable, practical sub-set of the all-employee population.

Chief Executive

Head office employees

Percentage change in remuneration from  
31 December 2014 to 31 December 2015

Percentage change
 in base salary

Percentage change
 in benefits

Percentage change
 in annual bonus

3.6%

5.7%

(0.7)%

0.7%

51.9%

33.6%

Shareholding and share interests §
Executive Directors must build up, over a period of three to five years, a holding of intu shares with a value equivalent to  
200 per cent of salary (David Fischel) and 150 per cent of salary (Matthew Roberts). This requirement has been effective  
from 1 January 2013.

The graph below illustrates the shareholdings of the Executive Directors as a percentage of salary. Note that only actual holdings 
count towards the shareholding requirements. Shares subject to deferral and/or performance conditions have also been shown 
for reference.

Shareholding of intu ordinary shares as at 31 December 2015 (% of salary)*

David Fischel

Matthew 
Roberts

0
£000

250

500

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

Actual shareholding
Deferred shares
Unexercised share options (vested)
Shares subject to performance conditions
Shareholding requirement

*  Value of shareholding calculated based on 12 month average share price to 31 December 2015. 

As shown above, both David Fischel and Matthew Roberts have exceeded their shareholding requirements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

The table below sets out the Directors’ interests in shares as at 31 December 2015. 

Number of shares owned 
(including connected persons)

Conditional shares not subject 
to performance conditions

Unvested awards

Vested awards

Executive
David Fischel
Matthew Roberts

Held in 
own name

993,534
213,133

Held in SIP 
trust for 
> 5 years

Deferred 
Shares

Held in SIP 
trust for 
< 5 years

PSP 
subject to 
 performance 
 conditions1

Options 
subject to
 performance 
conditions

Unexercised
unapproved
 options 2

Unexercised
 approved
 options

Options 
exercised in 
the year 3

5,963
–

120,206
95,364

10,273
8,384

1,488,342
1,152,390

–
–

1,469,021
511,339

12,906
11,203

1,469,021
511,339

1  PSP awards held as fixed-value zero-cost options and jointly owned shares.
2  Held as jointly owned shares. The outstanding options represent the unexercised element of the jointly owned shares portion of the 2009 unapproved options.
3 

 On 9 March 2015, David Fischel exercised capped options granted in 2009 and 2010 and Matthew Roberts exercised capped options granted in 2010. These capped options 
formed part of the jointly owned shares arrangement. 

4  Outstanding share awards were adjusted as a result of the 25 April 2014 rights issue. 
5  No changes in the interests of Directors have occurred between 31 December 2015 and 26 February 2016.

Vested 
2009 ESOS awards Awards of market value share options, with an exercise price of 232.41 pence. These awards became 

exercisable on 28 February 2013 and may be exercised until 28 May 2019.

2010 ESOS awards Awards of market value share options, with an exercise price of 267.75 pence. These awards became 

exercisable on 26 May 2013 and may be exercised until 26 May 2020.

Unvested
2013 PSP award

2014 PSP award

2015 PSP award

Awards of performance shares, granted on 21 May 2013. Vesting is based on TSR (relative to the top five 
UK-listed REITs) and Absolute Total Return performance (ranging from 6 per cent pa to 10 per cent pa), in 
three equal tranches over three, four and five years. Any awards that vest may be exercised until 21 May 2023.

Awards of performance shares, granted on 12 May 2014. Vesting is based on TSR (relative to the top five 
UK-listed REITs) and Absolute Total Return performance (ranging from 6 per cent pa to 10 per cent pa), in 
three equal tranches over three, four and five years. Any awards that vest may be exercised until 12 May 2024.

Awards of performance shares, granted on 11 March 2015. Vesting is based on TSR (relative to the top five 
UK-listed REITs) and Absolute Total Return performance (ranging from 6 per cent pa to 10 per cent pa), in 
three equal tranches over three, four and five years. Any awards that vest may be exercised until 11 March 2025.

Seven-year TSR chart
The following graph shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) for intu properties plc over the seven-year period ended 
31 December 2015, compared with our closest comparator group for this purpose, the FTSE 350 Real Estate. TSR is defined as share 
price growth plus reinvested dividends.

Seven-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance
250

200

150

100

50

0

1 Jan 2009

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2011

31 Dec 2012

31 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2014

31 Dec 2015

intu properties plc
FTSE 350 Real Estate

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

87

UK real estate is a cyclical sector. Since 2009, a key driver for growth in value within the UK real estate market has been exposure 
to central London properties. As a result of the demerger of Capital & Counties from Liberty International (now intu properties plc) 
in 2010, intu’s portfolio does not include properties in central London and intu has therefore not benefited from the recent uplift 
experienced by those property companies with exposure to London. However, given the cyclical nature of the property sector, 
we would not expect this trend to endure over the long-term cycle.

For additional context, the following graph shows the Absolute Total Return (NAV growth plus dividends).

Absolute Total Return (cumulative) (%)
60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Chief Executive remuneration history
The table below sets out historical details of Chief Executive pay.

CEO single figure of total remuneration
Annual bonus payout (% maximum)
Long-term incentive plan vesting in year (% maximum)

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

£1,044k
50%
0%

£1,350k
100%
0%

£1,275k
83%
0%

£1,810k
70%
100%

£1,081k
55%
0%

£1,154k
65%
0%

£1,653k
95.3%
37.6%

Shareholder context
The table below shows the advisory vote on the 2014 Directors’ remuneration report at the 2015 AGM. It is the Committee’s policy to 
consult with major shareholders prior to any major changes, and to maintain an ongoing dialogue on executive remuneration matters.

2014 Annual Remuneration Report

For

91.36%

Against

8.64%

Abstentions

0.6m

Additional disclosures
Other directorships
Executive Directors are not generally encouraged to hold external directorships unless the Chairman determines that such 
appointment is in the Group’s interest and does not cause any conflict of interest. Where such appointments are approved and 
held, it is a matter for the Chairman to agree whether fees paid in respect of the appointment are retained by the individual or  
paid to the Company.

During 2015, David Fischel held three external directorships. His principal external appointments were with Equity One, Inc.  
and Prozone Intu Properties Limited. Equity One, Inc. is a US real estate investment trust with which intu operated a US venture 
controlled by Equity One until 19 January 2016 and at this point David Fischel stepped down as a Non-Executive Director.  
Prozone Intu Properties Limited is an Indian shopping centre owner and developer in which intu has a 33 per cent interest. 

David Fischel also holds an external appointment as a Non-Executive Director of Marlowe Investments (Kent) Limited, a UK private 
company which relates to his family affairs and does not require any significant time commitment and does not conflict in any way 
with his role as Chief Executive of intu. 

During 2015, David Fischel did not receive a fee in respect of his appointment as a Non-Executive Director of Prozone Intu Properties 
Limited. He received a fee of $65,500 in respect of his directorship of Equity One, Inc. He retained the fees paid in respect of his 
appointment with the Board’s consent. In addition to his fee, restricted stock in Equity One, Inc. awarded to David Fischel vested 
during the year with a value on vesting of $95,253. He also received and retained a fee of £5,000 in respect of his non-executive 
directorship of Marlowe Investments (Kent) Limited.

88

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Payments to former Directors §
A life presidency fee of £150,000 per annum (2014: £150,000) was paid to Sir Donald Gordon, the Group’s Life President and former 
Chairman who founded the Company in 1980. The life presidency fee was agreed by the Board at the time of his retirement in June 
2005 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Group. The payment is payable for the remainder of Sir Donald’s life and is 
secured by deed.

Payments for loss of office §
There were no payments for loss of office made to Directors in the year.

Alternate Directors §
Steven Underwood and Raymond Fine serve as Alternate Directors to John Whittaker and Richard Gordon respectively. Neither 
Steven Underwood nor Raymond Fine received any fees in 2015 in respect of their appointment as Alternate Directors. Raymond 
Fine received a fee of £164,864 in respect of consultancy services provided to the Company in connection with South African tax and 
shareholder issues (particularly in respect of South African dividends tax), liaison with the Gordon Family and other related matters.

Service contracts
Executive Directors and the Chairman have rolling service contracts which are terminable on 12 months’ notice on either side.

All Non-Executive Directors have been appointed under letters of appointment on fixed terms of two or three years, subject to 
renewal thereafter. Richard Gordon is deemed to have served for more than nine years and is now subject to a one-year term. 
All are subject to annual re-election by shareholders.

David Fischel
Matthew Roberts
Patrick Burgess

Adèle Anderson
Richard Gordon
Andrew Huntley
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard*
Louise Patten
Neil Sachdev
John Strachan*
Andrew Strang
John Whittaker

Notice period

12 months
12 months
12 months
Contract term expires

2016 AGM
2016 AGM
2017 AGM
2019 AGM
2017 AGM
2016 AGM
2019 AGM
2018 AGM
2017 AGM

*  Newly appointed directors, terms subject to election at 2016 annual general meeting.

Distribution statement
The table below shows the percentage change in underlying earnings, dividends, and total employee compensation spend from the 
financial year ended 31 December 2014 to the financial year ended 31 December 2015.

Underlying earnings (£m)
£162m
200

£187m

+15.4%

Dividend (£m)
200

£156m

£179m

+15.1%*

Total employee pay expenditure (£m) +8%**

80

£72.3m

£77.9m

160

120

80

40

0

160

120

80

40

0

60

40

20

0

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

Increase due to issued share capital.

* 
  Dividend per share was £0.14 (2014: £0.14).

**  2014 includes full year impact of intu Retail Services 
for first time. Average increase in staff salaries for 
2015 was 5.7 per cent.

The Group employed an average number of staff of 2,446 during the financial year to 31 December 2015 (2014: 2,177).

 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

89

Deloitte is a founding member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group, and 
adheres to its code of conduct. Deloitte 
was appointed directly by the Committee 
and the Committee is satisfied that  
the advice received was objective  
and independent.

The Committee also makes use of various 
published surveys to help determine 
appropriate remuneration levels. 

On behalf of the Board

Louise Patten
Chairman of the  
Remuneration Committee
26 February 2016 

Chairman and Non-Executive 
Director fees for 2016 §
The Chairman receives a fee of  
£410,000 per annum.

The full duties and responsibilities are  
set out in the terms of reference of the 
Committee which are available on the 
Company’s website.

The basic Non-Executive Director fee 
is £59,000 per annum. The Senior 
Independent Director receives an 
additional fee of £10,000 per annum. 
Committee Chairmen receive £15,000 
per annum, and Committee members 
receive £5,000 per annum. Fees were 
last increased in April 2015 and will 
remain unchanged in 2016.

John Whittaker does not receive a fee 
in respect of his position as Deputy 
Chairman and Non-Executive Director. 
The Board has authorised the payment 
of a management fee of £210,000 per 
annum to Peel Management Limited for 
the provision by Peel of a Non-Executive 
Director and an Alternate Director and 
other management and advisory 
services, together with reasonable 
costs and out-of-pocket expenses. 
The management fee was last reviewed 
and increased with effect from April  
2015. It is anticipated that the agreement 
will be renewed annually thereafter by 
agreement between the parties. This 
payment is disclosed in the related party 
transactions note on page 153.

Remuneration Committee 
membership in 2015
The principal responsibilities of the 
Committee, which take full account of  
the recommendations contained within 
the Code, include:

 — determining the remuneration  

policy for the Company’s Executive 
Directors and senior executives

 — determining individual remuneration 
packages for the Chairman, Executive 
Directors and senior executives
 — setting appropriately stretching and 

achievable targets for the Company’s 
incentive schemes in order to motivate 
executives to deliver high levels of 
performance in the interests of our 
shareholders, customers and employees

 — overseeing any significant changes 

to remuneration policy for the wider 
employee population

The Remuneration Committee  
currently comprises four independent 
Non-Executive Directors. Throughout  
the year the Committee consisted of Neil 
Sachdev, Louise Patten, Adèle Anderson 
and Andrew Huntley (who joined the 
Committee in November 2015). During 
the year Louise Patten took over from 
Neil Sachdev as the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman. Neil Sachdev  
will not be seeking re-election at the  
May 2016 AGM. 

The Chairman, Chief Executive, Company 
Secretary, HR Director and on occasion 
Chief Financial Officer are invited to 
attend Committee meetings to contribute 
to the Committee in its deliberations. 
However, no individual is present when his 
or her remuneration is being determined.

The Remuneration Committee met a 
total of six times in 2015, including four 
scheduled meetings and two additional 
drafting meetings. A summary of 
attendance at each scheduled meeting 
is set out on page 78.

Advisers to the Committee
Deloitte LLP was appointed as the 
Committee’s independent remuneration 
adviser in October 2013, following a 
competitive tender process.

During the year, Deloitte provided 
advice on remuneration governance 
developments, corporate reporting 
and investor engagement, market data 
and other remuneration matters that 
materially assisted the Committee. 
Representatives also attended 
Committee meetings during the year. 
The fees paid to Deloitte in respect  
of this work in 2015 totalled £75,750.

During the year Deloitte also  
provided to the Group tax compliance 
services, share scheme advice and 
financial advisory planning services  
in relation to intu Trafford Centre  
and intu Milton Keynes.

90

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Appendix: Policy table extract from the Directors’ remuneration policy approved by shareholders on 8 May 2014.
A full copy of our Directors’ remuneration policy, binding for three years from May 2014, is included in the 2013 annual report 
(starting on page 83), which can be found on the Company’s website, at intugroup.co.uk/investors/reports-presentations/ 
annual-report-2013/. The Directors’ remuneration policy was approved by 99.77 per cent of share holders at the 2014 annual 
general meeting.

Element and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum potential value

Performance metrics

Executive Directors

Base salary 
To provide an appropriately 
competitive level of base pay  
to attract and retain talent.

Reviewed annually.

Salary levels take account of:

 — size and nature of the responsibilities 

of each role

 — market pay levels for the role
 — increases for the rest of the Group
 — the executive’s experience
 — changes to the size and complexity of 

the Group

 — implications for total remuneration 
 — overall affordability
 — individual and Company performance

The Committee may award an 
out-of-cycle increase if it considers  
it appropriate.

Pension 
To help provide for an 
appropriate retirement benefit.

The Company operates an  
approved defined contribution  
pension arrangement.

Other benefits 
To provide an appropriately 
competitive level of benefits.

Short-term incentive 
To align annual reward with 
annual performance and to 
support retention and 
alignment with shareholders’ 
interests through significant 
deferral of bonus into shares.

A cash alternative may be offered in 
certain circumstances, for example 
where HMRC statutory limits have 
been reached.

Benefits include a car allowance, private 
medical insurance, life assurance and 
long-term sickness insurance. Other 
benefits may be provided if the 
Committee considers it appropriate.

In the event that an Executive Director  
is required by the Group to relocate, 
benefits may include, but are not  
limited to, relocation allowance and 
housing allowance.

intu operates a short-term incentive 
arrangement with a maximum  
individual opportunity.

A proportion of any earned bonus  
is normally deferred in intu shares, 
vesting over two years and three years, 
subject to continued employment.

The Committee awards dividend 
equivalents in respect of dividends over 
the deferral period which may assume 
reinvestment on a cumulative basis.

The Committee has discretion to apply 
malus to unvested deferred bonus 
awards in certain circumstances 
including if there is a material 
misstatement in the annual financial 
statements or a material failure of  
risk management.

None.

Base salary increases may be 
applied, taking into account the 
factors considered as part of  
the annual review. There is no  
maximum increase or opportunity.

For new appointments salaries may 
be set at a lower level. In such cases, 
there may be scope for higher than 
usual salary increases in the first 
three years as the individual 
progresses in the role.

Company pension contribution  
is 24 per cent of base salary.

None.

The Chief Executive receives an 
additional 6 per cent of salary in 
recognition of the additional value 
of the benefit foregone on the 
closure of the defined benefit 
scheme. This amount was 
actuarially determined to be 
cost-neutral to the Company.

Car allowance of up to £18,000  
per annum.

None.

The cost of insurance benefits may 
vary from year to year depending on 
the individual’s circumstances.

There is no overall maximum 
benefit value but the Committee 
aims to ensure that the total value 
of benefits remains proportionate.

Maximum annual opportunity of 
120 per cent of salary.

Executives’ performance is measured 
relative to targets in key financial, 
operational and strategic objectives  
in the year.

The measures selected and their 
weightings vary each year according  
to the strategic priorities, however at 
least two thirds will be based on Group 
financial measures or quantitative 
reported key performance indicators.

Entry award level for financial 
measures is normally between  
0 and 25 per cent of maximum.

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ remuneration report

91

Element and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum potential value

Performance metrics

Executive Directors (continued)

Long-term incentives 
To reward good long-term 
decisions which help grow  
the value of intu over a three  
to five-year horizon and  
support the retention of  
critical executives.

Normal maximum grant size of 
250 per cent of salary per annum.

In exceptional circumstances 
opportunity of up to 375 per cent  
of salary. To ensure that participants 
were not unduly disadvantaged as  
a result of the move towards longer 
time horizons, the first award under 
the plan had an opportunity of  
375 per cent.

intu operates a performance share  
plan (‘PSP’), which was approved by 
shareholders at the 2013 AGM.

Grants are made to eligible employees 
at the discretion of the Committee.

Awards can be made as performance 
shares, nil-cost options or jointly owned 
equity, and vest one third, one third,  
one third after three, four and five  
years respectively.

The Committee awards dividend 
equivalents in respect of dividends over 
the vesting period, which may assume 
reinvestment on a cumulative basis.

The Committee has discretion to apply 
malus to unvested awards in certain 
circumstances including if there is a 
material misstatement in the annual 
financial statements or a material failure 
of risk management by the Company.

Long-term incentive performance 
conditions are reviewed on an annual 
basis, and are chosen to be aligned 
with the long-term success of  
the business.

The intention is that measures will  
be one or more of TSR, total return/
NAV growth, EPS growth, relative total 
property return or return on capital.

For 2014, awards will be based:

 — 50 per cent on relative TSR
 — 50 per cent on total return  
(NAV growth plus dividends)

If the Committee considers that the 
level of vesting based on the extent 
to which the performance conditions 
have been satisfied is not a fair 
reflection of underlying financial 
performance, the Committee may 
adjust the level of vesting (upwards  
or downwards) accordingly. For the 
current performance measures this 
applies to the TSR portion only.

Entry vesting is 25 per cent  
of maximum.

All employee share plans 
To align interests of employees 
with Company performance.

Executive Directors may participate in 
the HMRC-approved share incentive 
plan (SIP) on the same basis as  
all employees.

Participants can contribute up  
to the relevant HMRC limit.

None.

Non-Executive Directors

Fees 
To remunerate  
Non-Executive Directors

Independent Non-Executive Directors 
The Chairman’s fees are determined by the Remuneration Committee.

None.

The Non-Executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Board.

The level of fees takes into account the time commitment, responsibilities, 
market levels and the skills and experience required.

Non-Executive Directors normally receive a basic fee and an additional  
fee for specific Board responsibilities, including membership and chairmanship 
of committees.

The Chairman is entitled to receive certain benefits in addition to fees as 
detailed on page 87 of the 2013 annual report.

Additional fees may be paid to Non-Executive Directors on a per diem basis  
to reflect increased time commitment in certain limited circumstances.

Expenses incurred in the performance of non-executive duties for the Company 
may be reimbursed or paid for directly by the Company, as appropriate, 
including any tax due on the expenses.
Other Non-Executive Directors 
In addition to the above, in certain circumstances Non-Executive Directors. 
(other than those deemed to be independent) may receive a fee in relation  
to consultancy services (including alternate Directors).

None.

Such fees may be provided directly to the Director or, in certain circumstances, 
paid to a third-party company under a consultancy services agreement. Such 
agreements may provide for the payment of an annual fee and reimbursement 
of expenses.

Such an agreement is currently in place with the Peel Group for the provision  
of non-executive director services (including alternative director services).

92

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Directors’ report

The Directors present their annual 
report and the audited financial 
statements of the Group and Company 
for the year ended 31 December 2015. 
Pages 2 to 93 inclusive of this annual 
report comprise the Directors’ report 
that has been drawn up and presented  
in accordance with English company  
law and the liabilities of the Directors  
in connection with that report will be 
subject to the limitations and restrictions 
provided by such law. 

Use of financial Instruments 
The financial review on pages 46 to 51, 
accounting policies on pages 109 to 113 
and note 35 on pages 136 to 141 contain 
information on the use of financial 
instruments. 

Dividends 
The Directors declared an interim 
ordinary dividend of 4.6 pence (2014: 4.6 
pence) per share on 30 July 2015, which 
was paid on 24 November 2015, and have 
recommended a final ordinary dividend  
of 9.1 pence per share (2014: 9.1 pence). 

Share capital and control of the 
Company 
Details of the Company’s share capital 
including changes during the year in the 
issued share capital and details of the 
rights attaching to the Company’s 
ordinary shares are set out in note  
37 on pages 142 and 143. 

No shareholder holds securities carrying 
special rights with regard to control of the 
Company. Shares held by the Company’s 
employee share ownership plan rank pari 
passu with the shares in issue and have no 
special rights, but voting rights and rights 
of acceptance of any offer relating to the 
shares rest with the plan’s Trustee and are 
not exercisable by the employees. There 
are no restrictions on voting rights or  
any arrangements by which, with the 
Company’s co-operation, financial rights 
are held by a person other than the 
shareholder, or any agreements between 
shareholders known to the Company 
which may result in restrictions on the 
transfer of shares or on voting rights.

Under a £600 million revolving-facility 
agreement dated 25 February 2009 (as 
amended and restated on 19 February 
2010, 18 November 2011, and 30 October 
2014) between, among others, the 
Company and HSBC Bank PLC (as 
‘Agent’)on a change of control, if directed 
by a lender, the Agent may by notice to 
the Company cancel the commitment of 
that lender and declare the participation 
of that lender in all outstanding loans, 
together with accrued interest and all 
other amounts accrued and owing to  
that lender under the finance documents, 
immediately due and payable. 

Under the terms and conditions of the 
£300 million 2.5 per cent Guaranteed 
Convertible Bonds issued on 4 October 
2012 by Intu (Jersey) Limited (the ‘Issuer’) 
and guaranteed by the Company, on  
a change of control of the Company 
bondholders would have a right for a 
limited period of 60 days to exercise their 
exchange rights at an enhanced exchange 
price (ie lower than the prevailing 
exchange price). In addition, bondholders 
would become entitled for a limited 
period of 60 days to require the Issuer  
to redeem their bonds at their principal 
amount, together with accrued and 
unpaid interest. 

The Company is not party to any other 
significant agreements that would take 
effect, alter or terminate following a 
change of control of the Company. 

The Company does not have any 
agreements with any Executive  
Director or employee that would  
provide compensation for loss of office  
or employment resulting from a takeover 
except that provisions of the Company 
share schemes may cause options and 
awards outstanding under such schemes 
to vest on a takeover. The terms of 
appointment of the Non-Executive 
Directors currently provide that in the 
event of change of control, the Directors 
will be compensated for any additional 
time commitment in certain limited 
circumstances, to be calculated on a  
per diem basis.

Internal control 
The statement on corporate governance 
on pages 58 to 93 includes the Board’s 
assessment following a review of internal 
controls and consideration of the 2005 
Financial Reporting Council’s internal 
control guidance for directors. 

Directors
The Directors of intu who held office 
during the year were as follows:

Chairman
Patrick Burgess
Deputy Chairman
John Whittaker1
Executive
David Fischel
Matthew Roberts
Non-Executive
Adèle Anderson
Richard Gordon1
Andrew Huntley
Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard  
(appointed with effect 7 October 2015)
Louise Patten
Neil Sachdev
John Strachan  
(appointed with effect 7 October 2015)
Andrew Strang 

1 

 John Whittaker and Richard Gordon have appointed 
Steven Underwood and Raymond Fine respectively 
as their alternates under the terms of the 
Company’s Articles of Association. 

In accordance with provision B.7.1 of  
the UK Corporate Governance Code,  
all continuing directors are subject  
to re-election, or election, at the 
forthcoming annual general meeting. 
Pursuant to the Articles of Association  
of the Company, the Company has 
indemnified the Directors to the full 
extent allowed by law. The Company 
maintains directors’ and officers’ 
insurance which is reviewed annually. 

Additional information relating to the 
Directors can be found in note 50 on 
pages 158 and 159 on Directors’ interests, 
in the governance section on pages 58 to 
77, and in the Directors’ remuneration 
report on pages 78 to 91. 

intugroup.co.uk

Governance
Directors’ report

93

and associated environmental policy  
and guide are regularly reviewed to  
ensure that the Company maintains its 
commitment to environmental matters. 

Additional disclosures 
For the purpose of LR 9.8.4CR, the only 
information required to be disclosed by  
LR 9.8.4R relates to sub-section (1) 
thereof (interest capitalised) where the 
amount is £2.1 million (2014: nil) (see note 
10 to the accounts). All other sub-sections 
of LR 9.8.4R are not applicable. 

Directors’ disclosure of  
information to the auditors 
So far as the Directors are aware,  
there is no relevant audit information  
of which the auditors are unaware and 
each Director has taken all reasonable 
steps to make himself or herself aware  
of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the auditors are aware  
of that information. 

Auditors 
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, have indicated their willingness to 
continue in office and a resolution seeking 
to reappoint them will be proposed at the 
forthcoming annual general meeting. 

Annual general meeting 
The notice convening the 2016 annual 
general meeting of the Company will  
be published separately and will be 
available on the Company’s website and 
distributed to those shareholders who 
have elected to receive hard copies of 
shareholder information. 

By order of the Board 

Susan Marsden
Company Secretary 
26 February 2016

The powers of the Directors are 
determined by UK legislation and the 
Articles of Association of the Company, 
together with any specific authorities  
that may be given to the Directors by 
shareholders from time to time, such  
as the power to allot shares and the 
power to make market purchases of  
the Company’s shares which are 
described in note 37 on page 143. 

Articles of Association 
The rules governing the appointment and 
replacement of Directors are contained  
in the Company’s Articles of Association. 
Changes to the Articles of Association 
must be approved by shareholders in 
accordance with the legislation in force 
from time to time. 

Substantial shareholdings 
The table at the foot of the page shows 
the holdings of major shareholders in 
intu’s issued ordinary shares as at 31 
December 2015 and 19 February 2016. 

Employees 
intu actively encourages employee 
involvement and consultation and places 
emphasis on keeping its employees 
informed of the Group’s activities and 
financial performance by such means  
as employee briefings and publication  
to all staff of relevant information and 
corporate announcements. In 2015,  
intu conducted one all-employee survey 
covering a range of topics. More details 
are provided in the our people section  
on pages 56 and 57. 

The annual bonus plan arrangements 
help develop employees’ interest in the 
Company’s performance; full details of 
these arrangements are given in the 
Directors’ remuneration report on pages 
78 to 91. Note 50 on pages 158 to 159 
contains details of conditional awards of 
shares under the annual bonus scheme 
and bonus shares currently outstanding. 

Substantial shareholders

intu operates a non-discriminatory 
employment policy and full and fair 
consideration is given to applications for 
employment from people with disabilities 
or other protected characteristics under 
the Equality Act where they have the 
appropriate skills and abilities, and to  
the continued employment of staff  
who become disabled. 

intu encourages the continuous 
development and training of its 
employees and the provision of equal 
opportunities for the training and career 
development of disabled employees and 
those with protected characteristics. 

Further information relating to employees 
is given on pages 56 to 57 and in note 8 
on page 116. The Group provides 
retirement benefits for the majority of its 
employees. Details of the Group pension 
arrangements are set out in note 48 on 
page 158. 

The environment 
We have an independent corporate 
responsibility (CR) strategy and details  
of our policies and the Group’s aims 
alongside the latest full version of our 
annual CR report are to be found on the 
Company’s website. An overview of the 
Group’s CR activity (which includes 
disclosures relating to greenhouse gas 
emissions) is on pages 52 to 55, and a 
summary booklet is also available for 
download from the website or on request 
from the Company Secretary’s office. 

The Company recognises the importance 
of minimising the adverse impact on  
the environment of its operations and  
the obligation to carefully manage  
energy and water consumption and  
waste recycling. 

The Company strives continuously to 
improve its environmental performance. 
The environmental management system 

Shareholder

The Peel Group 

Coronation Asset Management  
(Pty) Limited 
The family interests of  
Sir Donald Gordon 
Black Rock, Inc. 
Public Investment Corporation 

At 31 December 2015

At 19 February 2016

Number of 
shares notified

% interest in 
share capital

Number of 
shares notified

% interest 
in share capital

336,492,751 

25.02 

336,492,751 

25.02

194,601,724 

14.47 

188,804,760

14.04

110,336,261 
78,363,390 
90,197,225

8.20 
5.83 
6.71

110,336,261 
78,363,390
89,433,457

8.20
5.83
6.65

94

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities 

and hence for taking reasonable steps  
for the prevention and detection of  
fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for  
the maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website. Legislation in  
the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation  
in other jurisdictions. 

The Directors consider that the annual 
report and accounts, taken as a whole,  
is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
and the Group’s performance, business 
model and strategy. Each of the Directors, 
whose names and functions are listed  
in the governance section on pages  
60 and 61 confirm that, to the best  
of their knowledge: 

(a)   the Group financial statements,  
which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted  
by the European Union, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit of  
the group 

(b)   the Directors’ report includes a  

fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the 
position of the Group, together with  
a description of the principal risks  
and uncertainties that it faces 

Signed on behalf of the Board on  
26 February 2016 

David Fischel 
Chief Executive 

Matthew Roberts 
Chief Financial Officer

The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the annual report, the 
Directors’ remuneration report and  
the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors  
to prepare financial statements for  
each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have prepared the Group and 
Company financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union. Under company 
law the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Group and 
the Company and of the profit or loss of 
the Group and Company for that period. 
In preparing these financial statements, 
the Directors are required to: 

(a)   select suitable accounting policies  
and then apply them consistently 

(b)   make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable  
and prudent 

(c)   state whether applicable IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union have 
been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained  
in the financial statements 

(d)   prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis, unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business 

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the 
Company’s transactions and disclose  
with reasonable accuracy at any time  
the financial position of the Company  
and the Group and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements and the 
Directors’ remuneration report comply 
with the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the Group financial statements, 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and the Group 

intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

95

Accounts

Independent auditors’ report 

Consolidated income statement 

96 

102 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  103 

Balance sheets 

Statements of changes in equity 

Statements of cash flows 

Notes to the accounts 

104 

105 

108 

109

96

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Independent auditors’ report to the  
members of intu properties plc 

Report on the financial statements 

Our opinion 
In our opinion: 

— intu properties plc’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of the Group’s profit and the 
Group’s and the Company’s cash flows for the year then ended; 

— the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union; 

— the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 
— the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 

the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

What we have audited 
The financial statements, included in the Annual Report, comprise: 

— the Group and Company balance sheets as at 31 December 2015; 
— the Group consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 
— the Group and Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; 
— the Group and Company statements of cash flows for the year then ended; and 
— the notes to the accounts, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the accounts.  
These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2006. 

Our audit approach 
Context 
During the year to 31 December 2015, there have been no significant changes to business operations, investment property market 
yields, or to accounting standards relevant to the Group. The most significant transactional activity was in relation to the acquisition 
and subsequent part disposal of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza, in Spain. As a result our audit approach is largely consistent with the 
prior year, with the same recurring areas of focus. 

Overview 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

Areas of focus 

— Overall Group materiality: £101 million (2014: £96 million) which represents 1 per cent of total assets 
— Specific materiality: £9 million (2014: £8 million) which represents 5 per cent of underlying profit before tax  

and associates 

— The Group and Company financial statements are produced by the Group’s central finance department using a single, 

consolidated general ledger, and the whole business was subject to the same audit scope 

— Valuation of investment properties 
— Acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza, and subsequent part disposal, resulting in the Group’s interest being 

accounted for as a joint venture 

The scope of our audit and our areas of focus 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”). 

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In 
particular we looked at where the Directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates 
that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also 
addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the 
Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.  

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, are 
identified as “areas of focus” in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific areas in 
order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures 
should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

97

Area of focus 

  How our audit addressed the area of focus 

Valuation of investment properties 
The existence of significant estimation uncertainty, coupled with the 
fact that only a small percentage difference in individual property 
valuations, when aggregated, could result in a material change,  
warrants specific audit focus in this area.  

The Group’s investment properties are all shopping centres and 
comprise the majority of the assets in the Group balance sheet, their 
carrying value amounting to £8.4 billion. Refer to note 19. Additionally 
the carrying value of the Group’s share of investment properties held 
within joint ventures is £1.1 billion. Refer to note 22. 

The valuation of the Group’s property portfolio is inherently subjective 
due to, among other factors, the individual nature of each property,  
its location and the expected future rental revenues for that  
particular property.  

The valuations were carried out by third party valuers, CBRE, Knight 
Frank, Jones Lang LaSalle and Cushman & Wakefield (the “Valuers”). 
The Valuers were engaged by the Directors, and performed their work in 
accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (“RICS”) 
Valuation – Professional Standards. The Valuers used by the Group are 
well-known firms, with considerable experience of the market in which 
the Group operates.  

In determining a property’s valuation the Valuers take into account 
property specific information such as the current tenancy agreements 
and rental income attached to the asset. They then apply assumptions 
as regards yield and Estimated Rental Value, which are influenced by 
prevailing market yields and comparable market transactions, to arrive 
at the final valuation. Due to the unique nature of each shopping centre, 
the assumptions to be applied are determined having regard to the 
individual property characteristics at a granular, unit-by-unit level, as 
well as considering the qualities of the shopping centre as a whole. 

Given the inherent subjectivity involved in the valuation of investment 
properties, the need for deep market knowledge when determining the 
most appropriate assumptions, and the technicalities of valuation 
methodology, we engage our internal valuation specialists (qualified 
chartered surveyors) to assist us in our audit of this significant risk area.  

We read the valuation reports for all properties and attended meetings 
with each of the Valuers. We confirmed that the valuation approach for 
each was in accordance with RICS and suitable for use in determining 
the carrying value in the Group balance sheet.  

We assessed the Valuers’ qualifications and expertise and read their 
terms of engagement with the Group to determine whether there were 
any matters that might have affected their objectivity or may have 
imposed scope limitations upon their work. We also considered other 
engagements which might exist between the Group and the Valuers. 
We found no evidence to suggest that the objectivity of any Valuer in 
their performance of the valuations was compromised. 

We carried out procedures, on a sample basis, to test whether property-
specific standing data supplied to the Valuers by management reflected 
the underlying property records held by the Group and which had been 
tested during our audit. We found them to be consistent. 

Our work focused on the largest properties in the portfolio and those 
properties where the assumptions used and / or year-on-year capital 
value movement suggested a possible outlier versus market data for  
the shopping centre sector. We compared the investment yields used by 
the Valuers to an estimated range of expected yields, determined via 
reference to published benchmarks, and to recent transactions. We also 
considered the reasonableness of other assumptions that are not so 
readily comparable to published benchmarks, such as Estimated Rental 
Value, void rates and rent free periods. Finally, we evaluated year-on-
year movements in capital value with reference to published 
benchmarks. Where assumptions were outside the expected range or 
otherwise deemed unusual, and/or valuations appeared to experience 
unexpected movements, we undertook further investigations and, when 
necessary, held further discussions with the Valuers in order to challenge 
the assumptions.  

It was evident from our interaction with management and the Valuers 
and from reading the valuation reports that close attention had been 
paid to each property’s individual characteristics at a granular, unit-by-
unit level, as well as considering the overall quality, geographic location 
and desirability of the asset as a whole. The evaluation of what were the 
right assumptions to apply to any given property included determining 
the level of impact that recent significant market transactions  
should have on each individual property’s valuation, given its unique 
characteristics. We observed discussions between management and the 
Valuers which evidenced that alternative assumptions were considered 
and evaluated before the final valuation was determined. We found that 
the assumptions used in the valuations were supportable in light of 
available and comparable market evidence. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Independent auditors’ report to the  
members of intu properties plc continued 

Area of focus 

  How our audit addressed the area of focus 

Acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza  
and subsequent part disposal 
On 19 January 2015 intu acquired the Puerto Venecia shopping centre 
in Zaragoza, Spain, with consideration of €273.5 million paid in return  
for investment property valued at €450.8 million, together with other 
assets and liabilities (including €181.0 million of external debt which was 
repaid and refinanced on acquisition). The acquisition was treated as a 
business combination. Refer to note 40. 

Subsequently, on 30 September 2015, the Group entered into a joint 
venture agreement with CPPIB (intu properties’ partner in the Parque 
Principado shopping centre), selling 50 per cent of its interest in Puerto 
Venecia for consideration of €122.3 million. This part disposal has 
resulted in Puerto Venecia, previously accounted for as a subsidiary, 
being accounted for as a joint venture from the date of part disposal. 
Refer to note 41.  

  With respect to the acquisition of Puerto Venecia we inspected the 

purchase agreements and assessed management’s determination of  
the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, including the valuation 
methodology applied and the assumptions underlying the acquisition 
date valuation. We assessed whether the classification as a business 
combination and treatment of the various aspects of the transaction 
were in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations which defines a 
business as “an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of 
being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return in 
the form of dividends, lower costs or other economic benefits directly  
to investors or other owners, members or participants”. Key factors we 
considered were that the acquisition involved the purchase of relevant 
inputs (the property and leases) and processes (including staff and 
management contracts to run the centre) that would enable the 
purchased business to operate independently of the rest of the  
Group in order to generate a return.  

With respect to the part disposal, we read the sale and purchase 
agreement and other documents related to the sale to check whether  
it was appropriate to account for Puerto Venecia as a joint venture.  
No issues arose from these procedures: the shareholders’ agreement 
grants each party an equal number of board members all with equal 
voting rights and, because all decisions about the relevant activities of 
the business require the consent of both parties, Puerto Venecia was 
deemed to be subject to joint control. 

We also considered the disclosures in the financial statements in respect 
of the initial acquisition and the subsequent part disposal and found  
that they were in accordance with applicable accounting standards 
(IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in 
Other Entities). 

How we tailored the audit scope 
In establishing the overall approach to our audit, we assessed the risk of material misstatement, taking into account the nature, 
likelihood and potential magnitude of any misstatement. Following this assessment, we applied professional judgement to 
determine the extent of testing required over each balance in the financial statements.  

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the 
industry in which the Group operates.  

Although the Group has some interests in shopping centre operations outside the UK and the Group is structured as two operating 
segments, it operates a single reporting process with a centralised accounting function, therefore the whole business was subject to 
the same audit scope. The Group and Company financial statements are produced using numbers which are maintained on a single, 
consolidated trial balance, by the Group’s finance department. The majority of the underlying accounting records are maintained on 
the Group’s single general ledger.  

For Manchester Arndale, Cribbs Causeway, Centaurus Retail Park and St David’s, Cardiff rental income and property expense 
numbers are submitted quarterly by external property managers to the Group’s finance department, who then review and enter the 
numbers onto the Group’s general ledger. We perform tests of controls over the review of the quarterly submissions and entry onto 
the Group’s general ledger, and tests of details over the numbers within those submissions.  

Quarterly submissions are also submitted to the Group’s finance department for intu Asturias and Puerto Venecia, from the intu 
Spain finance team. We carry out controls testing over these submissions in the same manner as for the UK submissions. The UK 
audit team instructs the audit team in PwC Spain to perform specified substantive procedures on the submission packs for the 
Spanish centres. Puerto Venecia was in scope for the first time this year, following acquisition in 2015. The UK audit team 
determined the level of audit work required over the Spain submission packs by the audit team in Spain, and held regular discussions 
throughout the planning and execution phases of the audit. We assessed the findings of the work performed by the audit team in 
Spain in order to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group 
financial statements as a whole. 

 
  
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

99

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality.  
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Overall Group materiality 

£101 million (2014: £96 million) 

How we determined it 

1 per cent of total assets 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

in arriving at this judgement we had regard to the carrying value of the Group’s assets, 
acknowledging that the primary measurement attribute of the Group is the carrying value of 
investment property. This represents a consistent year-on-year basis for determining materiality 

Specific Group materiality 

£9 million (2014: £8 million). Applied to net rental income and expenses 

How we determined it 

5 per cent of underlying profit before tax and associates 

Rationale for benchmark applied 

in arriving at this judgement we have had regard to underlying operating profit acknowledging that 
this is a secondary measurement attribute of the Group 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that, for areas based on overall Group materiality, we would report to them misstatements 
identified during our audit above £10 million (2014: £8 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Going concern 
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement, set out on page 109, in relation to going concern. We 
have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to 
the Directors’ statement about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements. We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.  

As noted in the Directors’ statement, the Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements. The going concern basis presumes that the Group and Company have adequate resources to 
remain in operation, and that the Directors intend them to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial statements were 
signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate. However, because 
not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. 

Other required reporting 
Consistency of other information 
Companies Act 2006 opinions 
In our opinion:  

— 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; and 

— the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement set out on pages 58 to 93 with respect to internal control and  

risk management systems and about share capital structures is consistent with the financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
100

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Independent auditors’ report to the  
members of intu properties plc continued 

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting 
Under ISAs (UK & 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 and 

Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or 

–  is otherwise misleading. 

— the statement given by the Directors on page 94, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate 

Governance Code (“the Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for members to assess the Group’s and Company’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the  
Group and Company acquired in the course of performing our audit. 

We have no exceptions  
to report. 

We have no exceptions  
to report. 

— the section of the Annual Report on pages 72 to 75, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing  
the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the  
Audit Committee. 

We have no exceptions  
to report. 

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or 
liquidity of the Group 
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to: 

— the Directors’ confirmation on page 37 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.1 of the Code,  

that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the group, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. 

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to. 

— the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed  

or mitigated. 

— the Directors’ explanation on page 71 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.2 of the Code, as to 
how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and why they consider 
that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to. 

We have nothing material to 
add or to draw attention to. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the group and the Directors’ statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the group. Our review was 
substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process supporting 
their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether 
the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing our audit. We have nothing to report 
having performed our review. 

Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations received 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

— we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 
— adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or 

— the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Directors’ remuneration 
Directors’ remuneration report – Companies Act 2006 opinion 
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.  

 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

101

Corporate governance statement 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, a corporate governance statement has not been 
prepared by the Company. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.  

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the corporate governance statement relating to ten further provisions 
of the Code. We have nothing to report having performed our review.  

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors 
As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ responsibilities set out on page 94, 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 ISAs  
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save 
where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

What an audit of financial statements involves 
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 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.  

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own 
judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements. 

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a 
reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive 
procedures or a combination of both.  

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. 

Ranjan Sriskandan (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
26 February 2016 

Notes 

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

— Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 

legislation in other jurisdictions. 

 
 
 
 
102

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Revenue 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Revaluation of investment and development property 

(Loss)/gain on acquisition of businesses 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Administration expenses – ongoing 

Administration expenses – exceptional 

Operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of financial instruments 

Net finance costs 

Profit before tax, joint ventures and associates 

Share of post-tax profit of joint ventures 

Share of post-tax profit of associates 

Profit before tax 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Attributable to: 

Owners of intu properties plc 

Non-controlling interests 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Notes 

3 

3 

4 

19 

5 

41 

6 

10 

11 

12 

13 

22 

24 

14 

14 

14 

17 

17 

2015 
£m 

571.6 

381.8 

6.9 

264.9 

(0.8) 

2.2 

0.9 

(37.3) 

(1.0) 

617.6 

(206.6) 

18.7 

(37.3) 

6.0 

(219.2) 

398.4 

108.6 

6.0 

513.0 

(0.4) 

5.0 

4.6 

2014
£m

536.4

362.6

4.8

567.8

1.6

0.6

–

(30.8)

(13.8)

892.8

(197.1)

11.9

(56.8)

(157.6)

(399.6)

493.2

99.7

0.8

593.7

(0.5)

6.6

6.1

517.6 

599.8

518.4 

(0.8) 

517.6 

39.3p 

37.5p 

586.2

13.6

599.8

48.0p

46.3p

Details of underlying earnings are presented in the underlying profit statement on page 167. Underlying earnings per share  
are shown in note 17(c). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

103

Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Profit for the year  

Other comprehensive income 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: 

Revaluation of other investments 

Exchange differences 

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income 

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

Reclassified to income statement on sale of other investments 

Other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Attributable to: 

Owners of intu properties plc 

Non-controlling interests 

Notes 

25 

14 

2015
£m

517.6

12.8

7.6

(5.0)

15.4

(0.6)

14.8

532.4

533.2

(0.8)

532.4

2014
£m

599.8

21.1

7.0

(6.6)

21.5

–

21.5

621.3

608.1

13.2

621.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Balance sheets 
as at 31 December 2015 

Non-current assets 
Investment and development property  
Plant and equipment  
Investment in group companies 
Investment in joint ventures 
Investment in associates 
Other investments 
Goodwill 
Deferred tax 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Current tax liabilities 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Share premium 

Treasury shares 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Attributable to owners of intu properties plc 

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

Notes

19
20
21
22
24
25
26
36
29
27

27

29

28

30

31

29

31

29

37

37

38

39

Group
2015
£m

8,403.9
5.0
–
991.9
54.7
210.3
4.0
–
–
89.3

9,759.1

108.8

3.2

275.8

387.8

Group 
2014 
£m 

Company 
2015 
£m 

Company
2014
£m

8,019.6 
5.1 
– 
851.5 
38.0 
189.7 
4.0 
– 
9.0 
99.7 

9,216.6 

114.7 

0.7 

230.0 

345.4 

– 
4.2 
2,866.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.1 
– 
– 

2,871.9 

–
3.9
2,704.7
–
–
–
–
0.4
–
–

2,709.0

1,266.9 

1,286.8

– 

0.3 

1,267.2 

4,139.1 

–

1.0

1,287.8

3,996.8

10,146.9

9,562.0 

(275.5)

(0.4)

(139.3)

(12.0)

(427.2)

(251.5) 

(346.3) 

(0.6) 

(21.3) 

(80.7) 

(0.4) 

– 

– 

(394.1)

(0.4)

–

–

(354.1) 

(346.7) 

(394.5)

(4,332.3)

(4,332.7) 

(329.7)

(2.8)

(4,664.8)

(5,092.0)

(275.8) 

(2.6) 

(4,611.1) 

(4,965.2) 

(353.7) 

(26.4) 

– 

(380.1) 

(726.8) 

(230.0)

(25.6)

–

(255.6)

(650.1)

5,054.9

4,596.8 

3,412.3 

3,346.7

672.3

1,303.1

(43.3)

372.8

2,671.5

4,976.4

78.5

658.4 

1,222.0 

(45.1) 

358.0 

2,330.7 

4,524.0 

72.8 

672.3 

1,303.1 

(43.3) 

61.4 

1,418.8 

3,412.3 

– 

658.4

1,222.0

(45.1)

61.4

1,450.0

3,346.7

–

5,054.9

4,596.8 

3,412.3 

3,346.7

These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2016. 

David Fischel 
Chief Executive  Chief Financial Officer 

Matthew Roberts 

The notes on pages 109 to 159 form part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

105

Statements of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Attributable to owners of intu properties plc 

Share
capital
£m

658.4

Share
premium
£m

1,222.0

Treasury
shares
£m

Other
reserves
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

Total 
£m 

Total
equity
£m

(45.1)

358.0

2,330.7 

4,524.0 

72.8

4,596.8

Group 

At 1 January 2015 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 

Revaluation of other investments (note 25) 

Exchange differences 

Tax relating to components  
of other comprehensive income (note 14) 

Reclassified to income statement on sale of 
other investments 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ordinary shares issued (note 37) 

13.9

81.1

Dividends (note 16) 

Share-based payments (note 47) 

Acquisition of treasury shares 

Disposal of treasury shares 

Non-controlling interest additions  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.9

81.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.6)

3.4

–

1.8

–

518.4 

518.4 

(0.8)

517.6

12.8

7.6

(5.0)

(0.6)

14.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

518.4 

– 

12.8 

7.6 

(5.0) 

(0.6) 

533.2 

95.0 

(179.4) 

(179.4) 

4.8 

– 

(3.0) 

– 

4.8 

(1.6) 

0.4 

– 

(177.6) 

(80.8) 

–

–

– 

–

(0.8)

–

–

–

–

–

6.5

6.5

12.8

7.6

(5.0)

(0.6)

532.4

95.0

(179.4)

4.8

(1.6)

0.4

6.5

(74.3)

At 31 December 2015 

672.3

1,303.1

(43.3)

372.8

2,671.5 

4,976.4 

78.5

5,054.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Statements of changes in equity continued 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Attributable to owners of intu properties plc 

Share 
capital 
£m 

Share 
premium 
£m 

Treasury
shares
£m

Convertible
bonds
£m

Other
reserves
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Non-
controlling
interests
£m

Total 
£m 

Total
equity
£m

486.9 

695.6 

(48.2)

143.7

500.5

1,740.3

3,518.8 

102.3

3,621.1

Group 

At 1 January 2014 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 

Revaluation of other investments 
(note 25) 

Exchange differences 

Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income  
(note 14) 

Total comprehensive income  
for the year 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Conversion of bond (note 33) 

21.2 

Other ordinary shares issued (note 37) 

150.3 

122.5 

403.9 

Dividends (note 16) 

Interest on convertible bonds  
(note 33) 

Share-based payments (note 47) 

Acquisition of treasury shares 

Disposal of treasury shares 

Non-controlling interest additions  

Distribution to  
non-controlling interest 

Disposal of subsidiaries (note 41) 

Realisation of merger reserve  
(note 39) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.0)

4.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(143.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

586.2

586.2 

13.6

599.8

21.1

7.4

(6.6)

–

–

–

21.1 

7.4 

–

(0.4)

21.1

7.0

(6.6) 

–

(6.6)

21.9

586.2

608.1 

13.2

621.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

554.2 

(155.9)

(155.9) 

(2.9)

2.5

–

(3.9)

–

–

–

(2.9) 

2.5 

(1.0) 

0.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

27.2

(1.2)

(68.7)

–

554.2

(155.9)

(2.9)

2.5

(1.0)

0.2

27.2

(1.2)

(68.7)

–

–

At 31 December 2014 

658.4 

1,222.0 

(45.1)

–

358.0

2,330.7

4,524.0 

72.8

4,596.8

171.5 

526.4 

3.1

(143.7)

397.1 

(42.7)

354.4

(164.4)

(164.4)

164.4

4.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

107

Company 

At 1 January 2015 

Profit for the year (note 15) 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Ordinary shares issued (note 37) 

Dividends (note 16) 

Share-based payments (note 47) 

Acquisition of treasury shares 

Disposal of treasury shares 

At 31 December 2015 

Company 

At 1 January 2014 

Profit for the year (note 15) 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Conversion of bond (note 33) 

Other ordinary shares issued (note 37) 

Dividends (note 16) 

Interest on convertible bonds (note 33) 

Share-based payments (note 47) 

Acquisition of treasury shares 

Disposal of treasury shares 

Realisation of merger reserve (note 39) 

At 31 December 2014 

Share
capital
£m

658.4

–

–

Share
premium
£m

1,222.0

–

–

13.9

81.1

–

–

–

–

81.1

Attributable to owners of intu properties plc

Treasury 
shares 
£m 

Other 
reserves 
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m

Total
£m

(45.1) 

61.4 

1,450.0

3,346.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1.6) 

3.4 

1.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

146.4

146.4

–

146.4

146.4

95.0

(179.4)

(179.4)

4.8

–

(3.0)

4.8

(1.6)

0.4

(177.6)

(80.8)

1,303.1

(43.3) 

61.4 

1,418.8

3,412.3

Attributable to owners of intu properties plc

Treasury
shares
£m

Convertible 
bonds 
£m 

Other 
reserves 
£m 

Retained
earnings
£m

Total
£m

(48.2)

143.7 

225.8 

1,287.4

2,791.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.0)

4.1

–

3.1

– 

– 

(143.7) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(143.7) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

158.4

158.4

–

–

(155.9)

(2.9)

2.5

–

(3.9)

(164.4) 

(164.4) 

164.4

4.2

158.4

158.4

–

554.2

(155.9)

(2.9)

2.5

(1.0)

0.2

–

397.1

(45.1)

– 

61.4 

1,450.0

3,346.7

–

–

–

–

13.9

672.3

Share
premium
£m

695.6

–

–

122.5

403.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share
capital
£m

486.9

–

–

21.2

150.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

171.5

658.4

526.4

1,222.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
108

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Statements of cash flows  
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Interest received 

Taxation 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchase and development of property, plant and equipment 

Sale of property 

Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired 

Sale/(acquisition) of other investments 

Additions to investment in associates 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Redemption of preference shares 

Realisation of short-term investments 

Disposal of subsidiaries net of cash sold with business 

Investment in joint ventures 

Repayment of capital by joint ventures 

Loan advances to joint ventures 

Loan repayments by joint ventures 

Distributions from joint ventures 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issue of ordinary shares 

Acquisition of treasury shares 

Sale of treasury shares 

Non-controlling interest funding received 

Cash transferred from/(to) restricted accounts 

Borrowings drawn 

Borrowings repaid 

Interest on convertible bonds 

Equity dividends paid 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Notes

44

40

24

21

21

41

22

22

22

22

22

33

28

28

Group
2015
£m

366.5

(222.5)

16.6

(0.4)

160.2

(100.8)

1.8

(203.1)

4.7

(10.0)

–

–

–

81.0

–

25.6

(0.8)

17.6

9.0

Group 
2014 
£m 

292.7 

(244.6) 

8.8 

(0.4) 

56.5 

(69.7) 

– 

(851.3) 

(3.8) 

– 

– 

– 

69.3 

162.5 

(0.4) 

14.3 

(97.6) 

52.7 

4.9 

Company 
2015 
£m 

(23.3) 

(17.3) 

2.6 

– 

Company
2014
£m

(349.5)

(6.3)

–

–

(38.0) 

(355.8)

(2.3) 

(1.4)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

(182.8)

197.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(175.0)

(719.1) 

(2.3) 

13.0

22.0

(1.6)

0.4

6.5

14.9

329.2

(190.3)

–

(104.9)

76.2

(0.3)

61.1

212.5

273.6

492.0 

(1.0) 

0.2 

27.2 

(15.9) 

989.4 

(675.1) 

(2.9) 

(89.8) 

724.1 

(0.1) 

61.4 

151.1 

212.5 

22.0 

(1.6) 

0.4 

– 

– 

123.7 

– 

– 

(104.9) 

39.6 

– 

(0.7) 

1.0 

0.3 

492.0

(1.0)

0.2

–

–

–

(55.0)

(2.9)

(89.8)

343.5

–

0.7

0.3

1.0

 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

109

Notes to the accounts 

1 Accounting convention and basis of preparation 
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared  
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS’), interpretations 
issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards 
Interpretations Committee and with those parts of the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under 
IFRS. The Directors have taken advantage of the exemption 
offered by Section 408 of the Companies Act not to present 
a separate income statement or statement of comprehensive 
income for the Company. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention as modified by the 
revaluation of property, available-for-sale investments, and 
certain other financial assets and liabilities. A summary of the 
more significant accounting policies applied is set out in note 2. 

These accounting policies are consistent with those applied in 
the last annual financial statements, as amended to reflect the 
adoption of new standards, amendments and interpretations 
which became effective in the year. During 2015 amendments 
arising from the Annual Improvements Cycle to IFRSs 2011-
2013 became effective for the first time for the Group’s 31 
December 2015 financial statements. These amendments  
have not had an impact on the financial statements. 

A number of standards have been issued but are not yet 
adopted by the EU and so are not available for early adoption. 
The most significant of these are IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
along with related amendments to other IFRSs, IFRS 15 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 16 Leases. 
Based on the Group’s current circumstances, with the exception 
of IFRS 16 Leases issued in January 2016 for which the impact is 
still being assessed, these standards are not expected to have a 
material impact on the financial statements.  

Use of estimates and assumptions 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and 
the reported amounts of income and expenses during the 
reporting period. Although these estimates are based on 
management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, 
actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates. In 
particular, significant judgement is required in the use of 
estimates and assumptions in the valuation and accounting for 
investment and development property and derivative financial 
instruments. Additional detail on these two areas is provided in 
the relevant accounting policy in note 2 and in notes 19 and 35. 

Going concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, performance and position are 
set out in the strategic report on pages 6 to 57. The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities are described in the financial review on 
pages 46 to 51. In addition, note 35 includes the Group’s risk 
management objectives, details of its financial instruments  
and hedging activities, its exposures to liquidity risk and details 
of its capital structure. 

The Group prepares regular forecasts and projections which 
include sensitivity analysis taking into account a number of 
downside risks to the forecast including reasonably possible 
changes in trading performance and asset values and assesses 
the potential impact of these on the Group’s liquidity position 
and available resources. 

In preparing the most recent projections, factors taken into 
account include £301.4 million of cash (including the Group’s 
share of cash in joint ventures of £25.6 million) and £287.0 
million of undrawn facilities at 31 December 2015. The Group’s 
weighted average debt maturity of 7.8 years and the relatively 
long-term and stable nature of the cash flows receivable under 
tenant leases were also factored into the forecasts.  

After reviewing the most recent projections and the sensitivity 
analysis, the Directors consider it appropriate to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
Group’s financial statements. 

2 Accounting policies – Group and Company  
Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial information includes the Company 
and its subsidiaries and their interests in joint arrangements  
and associates. 

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains  
on transactions between Group companies are eliminated  
on consolidation. 

– subsidiaries 
A subsidiary is an entity which the Company controls. That is 
when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the investee. Subsidiaries are 
fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred 
to the Group and are de-consolidated from the date that  
control ceases. 

The Company’s investment in Group companies is carried at 
cost less accumulated impairment losses.  

 
 
 
110

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

2 Accounting policies – Group and Company (continued) 
– joint arrangements 
A joint arrangement is an arrangement over which two or more 
parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually 
agreed sharing of control of an arrangement where decisions 
about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of 
the parties sharing joint control. 

A joint operation is a joint arrangement where the parties that 
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, 
and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. 

The Group’s interest in a joint operation is accounted for by 
consolidating the Group’s share of the assets, liabilities, income 
and expenses on a line-by-line basis. 

A joint venture is a joint arrangement where the parties that 
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net 
assets of the arrangement. 

The Group’s interest in a joint venture is accounted for using the 
equity method as described below. 

– associates 
An associate is an entity over which the Company, either directly 
or indirectly, is in a position to exercise significant influence. 
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial 
and operating policies of the entity but is not control or joint 
control of those policies.(cid:3)The Group’s interest in an associate is 
accounted for using the equity method as described below. 

– the equity method 
Under the equity method of accounting, interests in joint 
ventures and associates are initially recognised at cost and 
adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of the post-
acquisition profits or losses and movements in other 
comprehensive income. Loan balances relating to long-term 
funding from Group companies to joint ventures and associates 
are presented on the face of the balance sheet as part of  
the investment. 

– non-controlling interest 
A non-controlling interest is the equity in a subsidiary not 
attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. Non-
controlling interests are presented within equity, separately 
from the amounts attributable to owners of the Company. 
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive 
income is attributed to owners of the Company and to non-
controlling interests in the appropriate proportions. 

Foreign currencies 
Items included in the financial statements of each of the  
Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which it operates. The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is 
the Group’s presentational currency. 

The assets and liabilities of foreign entities are translated into 
pounds sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the reporting 
date and their income statement and cash flows are translated 
at the average rate for the period. Exchange differences arising 
are dealt with in other comprehensive income. 

At entity level, transactions in currencies other than an entity’s 
functional currency are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing 
at the transaction dates. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
resulting from settlement of these transactions and from 
retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement 
except where these relate to loans to foreign subsidiary entities 
considered to be part of the net investment in those entities in 
which case these amounts are recorded through other 
comprehensive income.  

Revenue recognition 
The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can 
be reliably measured and it is probable that future economic 
benefits will flow to the Group. 

Rental income receivable is recognised on a straight-line basis 
over the term of the lease. Directly attributable lease incentives 
are recognised within rental income on the same basis.  

Contingent rents, being those lease payments that are not  
fixed at the inception of a lease, for example increases arising  
on rent reviews or rents linked to tenant revenues, are recorded 
as income in the periods in which they are earned. Rent reviews  
are recognised as income from the date of the rent review, 
based on management’s estimates. Estimates are derived  
from knowledge of market rents for comparable properties 
determined on an individual property basis and updated for 
progress of negotiations. 

Service charge income is recognised on an accruals basis  
in line with the service being provided. 

Facilities management income and management fees  
are recognised on an accruals basis in line with the  
services provided. 

Interest income 
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the 
principal outstanding and the effective interest rate. 

Dividend income 
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive 
payment has been established. 

Share-based payments 
The cost of granting share options and other share-based 
remuneration is recognised through the income statement  
with reference to the fair value of the equity instrument, 
assessed at the date of grant. This cost is charged to the income 
statement over the vesting period of the awards. All awards are 
accounted for as equity settled with the credit entry being taken 
directly to equity. For awards with non-market related criteria, 
the charge is reversed if it is expected that the performance 
criteria will not be met. 

 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

111

2 Accounting policies – Group and Company (continued) 
For share options an option pricing model is used applying 
assumptions around expected yields, forfeiture rates, exercise 
price and volatility. Where the share awards have non-market 
related performance criteria the Group has used the Black-
Scholes option valuation model to establish the relevant fair 
values. Where the share awards have a TSR market related 
performance criteria the Group has used the Monte Carlo 
simulation valuation model to establish the relevant fair values. 

Investments held in the Company’s own shares in connection 
with employee share plans and other share-based payment 
arrangements are accounted for as treasury shares (see 
accounting policy below). 

Exceptional items 
Exceptional items are those items that in the Directors’ view are 
required to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size, nature 
or incidence to enable a full understanding of the Group’s 
financial performance.  

Taxation 
Current tax is the amount payable on the taxable income for the 
year and any adjustment in respect of prior years. It is calculated 
using rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by 
the balance sheet date. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method 
in respect of temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and their 
tax bases. 

Temporary differences are not provided on the initial 
recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting 
nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in 
subsidiaries to the extent that they will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date  
and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset  
is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.  

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that 
management believe it is probable that future taxable profit  
will be available against which the temporary differences can be 
utilised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when 
they relate to taxes levied by the same authority and the Group 
intends to settle them on a net basis. 

Tax is included in the income statement except when it relates 
to items recognised directly in other comprehensive income or 
equity, in which case the related tax is also recognised directly  
in other comprehensive income or equity. 

Investment and development property 
Investment and development property is owned or leased  
by the Group and held for long-term rental income and  
capital appreciation. 

The Group has elected to use the fair value model. Properties 
are initially recognised at cost and subsequently revalued at the 
balance sheet date to fair value as determined by professionally 
qualified external valuers on the basis of market value with the 
exception of recently acquired development land where an 
assessment of fair value may be made internally. Valuations 
conform with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 
(‘RICS’), Valuation – Professional Standards 2014. 

The main estimates and judgements underlying the valuations 
are described in note 19. 

Properties held under leases are stated gross of the recognised 
finance lease liability.  

The cost of investment and development property includes 
capitalised interest and other directly attributable outgoings 
incurred during development. Interest is capitalised on the basis 
of the average rate of interest paid on the relevant debt 
outstanding. Interest ceases to be capitalised on the date of 
practical completion. 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of 
investment and development property are recognised 
in the income statement.  

Depreciation is not provided in respect of investment and 
development property. 

Gains or losses arising on the sale of investment and 
development property are recognised when the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer. 
The gain or loss recognised is the proceeds received less the 
carrying value of the property and costs directly associated 
with the sale. 

Leases 
Leases are classified as a finance or operating lease according  
to the substance of the transaction. A lease that transfers 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the  
lessee is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are 
normally classified as operating leases. 

– Group as lessee 
Leases of investment property are accounted for as finance 
leases and recognised as an asset and an obligation to pay 
future minimum lease payments. The investment property  
asset is included in the balance sheet at fair value, gross of  
the recognised finance lease liability. Contingent rents are 
recognised as they accrue. 

Other finance lease assets are capitalised at the lower of the fair 
value of the leased asset or the present value of the minimum 
lease payments and depreciated over the shorter of the lease 
term and the useful life of the asset. 

Lease payments are allocated between the liability and finance 
charges so as to achieve a constant financing rate. 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

 
 
112

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

2 Accounting policies – Group and Company (continued) 
– Group as lessor 
Investment properties are leased to tenants under operating 
leases, with rental income being recognised on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. For more detail see the revenue 
recognition accounting policy. 

Plant and equipment 
Plant and equipment consists of vehicles, fixtures, fittings  
and other equipment. Plant and equipment is stated at cost  
less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated 
impairment losses. 

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-
line basis over an asset’s estimated useful life up to a maximum 
of five years. 

Other investments 
Available-for-sale investments, being investments intended to 
be held for an indefinite period, are initially and subsequently 
measured at fair value. For listed investments, fair value is the 
current bid market value at the reporting date. For unlisted 
investments where there is no active market, fair value is 
assessed using an appropriate methodology as described in  
note 25. 

Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are included  
in other comprehensive income, except to the extent that  
losses are considered to represent a permanent impairment,  
in which case they are recognised in the income statement.  

Upon disposal, accumulated fair value adjustments are 
reclassified from reserves to the income statement. 

Goodwill 
Goodwill arising on business combinations is carried at cost 
less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is assessed for 
impairment on an annual basis. 

Impairment of assets 
The Group’s assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to 
determine whether events or changes in circumstances exist 
that indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
If such an indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is 
estimated. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s 
fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment 
loss is recognised in the income statement for the amount by 
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash flows. 

At each balance sheet date the Group reviews whether there is 
any indication that an impairment loss recognised in previous 
periods may have decreased. If such an indication exists the 
asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. An impairment loss 
recognised in prior periods is reversed if, and only if, there has 
been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s 
recoverable amount. In this case the asset’s carrying amount is 
increased to its recoverable amount but not exceeding the 
carrying amount that would have been determined had no 
impairment loss been recognised. The reversal of an impairment 

loss is recognised in the income statement. No impairment 
reversals are permitted to be recognised on goodwill. 

Trade receivables 
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost.  

The Directors exercise judgement as to the collectability of 
trade receivables and determine if it is appropriate to impair 
these assets. Factors such as days past due, credit status  
of the counterparty and historical evidence of collection  
are considered. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits  
with banks, whether restricted or unrestricted, and other  
short-term liquid investments with original maturities of  
three months or less. 

Trade payables 
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Pensions 
The costs of defined contribution schemes and contributions  
to personal plans are charged to the income statement in the 
year in which they are incurred. The Group has no defined 
benefit schemes. 

Borrowings 
Borrowings are recognised initially at their net proceeds on issue 
and subsequently carried at amortised cost with the exception 
of certain financial instruments such as convertible bonds as 
detailed in note 33. Any transaction costs and premiums or 
discounts are recognised over the contractual life using the 
effective interest method. 

In the event of early repayment, all unamortised transaction 
costs are recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage 
exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange risk. They  
are initially recognised on the trade date at fair value and 
subsequently re-measured at fair value. In assessing fair value 
the Group uses its judgement to select suitable valuation 
techniques and make assumptions which are mainly based  
on market conditions existing at the balance sheet date. The  
fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting 
estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity  
of each contract and using market interest rates for similar 
instruments at the measurement date. These values are tested 
for reasonableness based upon broker or counterparty quotes. 

Amounts paid under interest rate swaps, both on obligations as 
they fall due and on early settlement, are recognised in the 
income statement as finance costs. Fair value movements on 
revaluation of derivative financial instruments are shown  
in the income statement through changes in fair value of 
financial instruments. 

The Group does not currently apply hedge accounting to its 
interest rate swaps. 

 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

113

Business combinations 
Business combinations are accounted for in accordance with 
IFRS 3 Business Combinations using the acquisition method  
of accounting. The consideration for the acquisition of a 
subsidiary is the total of the fair values of the assets transferred, 
the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the  
Group. The consideration includes the fair value of any asset or 
liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement.  
Costs associated with the acquisition are expensed as  
incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are measured initially at their fair values at the 
acquisition date. 

Goodwill arising on an acquisition is the excess of the 
consideration over the fair value of the identifiable assets  
and liabilities acquired. Where the fair value of the identifiable 
assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the consideration this 
difference is recognised in the income statement at the date  
of the acquisition. 

2 Accounting policies – Group and Company (continued) 
Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares are 
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Dividends 
Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable.  
In the case of interim dividends to owners, this is the date of 
payment. In the case of final dividends, this is when declared  
by shareholders at the annual general meeting. 

Convertible bonds 
Convertible bonds are assessed on issue, as to whether they 
should be classified as a financial liability, as equity or as a 
compound financial instrument with both debt and equity 
components. This assessment is based on the terms of the  
bond and in accordance with IAS 32. Each bond is assessed 
separately and the detailed accounting treatment of each is 
given in note 33. 

Treasury shares 
Investments held in the Company’s own shares are deducted 
from equity at cost. Where such shares are subsequently sold, 
any consideration received is recognised directly in equity. 

Current/non-current classification 
Current assets include assets held primarily for trading 
purposes, cash and cash equivalents, and assets expected to  
be realised in, or intended for sale or consumption in, the course  
of the Group’s operating cycle. All other assets are classified as 
non-current assets. 

Current liabilities include liabilities held primarily for trading 
purposes, liabilities expected to be settled in the course of the 
Group’s operating cycle and those liabilities due within one  
year from the reporting date. All other liabilities are classified  
as non-current liabilities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
114

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

3 Segmental reporting  
Operating segments are determined based on the internal reporting and operational management of the Group. The Group is 
primarily a shopping centre focused business and, following recent acquisition activity, has two reportable operating segments 
being UK and Spain.  

The principal profit indicator used to measure performance is net rental income. An analysis of net rental income is given below: 

Rent receivable 

Service charge income 

Facilities management income from joint ventures 

Revenue 

Rent payable 

Service charge costs 

Facilities management costs recharged to joint ventures 

Other non-recoverable costs 

Net rental income  

Rent receivable 

Service charge income 

Facilities management income from joint ventures 

Revenue 

Rent payable 

Service charge costs 

Facilities management costs recharged to joint ventures 

Other non-recoverable costs 

Net rental income  

Group including share of joint ventures

Spain
£m

21.5

4.5

–

26.0

–

(4.8)

–

(1.8)

19.4

Total
£m

514.0

107.5

7.9

629.4

(22.4) 

(121.5) 

(7.9) 

(49.8) 

427.8

Group including share of joint ventures

Spain
£m

7.2

1.8

–

9.0

–

(2.0)

–

(1.0)

6.0

Total
£m

480.4

97.7

4.1

582.2

(23.4) 

(109.0) 

(4.1) 

(49.1) 

396.6

UK
£m

492.5

103.0

7.9

603.4

(22.4)

(116.7)

(7.9)

(48.0)

408.4

UK
£m

473.2

95.9

4.1

573.2

(23.4)

(107.0)

(4.1)

(48.1)

390.6

Less share of 
joint ventures 
£m 

2015

Group total
£m

(53.0) 

(10.6) 

5.8 

(57.8) 

1.1 

11.7 

(5.8) 

4.8 

(46.0) 

461.0

96.9

13.7

571.6

(21.3)

(109.8)

(13.7)

(45.0)

381.8

2014

Less share of 

joint ventures 
£m 

Group total
£m

(39.3) 

(9.5) 

3.0 

(45.8) 

1.2 

10.3 

(3.0) 

3.3 

(34.0) 

441.1

88.2

7.1

536.4

(22.2)

(98.7)

(7.1)

(45.8)

362.6

There were no significant transactions within net rental income between operating segments. 

An analysis of investment and development property, capital expenditure and revaluation surplus is presented below: 

United Kingdom 

Spain 

Group including share of joint ventures 

Less share of joint ventures 

Group 

  Investment and development property

Capital expenditure

Revaluation surplus

2015
£m

9,222.3

301.4

9,523.7

(1,119.8)

8,403.9

2014
£m

8,806.6

82.2

8,888.8

(869.2)

8,019.6

2015
£m

75.6

47.9

123.5

(2.5)

121.0

2014
£m

65.6

1.4

67.0

(1.0) 

66.0

2015 
£m 

342.2 

8.5 

350.7 

(85.8) 

264.9 

2014
£m

633.8

14.4

648.2

(80.4)

567.8

 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

115

3 Segmental reporting (continued) 
The Group’s geographical analysis of non-current assets (excluding financial instruments) is set out below. This represents where 
the Group’s assets reside and, where relevant, where revenues are generated. In the case of investments this reflects where the 
investee is located. 

United Kingdom 

Spain 

United States 

India 

4 Net other income 

Dividends received from other investments 

Management fees 

intu Digital 

Net other income 

2015
£m

2014
£m

9,447.2

8,934.4

46.9

209.4

55.6

49.7

184.7

38.8

9,759.1

9,207.6

2015
£m

6.7

3.0

(2.8)

6.9

2014
£m

6.1

1.6

(2.9)

4.8

5 (Loss)/gain on acquisition of businesses 
The net loss on acquisition of businesses in the year was £0.8 million. This consists of a gain on the acquisition of Puerto Venecia, 
Zaragoza of £0.8 million (see note 40) and an adjustment increasing the contingent consideration relating to the 2012 acquisition of 
StyleMeTV Limited (renamed IntuDigital Limited) resulting in the recognition of a loss of £1.6 million. The 2014 gain related to the 
acquisition of intu Derby and intu Merry Hill (see note 40). 

6 Administration expenses – exceptional 
Exceptional administration expenses (see note 2 for definition of exceptional items) in the year totalled £1.0 million (2014: £13.8 
million). 2015 costs relate to corporate transactions, principally the acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza. 2014 costs principally 
related to the acquisition of intu Merry Hill, intu Derby and Sprucefield. 

7 Operating profit 

Operating profit is arrived at after charging: 

Staff costs (note 8) 

Depreciation (note 20) 

Remuneration paid to the Company’s auditors (note 9) 

2015
£m

77.9

2.6

0.7

2014
£m

72.3

2.1

1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

8 Employees’ information 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Pension costs (note 48) 

Share-based payments (note 47) 

Group 
2015 
£m 

63.9 

6.1 

3.1 

4.8 

77.9 

Group
2014
£m

61.3

5.8

2.7

2.5

72.3

At 31 December 2015 the number of persons employed by the Group was 2,544 (2014: 2,459). The Company had no employees 
during the year (2014: nil). The monthly average number of persons employed by the Group during the year was: 

40 Broadway, London 

Shopping centres 

9 Auditors’ remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and their associates for: 

The audit of the Company’s annual accounts 

Other services to the Group – audit of the Company’s subsidiaries 

Fees related to the audit of the Company and its subsidiaries 

Audit-related assurance services1 

Total fees for audit and audit related services 

Other assurance services2 

Total non-audit related services 

Total fees 

2015 
Number 

323 

2,123 

2,446 

2015 
£000 

237 

391 

628 

71 

699 

25 

25 

724 

2014
Number

261

1,916

2,177

2014
£000

214

352

566

40

606

1,034

1,034

1,640

Fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (‘PwC’) and its associates for non-audit services to the Company are not required  
to be disclosed separately as they are included on a consolidated basis. Fees payable by the Group’s joint ventures in respect of 2015 
were £93,000 (intu’s share) all of which related to audit and audit related services. The Group also used accounting firms other than 
PwC for a number of assignments. 

1  Relates to review of the interim report of the Group, and interim reviews of certain subsidiary undertakings. 

2  2014 included £916,000 in respect of reporting accountant work associated with the rights issue and raising debt on intu Trafford Centre and within the Secured Group 

Structure (SGS). 

The role of the reporting accountant requires detailed knowledge of the entities involved. If a firm other than the audit firm were to undertake this work then they would have 
to spend a significant amount of additional time becoming familiar with those entities. PwC was therefore chosen to undertake this work as it was considered to be sensible and 
more efficient both in terms of time and costs. For the same reasons, certain elements of the SGS work were undertaken by another firm that had performed the most recent 
audit for those entities.  

2014 also included £118,000 in respect of financial due diligence related to the acquisition of intu Merry Hill, intu Derby and Sprucefield. PwC was chosen to undertake this work 
on efficiency grounds given the overall assignment, including reporting accountant work on the rights issue. Additionally, as for all non-audit work, consideration was given as to 
whether PwC’s independence could be affected by undertaking this work. It was concluded that this would not be the case. 

10 Finance costs 

On bank loans and overdrafts 

On convertible bonds (note 33) 

On obligations under finance leases 

Finance costs 

Finance costs of £2.1 million were capitalised in the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: £nil). 

2015 
£m 

195.4 

7.5 

3.7 

206.6 

2014
£m

186.0

7.5

3.6

197.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

117

11 Finance income 

Interest receivable on loans to joint ventures 

Other finance income 

Finance income 

12 Other finance costs 

Amortisation of Metrocentre compound financial instrument 
Cost of termination of derivative financial instruments and other costs1 
Foreign currency movements1 

Other finance costs 

2015
£m

17.1

1.6

18.7

2015
£m

5.9

28.6

2.8

37.3

2014
£m

10.7

1.2

11.9

2014
£m

6.1

48.4

2.3

56.8

1  Amounts totalling £31.4 million in the year ended 31 December 2015 are treated as exceptional items, as defined in note 2 (2014: £50.7 million). These finance costs include 

termination of interest rate swaps on repayment of debt, payments on unallocated swaps and other fees.  

13 Change in fair value of financial instruments  

Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments 

Loss on convertible bonds designated as at fair value through profit or loss (note 33) 

Change in fair value of financial instruments 

2015
£m

6.8

(0.8)

6.0

2014
£m

(144.8)

(12.8)

(157.6)

Included within the change in fair value of derivative financial instruments are gains totalling £44.1 million (2014: £70.3 million) 
resulting from the payment of obligations under derivative financial instruments during the year. Of these £26.5 million related to 
unallocated swaps. In 2014 £27.0 million related to unallocated swaps and £17.1 million to the termination of swaps. 

14 Taxation 
Taxation for the year: 

Overseas taxation 

UK taxation – adjustment in respect of prior years 

Current tax 

Deferred tax: 

On investment and development property 

On other investments 

On derivative financial instruments 

On other temporary differences 

Deferred tax 

Total tax credit 

2015
£m

0.6

(0.2)

0.4

(0.8)

(0.2)

(2.8)

(1.2)

(5.0)

(4.6)

2014
£m

0.5

–

0.5

–

(0.9)

(5.6)

(0.1)

(6.6)

(6.1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
118

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

14 Taxation (continued) 
The tax credits for 2015 and 2014 are lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The differences are explained below: 

Profit before tax, joint ventures and associates 

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate in the UK of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%) 

Exempt property rental profits and revaluations 

Additions and disposals of property and investments 

Prior year corporation tax items 

Non-deductable and other items 

Overseas taxation 

Unprovided deferred tax 

Total tax credit 

2015 
£m 

398.4 

80.7 

(90.3) 

(9.6) 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

(0.4) 

0.6 

5.2 

(4.6) 

2014
£m

493.2

106.0

(140.6)

(34.6)

(0.8)

–

(0.1)

0.5

28.9

(6.1)

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income of £5.0 million (2014: £6.6 million) relates entirely to deferred tax in 
respect of other investments. 

15 Profit for the year attributable to owners of intu properties plc 
Profits of £146.4 million are recorded in the accounts of the Company in respect of the year (2014: £158.4 million). No income 
statement or statement of comprehensive income is presented for the Company as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies  
Act 2006. 

16 Dividends 

Ordinary shares 
Prior year final dividend paid of 9.1 pence per share (2014: 9.11 pence per share) 

Interim dividend paid of 4.6 pence per share (2014: 4.6 pence per share) 

Dividends declared 

Proposed final dividend of 9.1 pence per share 

1  Adjusted for the 2014 rights issue bonus factor. 

2015 
£m 

118.3 

61.1 

179.4 

122.4 

2014
£m

96.2

59.7

155.9

In 2015, the Company offered shareholders the option to receive ordinary shares instead of cash for the 2014 final and 2015 interim 
dividends of 9.1 pence and 4.6 pence respectively under the Scrip Dividend Scheme. As a result of elections made by shareholders 
16,071,625 new ordinary shares of 50 pence each were issued on 28 May 2015 and 5,420,299 new ordinary shares of 50 pence each 
were issued on 24 November 2015 in lieu of dividends otherwise payable. This resulted in £73.0 million of cash being retained in  
the business. 

In 2014, the Scrip Dividend Scheme resulted in £62.2 million of cash being retained in the business. 

Details of the shares in issue and dividends waived are given in notes 37 and 38. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

119

17 Earnings per share 
(a) Earnings per share 
Basic and diluted earnings per share as calculated in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings per Share: 

Profit for the year attributable to owners of intu properties plc 

Interest on convertible bonds recognised directly in equity (note 33) 

2015 

Shares
million

Pence per 
share 

Earnings
£m

518.4

–

Basic earnings per share1 

518.4

1,318.1

39.3p 

Dilutive convertible bonds, share options and share awards 

8.4

87.3

Diluted earnings per share 

526.8

1,405.4

37.5p 

Earnings 
£m 

586.2 

(2.9) 

583.3 

23.2 

606.5 

2014

Shares
million

Pence per
share

1,214.6

48.0p

96.4

1,311.0

46.3p

1  The weighted average number of shares used for the calculation of basic earnings per share has been adjusted to remove shares held in the ESOP. 

(b) Headline earnings per share 
Headline earnings per share has been calculated and presented as required by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange  
listing requirements. 

Basic earnings 

Remove: 

Gross 
£m 

2015  

Net1 
£m   

518.4  

Gross
£m

2014 

Net1
£m 

583.3 

Revaluation of investment and development property (note 19) 

(264.9) 

(261.9)  

(567.8)

(552.9)

Gain on acquisition of businesses 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Share of joint ventures’ items 

Share of associates’ items 

Headline earnings/(loss) 
Dilution2 

Diluted headline earnings/(loss) 

Weighted average number of shares 
Dilution2 

Diluted weighted average number of shares 

Headline earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 

Diluted headline earnings/(loss) per share (pence) 

1  Net of tax and non-controlling interests. 

(0.8) 

(2.2) 

(0.9) 

(0.8)  

(2.2)  

(0.9)  

(85.8) 

(85.1)  

(0.3) 

(0.3)  

(1.6)

(0.6)

–

(80.4)

(0.8)

167.2  

8.4  

175.6  

1,318.1  

87.3  

1,405.4  

12.7p  

12.5p  

(1.6)

(0.6)

–

(80.4)

(0.8)

(53.0)
23.2 

(29.8)

1,214.6 
96.4 

1,311.0 

(4.4)p 

(2.3)p 

2  The dilution impact is required to be included as calculated in note 17(a) even where this is not dilutive for headline earnings per share. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

17 Earnings per share (continued) 
(c) Underlying earnings per share 
Underlying earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure but has been included as it is considered to be a key measure of the Group’s 
performance and an indication of the extent to which dividend payments are supported by underlying earnings (see underlying 
profit statement on page 167). 

Basic earnings per share (per note 17(a)) 

518.4

1,318.1

39.3p

583.3 

1,214.6

48.0p

Earnings
£m

Shares
million

Pence per
share

Earnings 
£m 

Shares
million

Pence per
share

2015

2014

Remove: 

Revaluation of investment and development property (note 19) 

(264.9)

(20.1)p

(567.8) 

Loss/(gain) on acquisition of businesses 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Exceptional administration expenses (note 6) 

Exceptional finance costs (note 12) 

Change in fair value of financial instruments (note 13) 

Tax on the above 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Share of associates’ adjusting items 

Non-controlling interests in respect of the above 

Underlying earnings per share 

Dilutive convertible bonds, share options and share awards 

0.8

(2.2)

(0.9)

1.0

31.4

(6.0)

(5.1)

(83.9)

(5.8)

3.8

186.6

1,318.1

7.5

87.3

0.1p

(0.2)p

(0.1)p

0.1p

2.4p

(0.4)p

(0.4)p

(6.4)p

(0.4)p

0.3p

14.2p

(1.6) 

(0.6) 

– 

13.8 

50.7 

157.6 

(6.7) 

(81.1) 

(0.8) 

14.9 

161.7 

1,214.6

10.4 

96.4

(46.7)p

(0.1)p

–

–

1.1p

4.2p

13.0p

(0.6)p

(6.7)p

(0.1)p

1.2p

13.3p

Underlying, diluted earnings per share 

194.1

1,405.4

13.8p

172.1 

1,311.0

13.1p

18 Net asset value per share 
(a) NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 
NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) is a non-GAAP measure but has been included as it is considered to be a key measure of the 
Group’s performance. 

Net
assets 
£m

Shares 
million

2015

NAV per 
share
pence

Net 
assets  
£m 

Shares 
million

2014

NAV per 
share
pence

NAV per share attributable to owners of intu properties plc1 

4,976.4

1,331.9

374p

4,524.0 

1,303.7

347p

Dilutive convertible bonds, share options and awards 

16.2

6.4

22.2 

8.6

Diluted NAV per share 

Remove: 

Fair value of derivative financial instruments (net of tax) 

Deferred tax on investment and development property  
and other investments 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Add: 

Non-controlling interest recoverable balance not recognised 

4,992.6

1,338.3

373p

4,546.2 

1,312.3

347p

322.1

18.9

6.3

71.3

24p

333.2 

1p

1p

5p

14.1 

4.1 

71.3 

26p

1p

–

5p

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 

5,411.2

1,338.3

404p

4,968.9 

1,312.3

379p

1  The number of shares used has been adjusted to remove shares held in the ESOP. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

121

18 Net asset value per share (continued) 
(b) NNNAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 
NNNAV per share (diluted, adjusted) is a non-GAAP measure but has been included as it is considered to be an industry standard 
comparable measure. 

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 
Fair value of derivative financial instruments (net of tax) 
Excess of fair value of debt over book value 
Deferred tax on investment and development property  
and other investments 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 
Non-controlling interests in respect of the above 

Shares 
million

1,338.3

Net
assets 
£m

5,411.2
(322.1)
(194.4)

(18.9)

(8.1)
11.0

2015 

NAV per  
share 
pence 

404p 
(24)p 
(14)p 

(1)p 

(1)p 
1p 

Net 
assets  
£m 

4,968.9 
(333.2) 
(310.2) 

(14.1) 

(6.0) 
17.0 

Shares 
million

1,312.3

2014

NAV per 
share
pence

379p
(26)p
(24)p

(1)p

–
1p

NNNAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 

4,878.7

1,338.3

365p 

4,322.4 

1,312.3

329p

19 Investment and development property 

At 1 January 2014 

Acquisition of intu Derby and Sprucefield (note 40) 

Additions  
Disposal of subsidiaries1 

Surplus on revaluation 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 2014 

Acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza (note 40) 

Additions  

Disposals 
Disposal of subsidiaries2 

Surplus on revaluation 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 2015 

1  Relates to intu Asturias (£142.2 million) and intu Uxbridge (£208.2 million). See note 41. 

2  Relates to Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza. See note 41. 

A reconciliation to market value is given in the table below: 

Balance sheet carrying value of investment and development property 

Tenant incentives included within trade and other receivables (note 27) 

Head leases included within finance leases in borrowings (note 31) 

Market value of investment and development property 

Freehold  
£m 

5,038.1 

458.4 

48.5 

(350.4) 

468.9 

(0.9) 

5,662.6 

344.2 

84.4 

(1.5) 

(331.7) 

223.6 

(12.3) 

Leasehold 
£m

2,240.6

–

17.5

–

98.9

–

Total 
£m

7,278.7

458.4

66.0

(350.4)

567.8

(0.9)

2,357.0

8,019.6

–

36.6

(0.3)

–

41.3

–

344.2

121.0

(1.8)

(331.7)

264.9

(12.3)

5,969.3 

2,434.6

8,403.9

2015
£m

2014
£m

8,403.9

8,019.6

101.0

(34.2)

96.9

(34.9)

8,470.7

8,081.6

All investment and development property is measured at fair value in the Group’s balance sheet and categorised as Level 3 in the 
fair value hierarchy (see note 35 for definition) as one or more significant inputs to the valuation are partly based on unobservable 
market data. 

Transfers into and transfers out of the fair value hierarchy levels are recognised on the date of the event or change in  
circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 for investment properties during the year. 

The market value of investment and development property at 31 December 2015 includes £144.4 million (31 December 2014: 
£74.4 million) in respect of property considered to be developments. These are accounted for as investment property and are 
valued using the same methodology as other investment property with the exception of certain recently acquired development 
land as detailed on page 122. 

 
 
 
 
122

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

19 Investment and development property (continued) 
The Group has only one class of investment and development property asset. All the Group’s significant investment and 
development property relates to prime shopping centres which are of a similar nature and share characteristics and risks.  

Valuation process 
It is the Group’s policy to engage independent external valuers to determine the market value of its investment and development 
property at both 30 June and 31 December. The Group provides information to the valuers, including current lease and tenant data 
along with asset specific business plans. The valuers use this and other inputs including market transactions for similar properties to 
produce valuations (see valuation methodology below). These valuations and the assumptions they have made are then discussed 
and reviewed with the Group’s asset management team and Directors. 

The Group engages independent valuation experts to undertake the Group’s property valuations. A summary of the valuers and the 
value of property assets they have been engaged to value is given below: 

Cushman & Wakefield 

CBRE 

Assets not valued externally 

2015 
£m 

7,132.8 

1,275.0 

62.9 

8,470.7 

2014
£m

6,823.5

1,248.1

10.0

8,081.6

In addition to the above, investment properties in the Group’s joint ventures were valued by Cushman & Wakefield, Knight Frank 
and Jones Lang LaSalle.  

Assets not valued externally, relates to recently acquired development land, the main element being the site in Malága, Spain. 
These amounts have been reviewed internally and it has been concluded that the cost of these assets continues to be in line with 
market values and so no valuation adjustment is needed. As the developments advance these will be valued by independent 
external valuers. 

Valuation fees are a fixed amount agreed between the Group and the valuers in advance of the valuation and are not linked to  
the valuation output.  

Valuation methodology 
The fair value of the Group’s investment and development property as at 31 December 2015 was determined by independent 
external valuers at that date other than certain recently acquired development land as detailed above. The valuations are in 
accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Valuation – Professional Standards 2014 and were arrived at by 
reference to market transactions for similar properties. Fair values for investment properties are calculated using the present value 
income approach. The main assumptions underlying the valuations are in relation to rent profile and yields as discussed below. 

The key driver of the property valuations is the terms of the leases in place at the valuation date. These determine the majority  
of the cash flow profile of the property for a number of years and therefore form the base of the valuation. The valuation assumes 
adjustments from these rental values to current market rent at the time of the next rent review (where a typical lease allows only 
for upward adjustment) and as leases expire and are replaced by new leases. The current market level of rent is assessed based  
on evidence provided by the most recent relevant leasing transactions and negotiations. This is based on evidence available at the  
date of valuation and does not assume future increases in market rent. 

The nominal equivalent yield is applied as a discount rate to the rental cash flows which, after taking into account other input 
assumptions such as vacancies and costs, generates the market value of the property. The nominal equivalent yield applied is 
assessed by reference to market transactions for similar properties and takes into account, amongst other things, any risks 
associated with the rent uplift assumptions. 

Annual property income as disclosed in the table below reflects current annualised gross income. 

The net initial yield is calculated as the current net income over the gross market value of the asset and is used as a sense check and 
to compare against market transactions for similar properties. 

Full definitions of nominal equivalent yield, annual property income and net initial yield are provided in the glossary. 

The valuation output, inputs and assumptions, are reviewed to ensure that they are in line with those of market participants.  

A significant change in the nominal equivalent yield in isolation, would result in a significant change in the value of investment and 
development property. A decrease in nominal equivalent yield of 50 basis points would result in an increase in the total market value 
of £953 million (31 December 2014: £874 million), while a 50 basis point increase would result in a decrease in the total market 
value of £748 million (31 December 2014: £718 million). 

 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

123

19 Investment and development property (continued) 
The tables below provide details of the assumptions used in the valuation and key unobservable inputs: 

intu Trafford Centre 

intu Lakeside 

intu Metrocentre 

intu Braehead 

intu Derby 

Manchester Arndale 

intu Victoria Centre 

intu Watford 

intu Eldon Square 

intu Milton Keynes 

intu Chapelfield 

Cribbs Causeway 

intu Potteries 

intu Bromley 

intu Trafford Centre 

intu Lakeside 

intu Metrocentre 

intu Braehead 

Manchester Arndale 

intu Derby 

intu Watford 

intu Victoria Centre 

intu Milton Keynes 

intu Eldon Square 

intu Chapelfield 

Cribbs Causeway 

intu Bromley 

intu Potteries 

Market value 
£m

Net initial  
yield (EPRA) 

Nominal 
equivalent yield

2015

Annual property 
income 
£m

2,305.0

1,334.0

952.3

585.5

447.0

445.0

356.0

336.0

299.7

280.0

272.5

245.1

175.1

174.1

3.7% 

4.2% 

4.7% 

3.9% 

5.9% 

4.6% 

4.3% 

4.7% 

4.1% 

4.1% 

5.3% 

4.4% 

4.7% 

5.5% 

4.3%

4.7%

5.4%

6.0%

6.0%

5.1%

6.0%

6.3%

5.9%

4.8%

5.8%

5.4%

7.5%

7.1%

87.8

59.2

48.2

26.2

30.6

21.9

18.2

17.8

14.5

13.3

16.2

11.7

9.4

10.7

2014

Market value 
£m

Net initial  
yield (EPRA) 

Nominal
 equivalent yield

Annual property 
income 
£m

2,200.0

1,255.0

928.1

599.3

430.2

420.0

335.0

314.0

277.5

272.6

261.0

242.9

170.7

164.5

3.9% 

4.2% 

4.3% 

3.7% 

4.6% 

6.3% 

4.5% 

4.0% 

4.5% 

4.1% 

5.0% 

4.1% 

5.3% 

5.3% 

4.5%

5.0%

5.4%

5.9%

5.2%

6.2%

6.3%

6.2%

4.9%

6.1%

6.0%

5.5%

7.1%

7.5%

86.9

59.7

46.8

25.5

21.7

28.4

17.3

16.9

13.8

14.0

15.1

12.6

10.5

10.5

 
 
 
 
 
124

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

20 Plant and equipment 

Group 

At 1 January 

Additions 

Disposals 

Charge for the year 

At 31 December 

Company 

At 1 January 

Additions 

Charge for the year 

At 31 December 

Cost 
£m

15.2

2.5

(0.5)

–

17.2

Cost 
£m

10.4

2.3

–

12.7

Accumulated 
depreciation 
£m

(10.1)

–

0.5

(2.6)

(12.2)

Accumulated 
depreciation 
£m

(6.5)

–

(2.0)

(8.5)

2015

Net 
£m

5.1

2.5

–

(2.6)

5.0

2015

Net 
£m

3.9

2.3

(2.0)

4.2

Cost  
£m 

13.5 

1.7 

– 

– 

15.2 

Cost  
£m 

9.0 

1.4 

– 

10.4 

Accumulated 
depreciation  
£m 

(8.0) 

– 

– 

(2.1) 

(10.1) 

Accumulated 
depreciation  
£m 

(4.8) 

– 

(1.7) 

(6.5) 

Plant and equipment consists of vehicles, fixtures, fittings and other office equipment. 

21 Investment in group companies 

Company 

At 1 January 

Additions 

Redemption of preference shares 

Impairment reversed in the year 

At 31 December 

Cost 
£m

Accumulated 
impairment 
£m

2015

Net 
£m

Cost  
£m 

Accumulated 
impairment  
£m 

3,313.7

(609.0)

2,704.7

3,328.1 

(817.1) 

2,511.0

–

–

–

3,313.7

–

–

161.9

(447.1)

–

–

161.9

2,866.6

182.8 

(197.2) 

– 

3,313.7 

– 

– 

208.1 

(609.0) 

182.8

(197.2)

208.1

2,704.7

The impairment charge reversed in the year was principally the result of property valuation increases seen in the relevant 
subsidiaries. Details of related undertakings are provided in note 45. 

2014

Net 
£m

5.5

1.7

–

(2.1)

5.1

2014

Net 
£m

4.2

1.4

(1.7)

3.9

2014

Net 
£m

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

125

22 Joint ventures 
The Group’s principal joint ventures own and manage investment and development property. 

At 1 January 2015 

Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza (note 41) 

Share of underlying profit 

Share of other net profit/(loss) 

Share of profit/(loss) 

Distributions 

Repayment of capital 

Loan advances 

Loan repayments 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 2015 

Represented by: 

Loans to joint venture  

Group’s share of net assets 

At 1 January 2014  

Acquisition of intu Merry Hill (note 40) 

intu Uxbridge (note 41) 

intu Asturias (note 41) 

Other additions 

Share of underlying profit 

Share of other net profit 

Share of profit 

Distributions 

Repayment of capital 

Loan advances 

Loan repayments 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 2014 

Represented by: 

Loans to joint venture  

Group’s share of net assets 

intu Merry 
Hill 
£m

433.0

St David’s, 
Cardiff 
£m

310.9

–

7.5

12.2

19.7

(5.7)

–

–

–

–

447.0

386.2

60.8

–

13.8

61.4

75.2

–

–

–

(17.6)

–

368.5

111.0

257.5

intu Merry 
Hill 
£m

–

403.8

–

–

–

5.1

26.8

31.9

(2.7)

–

–

–

–

433.0

386.2

46.8

Puerto 
Venecia 
£m

–

86.1

0.6

(0.8)

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

85.9

82.3

3.6

St David’s, 
Cardiff 
£m

194.6

–

–

–

–

11.3

38.8

50.1

–

–

79.7

(13.5)

–

310.9

128.6

182.3

intu  
Asturias  
£m 

47.3 

– 

0.6 

8.4 

9.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2.9) 

53.4 

29.3 

24.1 

intu  
Asturias  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

71.3 

– 

0.4 

13.9 

14.3 

– 

(14.3) 

17.1 

(39.2) 

(1.9) 

47.3 

31.6 

15.7 

2015 

Total 
£m 

851.5 

86.1 

24.7 

83.9 

108.6 

(9.0)

(25.6)

0.8 

(17.6)

(2.9)

Other 
£m

60.3

–

2.2

2.7

4.9

(3.3)

(25.6)

0.8

–

–

37.1

991.9 

2.3

34.8

Other 
£m

14.9

–

43.0

–

0.4

1.8

1.6

3.4

(2.2)

–

0.8

–

–

60.3

1.9

58.4

611.1 

380.8 

2014 

Total 
£m 

209.5 

403.8 

43.0 

71.3 

0.4 

18.6 

81.1 

99.7 

(4.9)

(14.3)

97.6 

(52.7)

(1.9)

851.5 

548.3 

303.2 

At 31 December 2015, the boards of joint ventures had approved £5.3 million (2014: £0.5 million) of future expenditure for the 
purchase, construction, development and enhancement of investment property. Of this, £2.0 million (2014: £0.1 million) is 
contractually committed. These amounts represent the Group’s share. 

It is intended that the exemption, conferred by regulation 7 of The Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008, from needing to 
prepare and file accounts will be taken in respect of the following limited partnerships which are dealt with on a consolidated basis 
in these financial statements: MH (No. 1) Limited Partnership, MH (No. 2) Limited Partnership, MH (No. 3) Limited Partnership, MH 
(No. 4) Limited Partnership, MH (No. 5) Limited Partnership, MH (No. 6) Limited Partnership, MH (No. 7) Limited Partnership and 
MH (No. 8) Limited Partnership. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

22 Joint ventures (continued) 
Set out below is the summarised information of the Group’s joint ventures with financial information presented at 100 per cent.  
The summarised income statement of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza is presented for the period from 30 September 2015 when it 
became a joint venture. 

intu Merry 
Hill 
£m

St David’s, 
Cardiff 
£m

Puerto 
Venecia 
£m

intu  
Asturias  
£m 

Other  
£m 

Summary information 

Group’s interest 

Principal place of business 

Summarised income statement 

Revenue 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Revaluation of investment and development property 

Administration expenses – underlying 

Administration expenses – exceptional 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Taxation – underlying  

Taxation – exceptional 

Profit/(loss)  

Group’s share of profit/(loss)  

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current assets  

Total current assets 

Current financial liabilities 

Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities  

Partners’ loans 

Non-current financial liabilities 

Other non-current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Group’s share of net assets 

2015

Total 
£m

138.0

98.7

0.1

180.1

(4.3)

(0.9)

(38.7)

0.1

(1.4)

(0.1)

(1.5)

232.1

108.6

2,375.4

12.7

2,388.1

55.1

39.6

94.7

(16.4)

(46.6)

(63.0)

19.6 

13.4 

– 

13.9 

(2.1) 

– 

(0.5) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

24.7 

4.9 

252.2 

4.4 

256.6 

7.3 

6.1 

13.4 

(2.4) 

(3.7) 

(6.1) 

50%

England

58.8

43.3

–

24.4

(1.2)

–

(27.2)

0.1

–

–

–

39.4

19.7

895.8

1.1

896.9

18.6

4.9

23.5

(5.3)

(21.1)

(26.4)

50%

Wales

41.0

27.6

0.1

122.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

150.4

75.2

718.1

2.8

720.9

7.7

23.7

31.4

(1.2)

(14.1)

(15.3)

(772.4)

(222.0)

–

–

–

–

50%

Spain

50% 

Spain 

5.4

4.5

–

(0.9)

(0.3)

(0.2)

(3.0)

–

(0.5)

–

–

(0.4)

(0.2)

331.5

0.4

331.9

13.0

2.3

15.3

(3.9)

(7.4)

(11.3)

(164.6)

(164.1)

–

13.2 

9.9 

– 

20.0 

(0.7) 

(0.7) 

(8.0) 

– 

(0.9) 

(0.1) 

(1.5) 

18.0 

9.0 

177.8 

4.0 

181.8 

8.5 

2.6 

11.1 

(3.6) 

(0.3) 

(3.9) 

(58.6) 

(70.0) 

(12.2) 

(131.1) 

(1,348.7)

– 

– 

(234.1)

(12.2)

(772.4)

(222.0)

(328.7)

(140.8) 

(131.1) 

(1,595.0)

121.6

60.8

515.0

257.5

7.2

3.6

48.2 

24.1 

132.8 

34.8 

824.8

380.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

127

22 Joint ventures (continued) 

Summary information 

Group’s interest 

Principal place of business 

Summarised income statement 

Revenue 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Revaluation of investment and development property 

Administration expenses 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

Profit  

Group’s share of profit  

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current assets  

Total current assets 

Current financial liabilities 

Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Partners’ loans 

Non-current financial liabilities 

Other non-current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Group’s share of net assets 

intu Merry 
Hill 
£m

St David’s, 
Cardiff 
£m

50%

England

50%

Wales

43.0

29.6

–

53.7

(0.7)

(18.8)

0.1

–

63.9

31.9

868.9

0.5

869.4

30.0

5.9

35.9

(17.8)

(21.4)

(39.2)

38.8

27.2

1.2

75.5

(0.1)

(5.6)

–

2.0

100.2

50.1

594.1

20.6

614.7

13.1

7.5

20.6

(0.3)

(13.3)

(13.6)

(772.5)

(257.2)

–

–

(772.5)

93.6

46.8

–

–

(257.2)

364.5

182.3

intu  
Asturias 
£m 

50% 

Spain 

10.5 

6.8 

– 

28.8 

(0.7) 

(5.4) 

0.1 

(0.9) 

28.7 

14.3 

164.4 

4.4 

168.8 

12.1 

1.6 

13.7 

(3.8) 

(0.9) 

(4.7) 

(63.2) 

(72.0) 

(11.2) 

2014

Total 
£m

104.3

72.3

1.2

159.5

(2.3)

(29.8)

0.2

1.1

202.2

99.7

1,872.5

27.8

1,900.3

64.2

16.9

81.1

(23.5)

(40.9)

(64.4)

(1,094.3)

(72.0)

(11.2)

Other 
£m

12.0

8.7

–

1.5

(0.8)

–

–

–

9.4

3.4

245.1

2.3

247.4

9.0

1.9

10.9

(1.6)

(5.3)

(6.9)

(1.4)

–

–

(146.4) 

(1.4)

(1,177.5)

31.4 

15.7 

250.0

58.4

739.5

303.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
128

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

23 Joint operations 
The Group’s interests in Cribbs Causeway and Manchester Arndale are accounted for as joint operations. The Group holds 50 per 
cent beneficial interests in the relevant freehold or leasehold of these properties. Each joint arrangement is governed by a Trust 
Deed giving each party rights to income and obligations for expenses in respect of their beneficial interest in the property. The 
management of the property is established under the Trust Deed as being undertaken by an entity jointly controlled by the 
beneficial owners of the property. This entity does not have the right to a share of the income or expenditure from the property, 
other than the receipt of a management fee. Therefore these interests are accounted for as joint operations. The principal place  
of business of both joint operations is England. 

24 Investment in associates  

At 1 January 

Additions 

Share of profit of associates 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 

Group 
2015 
£m 

38.0 

10.0 

6.0 

0.7 

54.7 

Group
2014
£m

35.8

–

0.8

1.4

38.0

Investment in associates comprises a 32.4 per cent holding in the ordinary shares of Prozone Intu Properties Limited (‘Prozone’) and 
a 26.8 per cent holding in the ordinary shares of Empire Mall Private Limited (‘Empire’). Both companies are incorporated in India. 

During 2015 Empire, a subsidiary of Prozone, initiated a rights issue to raise INR1.6 billion. Prozone did not take up its rights and 
hence its investment in Empire reduced from 61.5 per cent to 34.7 per cent. The Group took up these unclaimed rights resulting  
in a £10 million (INR1.0 billion), 26.8 per cent direct holding in Empire. 

The rights issue was priced at a discount to the net asset value of Empire resulting in a gain of £8.1 million on acquisition which 
is recorded through the share of profit of associates. Conversely the carrying value of the investment in Prozone reduced by  
£2.6 million reflecting that Company’s failure to take up its rights and this is also reflected through the share of profit of associates. 

As required by IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, the equity method of accounting is applied in accounting for 
the Group’s investments in Prozone and Empire. The results for the year to 30 September have been used as 31 December 
information is not available in time for these financial statements. Those results are adjusted to be in line with the Group’s 
accounting policies and include the most recent property valuations, determined as at 30 September 2015, by independent 
professionally qualified external valuers in line with the valuation methodology described in note 19. 

The market price per share of Prozone at 31 December 2015 was INR32 (31 December 2014: INR26), valuing the Group’s interest 
at £16.1 million (31 December 2014: £13.0 million) compared to the carrying value of £36.4 million (31 December 2014: £38.0 
million). As the share price of Prozone is lower than its carrying value, a review of the carrying value has been undertaken. The net 
assets of Prozone principally comprise investment property which is held at fair value in intu’s financial statements. As with other 
Group investment property, it is subject to independent valuation to fair value and that valuation reflects the future cash flows 
expected to be generated from those assets. As such the net asset carrying value recorded in the Group’s accounts is deemed to be 
a reasonable approximation of the value in use of the business and so no adjustment to that carrying value is considered necessary. 

 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

129

24 Investment in associates (continued) 
Set out below is the summarised information of the Group’s investments in associates with financial information presented  
at 100 per cent. The summarised income statement of Empire is presented for the period from 26 September 2015 when it  
became an associate.  

Summary information 

Group’s interest 

Summarised income statement  

Revenue 

Revaluation of investment and development property  

Other income statement items 

Loss on Empire rights issue 

(Loss)/profit reported by associate 

Group’s share of (loss)/profit reported by associate 

Group’s gain on Empire rights issue 

Group’s share of (loss)/profit 

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Other non-current assets 

Current assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Non-controlling interests 

Net assets attributable to owners 

Group’s share of net assets attributable to owners 

Prozone
2015
£m

Empire 
2015 
£m 

Total
2015
£m

32.4%

26.8% 

8.8

1.2

0.8

(8.1)

(6.1)

(2.0)

–

(2.0)

197.9

11.4

23.4

(5.4)

(25.0)

202.3

(89.9)

112.4

36.4

1.6 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

– 

(0.4) 

(0.1) 

8.1 

8.0 

69.6 

0.2 

8.6 

(2.8) 

(7.5) 

68.1 

– 

68.1 

18.3 

10.4

1.0

0.6

(8.1)

(6.5)

(2.1)

8.1

6.0

267.5

11.6

32.0

(8.2)

(32.5)

270.4

(89.9)

180.5

54.7

Prozone
2014
£m

32.4%

4.6

2.3

0.1

–

2.4

0.8

–

0.8

185.5

3.3

20.3

(8.7)

(20.9)

179.9

(62.2)

117.3

38.0

 
 
 
 
 
130

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

25 Other investments 

At 1 January 

Additions 

Disposals 

Revaluation 

Foreign exchange movements 

At 31 December 

These investments are available-for-sale investments and are analysed by type as follows: 

Listed securities – equity 

Unlisted securities – equity 

Group 
2015 
£m 

189.7 

– 

(4.5) 

12.8 

12.3 

Group
2014
£m

154.9

3.8

–

21.1

9.9

210.3 

189.7

Group 
2015 
£m 

0.9 

209.4 

210.3 

Group
2014
£m

5.0

184.7

189.7

Listed investments are accounted for at fair value using the bid market value at the reporting date. The Group’s unlisted securities 
all relate to the 11.4 million units in a US venture controlled by Equity One, convertible into Equity One shares and therefore the fair 
value of the investment is measured by reference to the Equity One share price. On 19 January 2016, the Group disposed of this 
interest in Equity One receiving £201.9 million. 

26 Goodwill 

At 1 January 

Disposal of subsidiaries (note 41) 

At 31 December 

27 Trade and other receivables 

Current 

Trade receivables 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Amounts owed by joint ventures 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Trade and other receivables – current 

Non-current 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Trade and other receivables – non-current 

Group 
2015 
£m 

4.0 

– 

4.0 

Group
2014
£m

8.2

(4.2)

4.0

Group
2015
£m

23.5

–

8.5

17.5

59.3

Group 
2014 
£m 

24.6 

– 

20.5 

16.8 

52.8 

Company 
2015 
£m 

Company
2014
£m

– 

–

1,262.0 

1,284.4

– 

2.3 

2.6 

–

0.9

1.5

108.8

114.7 

1,266.9 

1,286.8

0.1

89.2

89.3

11.4 

88.3 

99.7 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

Included within prepayments and accrued income for the Group of £148.5 million (2014: £141.1 million) are tenant lease incentives 
of £101.0 million (2014: £96.9 million). 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are unsecured and repayable on demand.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

131

28 Cash and cash equivalents 

Unrestricted cash 

Restricted cash 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Group
2015
£m

273.6

2.2

275.8

Group 
2014 
£m 

212.5 

17.5 

230.0 

Company
2015
£m

Company
2014
£m

0.3

–

0.3

1.0

–

1.0

In 2015, restricted cash primarily relates to cash deposits to fund compulsory purchase orders related to the intu Watford 
extension. 

In 2014, restricted cash represented the deposit paid in relation to the acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza. 

A number of the Group’s borrowing arrangements place certain restrictions on the rent received each quarter. These do not prevent 
access to or use of this funding within the borrowing entities, however they do place certain restrictions on moving those funds 
around the wider group, typically requiring debt servicing costs to be paid before restrictions are lifted. 

29 Derivative financial instruments 
All derivative financial instruments held by the Group relate to interest rate swaps which are classified as held for trading  
(see note 35). 

The derivative financial instrument held by the Company relates to the bondholder option (see note 33) and is classified as held  
for trading. 

30 Trade and other payables 

Current 

Rents received in advance 

Trade payables 

Amounts owed to joint ventures 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 

Accruals and deferred income 

Other payables 

Other taxes and social security 

Trade and other payables 

Group
2015
£m

99.3

4.6

0.4

–

132.0

12.1

27.1

275.5

Group 
2014 
£m 

97.2 

2.7 

2.7 

– 

110.7 

11.6 

26.6 

251.5 

Company
2015
£m

Company
2014
£m

–

–

–

326.8

11.2

0.1

8.2

346.3

–

–

–

376.8

10.6

0.4

6.3

394.1

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings are unsecured and repayable on demand. 

 
 
 
132

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

31 Borrowings 

Group 

Current 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Commercial mortgage backed securities (‘CMBS’) notes 

Current borrowings, excluding finance leases 

Finance lease obligations 

Carrying
value
£m

122.8

14.1

136.9

2.4

139.3

Non-current 

Revolving credit facility 2020 

353.7

353.7

Secured
£m

 Unsecured
£m

CMBS notes 2019 

CMBS notes 2022 

CMBS notes 2024 

CMBS notes 2029 

CMBS notes 2033 

CMBS notes 2035 

Bank loans 2017 

Bank loans 2020 

Bank loan 2021 

3.875% bonds 2023 

4.125% bonds 2023 

4.625% bonds 2028 

4.250% bonds 2030 

Debenture 2027 

2.5% convertible bonds 2018 (note 33) 

19.6

50.9

87.5

83.7

339.0

188.4

346.9

380.0

120.6

441.3

476.6

341.2

344.5

228.2

326.4

Fixed 
rate 
£m 

– 

14.1 

14.1 

2.4 

16.5 

– 

19.6 

50.9 

87.5 

83.7 

339.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

441.3 

476.6 

341.2 

344.5 

228.2 

326.4 

Floating 
rate 
£m 

122.8 

– 

122.8 

– 

122.8 

2015

Fair
value
£m

122.8

16.4

139.2

2.4

141.6

353.7 

353.7

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

188.4 

346.9 

380.0 

120.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20.2

60.6

91.4

94.1

400.1

194.7

346.9

380.0

120.6

461.3

504.0

380.8

358.1

227.7

326.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

122.8

14.1

136.9

2.4

139.3

19.6

50.9

87.5

83.7

339.0

188.4

346.9

380.0

120.6

441.3

476.6

341.2

344.5

228.2

–

326.4

Non-current borrowings, excluding finance leases and Metrocentre 
compound financial instrument 

4,128.5

3,802.1

Metrocentre compound financial instrument 

Finance lease obligations 

Total borrowings 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Net debt 

–

31.8

3,833.9

3,973.2

172.0

31.8

4,332.3

4,471.6

(275.8)

4,195.8

326.4

172.0

–

498.4

498.4

2,738.9 

1,389.6 

4,320.6

172.0 

31.8 

– 

– 

2,942.7 

1,389.6 

2,959.2 

1,512.4 

172.0

31.8

4,524.4

4,666.0

Analysis of the Group’s net external debt is provided in the other information section. 

The Group substantially eliminates its interest rate exposure to floating rate debt through interest rate swaps as described in  
note 35. 

The market value of investment property secured, either directly or indirectly, as collateral against borrowings at 31 December 
2015 is £9,473.7 million including £1,118.7 million of investment property held within joint ventures (2014: £8,844.0 million 
including £824.9 million held within joint ventures). In most circumstances the Group can realise up to 50 per cent without 
restriction providing the Group continues to manage the asset. Realising an amount in excess of this would trigger a change  
of control and mandatory repayment of the facility. 

The Company had non-current borrowings of £353.7 million at 31 December 2015 consisting of a revolving credit facility expiring  
in 2020 (2014: £230.0 million). This debt is floating rate, secured and its fair value is equal to book value. 

The fair value of fixed rate borrowings and CMBS is assessed based on quoted market prices, and as such are categorised as  
Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (see note 35 for definition). The fair values of unlisted floating rate borrowings are equal to  
their carrying value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

133

31 Borrowings (continued) 

Group 

Current 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Commercial mortgage backed securities (‘CMBS’) notes 

Current borrowings, excluding finance leases 

Finance lease obligations 

Carrying
value
£m

1.7

16.5

18.2

3.1

21.3

Non-current 

Revolving credit facility 2019 

230.0

230.0

Secured
£m

 Unsecured 
£m 

CMBS notes 2019 

CMBS notes 2022 

CMBS notes 2024 

CMBS notes 2029 

CMBS notes 2033 

CMBS notes 2035 

Bank loans 2016 

Bank loan 2017 

Bank loan 2018 

Bank loan 2021 

3.875% bonds 2023 

4.125% bonds 2023 

4.625% bonds 2028 

4.250% bonds 2030 

Debenture 2027 

2.5% convertible bonds 2018 (note 33) 

19.5

51.2

87.4

88.6

351.8

186.2

330.8

166.5

347.9

120.3

440.2

475.8

340.6

344.5

227.9

325.6

Fixed 
rate 
£m 

– 

13.3 

13.3 

3.1 

16.4 

– 

19.5 

51.2 

87.4 

88.6 

351.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

440.2 

475.8 

340.6 

344.5 

227.9 

325.6 

Floating
rate
£m

1.7

3.2

4.9

–

4.9

2014

Fair
value
£m

1.7

19.1

20.8

3.1

23.9

230.0

230.0

–

–

–

–

–

186.2

330.8

166.5

347.9

120.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

20.3

62.8

95.4

101.9

429.5

208.4

330.8

166.5

347.9

120.3

474.1

518.4

392.7

376.8

241.0

325.6

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1.7

16.5

18.2

3.1

21.3

19.5

51.2

87.4

88.6

351.8

186.2

330.8

166.5

347.9

120.3

440.2

475.8

340.6

344.5

227.9

–

325.6 

Non-current borrowings, excluding finance leases and Metrocentre 
compound financial instrument 

4,134.8

3,809.2

Metrocentre compound financial instrument 

Finance lease obligations 

Total borrowings 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Net debt 

–

31.8

3,841.0

3,862.3

166.1

31.8

4,332.7

4,354.0

(230.0)

4,124.0

The maturity profile of debt (excluding finance leases) is as follows: 

325.6 

166.1 

– 

491.7 

491.7 

2,753.1 

1,381.7

4,442.4

166.1 

31.8 

2,951.0 

2,967.4 

–

–

1,381.7

1,386.6

166.1

31.8

4,640.3

4,664.2

Repayable within one year 

Repayable in more than one year but not more than two years 

Repayable in more than two years but not more than five years 

Repayable in more than five years 

Group
2015
£m

136.9

346.6

1,150.5

2,803.4

4,437.4

Group
2014
£m

18.2

328.4

1,148.1

2,824.4

4,319.1

Certain borrowing agreements contain financial and other conditions that, if contravened, could alter the repayment profile. During 
the year there were no breaches of these conditions (see financial covenants section on pages 162 and 163). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
134

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

31 Borrowings (continued) 
As at 31 December 2015 the Group had committed borrowing facilities of £640.7 million, £600.0 million expiring in 2020 and  
£40.7 million expiring in 2021. At 31 December 2015, £287.0 million was undrawn (2014: facilities £640.7 million, undrawn  
£410.7 million). 

Finance lease disclosures: 

Minimum lease payments under finance leases fall due: 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

Future finance charges on finance leases 

Present value of finance lease liabilities 

Present value of finance lease liabilities: 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

Group  
2015 
£m 

4.2 

17.0 

62.5 

83.7 

(49.5) 

34.2 

2.4 

13.9 

17.9 

34.2 

Finance lease liabilities are in respect of head leases on investment property. A number of these leases provide for payment of 
contingent rent, usually a proportion of net rental income, in addition to the rents above. 

Group
2014
£m

4.2

17.0

64.3

85.5

(50.6)

34.9

3.1

13.5

18.3

34.9

2015

Net
debt
£m

Cash and
cash
equivalents
£m

Current 
borrowings 
£m 

Non- 
current 
borrowings 
£m 

230.0

(200.7)

78.6

329.2

(190.3)

22.0

51.4

(44.4)

–

275.8

(21.3) 

(4,332.7) 

(4,124.0)

– 

– 

– 

20.3 

– 

– 

– 

(138.3) 

(139.3) 

(138.2) 

161.8 

(329.2) 

170.0 

– 

– 

– 

136.0 

(338.9)

240.4

–

–

22.0

51.4

(44.4)

(2.3)

(4,332.3) 

(4,195.8)

32 Movement in net debt 

Group 

Balance at 1 January 2015 

Acquisition of businesses 

Disposal of subsidiaries 

Borrowings drawn  

Borrowings repaid 

Issue of ordinary shares 

Cash flows with joint ventures 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

135

32 Movement in net debt (continued) 

Group 

Balance at 1 January 2014 

Acquisition of businesses 

Disposal of subsidiaries 

Borrowings drawn  

Borrowings repaid 

Issue of ordinary shares 

Cash flows with joint ventures 

Other net cash movements 

Other non-cash movements 

Balance at 31 December 2014 

Cash and
cash
equivalents
£m

Current 
borrowings 
£m 

Non-
current
borrowings
£m

2014

Net
debt
£m

156.7

(851.3)

162.5

989.4

(675.1)

492.0

(26.1)

(18.1)

–

230.0

(70.9) 

(3,944.0)

(3,858.2)

– 

– 

– 

1.4 

– 

– 

– 

48.2 

(21.3) 

–

–

(989.4)

672.7

–

–

–

(72.0)

(851.3)

162.5

–

(1.0)

492.0

(26.1)

(18.1)

(23.8)

(4,332.7)

(4,124.0)

33 Convertible bonds 
2.5 per cent convertible bonds (‘the 2.5 per cent bonds’) 
On 4 October 2012 Intu (Jersey) Limited (the ‘Issuer’) issued £300.0 million 2.5 per cent Guaranteed Convertible Bonds due 2018  
at par all of which remain outstanding at 31 December 2015. At 31 December 2015 the exchange price was £3.4398 per ordinary 
share. intu properties plc has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due and punctual performance by the Issuer of all  
of its obligations (including payments) in respect of the 2.5 per cent bonds and the obligations of the Company, as guarantor, 
constitute direct, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the Company. 

Subject to certain conditions, the 2.5 per cent bonds are convertible into preference shares of the Issuer which are automatically 
transferred to the Company in exchange for ordinary shares in the Company or (at the Company’s election) any combination of 
ordinary shares and cash. The 2.5 per cent bonds can be converted at any time from 14 November 2012 up to the 20th dealing  
day before the maturity date. 

The initial exchange price was £4.3752 per ordinary share, a conversion rate of approximately 22,856 ordinary shares for every 
£100,000 nominal of the 2.5 per cent bonds. Under the terms of the 2.5 per cent bonds, the exchange price is adjusted upon  
certain events including the rights issue on 22 April 2014 and the payment of dividends by the Company.  

The 2.5 per cent bonds may be redeemed at par at the Company’s option subject to the Company’s ordinary share price having 
traded at 30 per cent above the conversion price for a specified period, or at any time once 85 per cent by nominal value of the  
2.5 per cent bonds originally issued have been converted or cancelled. If not previously converted, redeemed or purchased and 
cancelled, the 2.5 per cent bonds will be redeemed at par on 4 October 2018. 

The 2.5 per cent bonds are designated as at fair value through profit or loss and so are presented on the balance sheet at fair  
value with all gains and losses taken to the income statement through the changes in fair value of financial instruments line. 
At 31 December 2015, the fair value of the 2.5 per cent bonds was £326.4 million (2014: £325.6 million), with the change in fair 
value reflected in note 13. The 2.5 per cent bonds are listed on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange. 

During the year interest of £7.5 million (2014: £7.5 million) in respect of these bonds has been recognised within finance costs. 

In the Company’s balance sheet the bondholder option is held at its fair value of £26.4 million as a derivative financial instrument 
(2014: £25.6 million). 

3.75 per cent convertible bonds (‘the 3.75 per cent bonds’) 
In 2011 intu properties plc issued £154.3 million, 3.75 per cent perpetual subordinated convertible bonds, with a conversion price  
of £4.00 per ordinary share, in connection with the acquisition of intu Trafford Centre. These were accounted for as equity at their 
fair value on issue which totalled £143.7 million. Following the rights issue on 22 April 2014, the conversion price was adjusted to 
£3.64 per ordinary share. On 2 July 2014 a conversion notice was issued for all the bonds resulting in 42,394,779 new ordinary 
shares being issued.  

During 2014 interest of £2.9 million was recognised directly in equity. This is deducted in arriving at earnings per share (see note 17). 

 
 
 
 
 
136

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

34 Operating leases 
The Group earns rental income by leasing its investment properties to tenants under operating leases. 

In the UK the standard shopping centre lease is for a term of 10 to 15 years. Standard lease provisions include service charge 
payments, recovery of other direct costs and review every five years to market rent. Standard turnover based leases have a turnover 
percentage agreed with each lessee which is applied to a retail unit’s annual sales and any excess between the resulting turnover 
rent and the minimum rent is receivable by the Group.  

The future minimum lease amounts receivable under non-cancellable operating leases for continuing operations are as follows: 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

Later than five years 

2015 
£m 

408.3 

1,210.0 

1,287.7 

2,906.0 

2014
£m

416.9

1,263.3

1,423.2

3,103.4

The income statement includes £1.1 million (2014: £3.6 million) recognised in respect of expected increased rent resulting from 
outstanding reviews where the actual rent will only be determined on settlement of the rent review. 

The income statement includes £11.7 million (2014: £12.0 million) recognised in respect of contingent rents calculated by reference 
to tenants’ turnover. 

35 Financial risk management 
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks arising from the Group’s operations being principally market risk (including 
interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk), liquidity risk and credit risk. 

The majority of the Group’s financial risk management is carried out by the Group’s treasury department. The policies for managing 
each of these risks and their impact on the results for the year are summarised below. 

Market risk 
a) Interest rate risk 
Interest rate risk comprises both cash flow and fair value risks. Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a 
financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of 
financial instruments will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. 

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from borrowings issued at variable rates that expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk, 
whereas borrowings issued at fixed interest rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. Bank debt is typically issued at 
floating rates linked to LIBOR. Bond debt and other capital market debt is generally issued at fixed rates.  

It is Group policy, and often a requirement of the Group’s lenders, to eliminate substantially all exposure to interest rate fluctuations 
by using floating to fixed interest rate swaps in order to establish certainty over cash flows. Such swaps have the economic effect of 
converting borrowings from floating to fixed rates.  

As a consequence, the Group is exposed to market price risk in respect of the fair value of its fixed rate interest rate swaps, as 
discussed in the financial review on pages 46 to 51. 

The table below shows the effects of interest rate swaps on the borrowings profile of the Group: 

Borrowings1 

Derivative impact (nominal value of interest rate swaps) 

Net borrowings profile 

Interest rate protection 

Fixed
2015
£m

2,725.1

978.0

3,703.1

Floating 
2015 
£m 

1,570.4 

(978.0) 

592.4 

86.2% 

Fixed 
2014 
£m 

2,738.4 

943.9 

3,682.3 

Floating
2014
£m

1,448.6

(943.9)

504.7

87.9%

1  Borrowings are stated at nominal value and exclude the Metrocentre compound financial instrument and finance leases. At 31 December 2015 they include the £353.7 million 
(2014: £230.0 million) drawn under the revolving credit facility which incurs interest at a variable rate. Excluding the revolving credit facility, interest rate protection is 94.0 per 
cent (2014: 93.1 per cent). 

Group policy is to target interest rate protection within the range of 75 per cent to 100 per cent. 

The weighted average rate for interest rate swaps currently effective is 2.12 per cent (2014: 2.24 per cent). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

137

35 Financial risk management (continued) 
Unallocated swaps (including certain forward starting swaps) are excluded from the above calculation. The nominal value of these 
swaps is £746.7 million (2014: £746.7 million) of which £125.0 million (2014: £125.0 million) are forward starting. Their fair value of 
£239.1 million (2014: £242.5 million) is included as a liability in the balance sheet. 

The approximate impact of a 50 basis point shift upwards in the level of interest rates would be a positive movement of £74.1 million 
(2014: £83.6 million) in the fair value of derivatives. The approximate impact of a 50 basis point shift downwards in the level of 
interest rates would be a negative movement of £79.8 million (2014: £90.2 million) in the fair value of derivatives. In practice, a 
parallel shift in the yield curve is highly unlikely. However, the above sensitivity analysis is a reasonable illustration of the possible 
effect from the changes in slope and shifts in the yield curve that may actually occur. Where the fixed rate derivative financial 
instruments are matched by floating rate debt, the overall effect on Group cash flow of such a movement would be very small. 

b) Foreign exchange risk 
Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a functional 
currency other than sterling. The Group’s policy is to ensure the Group’s net exposure to foreign currency is less than 10 per cent of 
the Group’s equity attributable to owners of the Company. At 31 December 2015 the Group’s exposure amounted to 7.9 per cent 
of equity attributable to owners of the Company (31 December 2014: 6.4 per cent). 

The table summarises the Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk: 

Net exposure 

2015
€m

170.4

2014
€m

87.0

2015
INRm

2014 
INRm 

5,421.4

3,819.3 

The following foreign exchange rates apply to the Group’s foreign exchange risk: 

Foreign exchange rate 

1.3568

1.2886

97.5080

98.4238 

2015
€m

2014
€m

2015
INRm

2014 
INRm 

2015
US$m

311.1

2015
US$m

1.4739

2014
US$m

288.0

2014
US$m

1.5593

The approximate impact of a 10 per cent appreciation in foreign exchange rates would be positive movement of £43.6 million  
(2014: £32.3 million) to equity attributable to owners of the Company. The approximate impact of a 10 per cent depreciation in 
foreign exchange rates would be a negative movement of £35.7 million (2014: £26.5 million) to equity attributable to owners of  
the Company. 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is managed to ensure that the Group is able to meet future payment obligations when financial liabilities fall due. 
Liquidity analysis is conducted to ensure that sufficient headroom is available to meet the Group’s operational requirements and 
committed investments. The Group treasury policy aims to meet this objective through maintaining adequate cash, marketable 
securities and committed facilities to meet these requirements. Undrawn borrowing facilities are detailed in note 31. The Group’s 
policy is to seek to optimise its exposure to liquidity risk by balancing its exposure to interest rate risk and to refinancing risk. In 
effect the Group seeks to borrow for as long as possible at the lowest acceptable cost. 

Group policy is to maintain a weighted average debt maturity of over five years. As at 31 December 2015, the maturity profile of 
Group debt showed an average maturity of eight years (2014: eight years). The Group regularly reviews the maturity profile of its 
borrowings and seeks to avoid bunching of maturities through the regular replacement of facilities and by arranging a selection of 
maturity dates. Refinancing risk may be reduced by doing so prior to the contracted maturity date, effectively switching liquidity  
risk for market risk.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
138

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

35 Financial risk management (continued) 
The tables below set out the maturity analysis of the Group’s financial liabilities based on the undiscounted contractual obligations 
to make payments of interest and to repay principal. Where interest payment obligations are based on a floating rate the rates used 
are those implied by the par yield curve for the relevant currency. Where payment obligations are in foreign currencies, the spot 
exchange rate at the balance sheet date is used. 

Group 

Within 1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

2015

Total
£m

Borrowings (including interest) 

(285.9)

(561.9)

(1,611.6) 

(3,456.9) 

(5,916.3)

Finance lease obligations  

Other financial liabilities  

Derivative payments 

Derivative receipts 

Group 

Borrowings (including interest) 

Finance lease obligations  

Other financial liabilities  

Derivative payments 

Derivative receipts 

Company 

Borrowings (including interest) 

Other financial liabilities 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings  

Company 

Borrowings (including interest) 

Other financial liabilities 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings  

(4.3)

(17.3)

(54.4)

14.1

(4.3)

(2.8)

(50.0)

15.4

(12.8) 

– 

(132.6) 

49.9 

(63.2) 

– 

(448.3) 

217.5 

(84.6)

(20.1)

(685.3)

296.9

(347.8)

(603.6)

(1,707.1) 

(3,750.9) 

(6,409.4)

Within 1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

2014

Total
£m

(180.2)

(4.2)

(17.0)

(121.6)

17.0

(306.0)

(514.6)

(1,574.9) 

(3,607.3) 

(5,877.0)

(4.2)

(2.5)

(61.7)

15.7

(12.7) 

– 

(143.5) 

34.0 

(64.4) 

– 

(198.7) 

90.1 

(85.5)

(19.5)

(525.5)

156.8

(567.3)

(1,697.1) 

(3,780.3) 

(6,350.7)

Within 1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

(0.9)

(0.3)

(326.8)

(328.0)

(24.4)

(396.1) 

–

–

– 

– 

(24.4)

(396.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Within 1 year
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years 
£m 

Over 5 years 
£m 

(7.9)

(0.2)

(376.8)

(384.9)

(7.5)

(545.0) 

–

–

– 

– 

(7.5)

(545.0) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2015

Total
£m

(421.4)

(0.3)

(326.8)

(748.5)

2014

Total
£m

(560.4)

(0.2)

(376.8)

(937.4)

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a tenant or counterparty fails to meet an obligation under a contract. Credit risk arises 
primarily from trade receivables but also from the Group’s holdings of assets with counterparties such as cash deposits and 
derivative instruments. 

Credit risk associated with trade receivables is actively managed; tenants are managed individually by asset managers, who 
continuously monitor and work with tenants, aiming wherever possible to identify and address risks prior to default. 

Prospective tenants are assessed via a review process, including obtaining credit ratings and reviewing financial information,  
which is conducted internally. As a result deposits or guarantees may be obtained. The amount of deposits held as collateral  
at 31 December 2015 is £3.7 million (2014: £3.4 million). 

It is Group policy to calculate any impairment of receivables specifically on each contract. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

139

35 Financial risk management (continued) 
The ageing analysis of trade receivables is as follows: 

Up to three months 

Three to six months 

Trade receivables 

Group
2015
£m

20.9

2.6

23.5

Group
2014
£m

22.5

2.1

24.6

At 31 December 2015 trade receivables are shown net of provisions totalling £3.8 million (2014: £7.1 million). 

The credit risk relating to cash deposits and derivative financial instruments is actively managed by the Group’s treasury 
department. Relationships are maintained with a number of tier one institutional counterparties, ensuring compliance with  
Group policy relating to limits on the credit ratings of counterparties (between BBB+ and AAA). 

Excessive credit risk concentration is avoided through adhering to authorised limits for all counterparties. 

Counterparty 

Counterparty #1 

Counterparty #2 

Counterparty #3 

Counterparty #4 

Counterparty #5 

Sum of five largest exposures 

Sum of cash deposits and derivative financial instrument assets 

Five largest exposures as a percentage of risk 

Credit rating 

Authorised limit
£m

Group Exposure
31 December 2015
£m

AA– 

AAA 

A 

BBB+ 

A– 

125.0

150.0

100.0

75.0

100.0

86.8

68.7

49.6

49.3

11.5

265.9

279.0

95%

Classification of financial assets and liabilities  
The tables below set out the Group’s accounting classification of each class of financial assets and liabilities and their fair values  
at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014. 

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined from observable market prices or estimated using appropriate 
yield curves at 31 December each year by discounting the future contractual cash flows to the net present values. The 
determination of the fair values of borrowings is defined in note 31. 

Derivative financial instrument assets 

Total held for trading assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total cash and receivables 

Other investments 

Total available-for-sale investments 

Derivative financial instrument liabilities 

Total held for trading liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Total loans and payables 

Carrying
value
£m

3.2

3.2

49.6

275.8

325.4

210.3

210.3

(341.7)

(341.7)

(20.1)

(4,471.6)

(4,491.7)

Fair 
value 
£m 

3.2 

3.2 

49.6 

275.8 

325.4 

210.3 

210.3 

(341.7) 

(341.7) 

(20.1) 

(4,666.0) 

(4,686.1) 

2015

Profit to
other 
comprehensive 
income
£m

Profit/(loss) to
 income 
statement
£m

(6.2)

(6.2)

–

–

–

–

–

13.0

13.0

–

(0.8)

(0.8)

–

–

–

–

–

12.8

12.8

–

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

35 Financial risk management (continued) 

Derivative financial instrument assets 

Total held for trading assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total cash and receivables 

Other investments 

Total available-for-sale investments 

Derivative financial instrument liabilities 

Total held for trading liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Total loans and payables 

Carrying
value
£m

9.7

9.7

70.9

230.0

300.9

189.7

189.7

(356.5)

(356.5)

(19.5)

(4,354.0)

(4,373.5)

Fair 
value 
£m 

9.7 

9.7 

70.9 

230.0 

300.9 

189.7 

189.7 

(356.5) 

(356.5) 

(19.5) 

(4,664.2) 

(4,683.7) 

Profit/(loss) to 
 income  
statement 
£m 

(15.9) 

(15.9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(128.9) 

(128.9) 

– 

(12.8) 

(12.8) 

The table below presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities recognised at fair value. 

Level 1
£m

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

Assets 

Derivative financial instruments: 

— Fair value through profit or loss 

Available-for-sale investments 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Convertible bonds: 

–

0.9

0.9

3.2 

209.4 

212.6 

— Designated as at fair value through profit or loss 

(326.4)

– 

Derivative financial instruments: 

— Fair value through profit or loss 

Total liabilities 

Assets 

Derivative financial instruments: 

— Fair value through profit or loss 

Available-for-sale investments 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Convertible bonds: 

–

(326.4)

(341.7) 

(341.7) 

Level 1
£m

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

–

5.0

5.0

9.7 

184.7 

194.4 

— Designated as at fair value through profit or loss 

(325.6)

– 

Derivative financial instruments: 

— Fair value through profit or loss 

Total liabilities 

–

(325.6)

(356.5) 

(356.5) 

2014

Profit to
other 
comprehensive 
income
£m

–

–

–

–

–

21.1

21.1

–

–

–

–

–

2015

Total 
£m

3.2

210.3

213.5

(326.4)

(341.7)

(668.1)

2014

Total 
£m

9.7

189.7

199.4

(325.6)

(356.5)

(682.1)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

141

35 Financial risk management (continued) 
Fair value hierarchy 
Level 1: Valuation based on quoted market prices traded in active markets. 

Level 2: Valuation techniques are used, maximising the use of observable market data, either directly from market prices or derived 
from market prices. 

Level 3: Where one or more significant inputs to valuation are unobservable. Valuations at this level are more subjective and 
therefore more closely managed, including sensitivity analysis of inputs to valuation models. Such testing has not indicated that any 
material difference would arise due to a change in input variables. 

Transfers into and transfers out of the fair value hierarchy levels are recognised on the date of the event or change in circumstances 
that caused the transfer. There were no transfers in or out for the above financial assets and liabilities during the year. 

Valuation techniques for level 2 hierarchy financial assets and liabilities are presented in the accounting policies. 

Capital structure 
The Group seeks to enhance shareholder value both by investing in the business so as to improve the return on investment and by 
managing the capital structure. The capital of the Group consists of equity, debt and compound financial instruments. The Group 
aims to access both debt and equity capital markets with maximum efficiency and flexibility. 

The key ratios used to monitor the capital structure of the Group are the debt to assets ratio and interest cover. The Group’s stated 
medium to long-term preference is for the debt to assets ratio to be within the 40–50 per cent range and interest cover to be 
greater than 1.60x. At 31 December 2015 the debt to asset ratio remains within the preferred range and the interest cover ratio 
continues to be above the preferred level. 

As the Group’s debt is sometimes secured on its interests in joint ventures, these ratios are monitored for the Group including share 
of joint ventures. A reconciliation from the relevant amounts as presented to those including the Group’s share of joint ventures is 
presented in the other information section. 

Debt to assets ratio 

Market value of investment and development property 

Net external debt 

Debt to assets ratio  

Interest cover 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Interest on convertible bonds recognised directly in equity 

Underlying operating profit 

Remove trading property related items 

Interest cover 

Group
2015
£m

9,602.4

(4,139.1)

43.1%

Group
2014
£m

8,963.4

(3,963.4)

44.2%

Group
2015
£m

Group
2014
£m

(208.9)

(201.2)

1.6

–

(207.3)

395.6

–

395.6

1.91x

1.2

(2.9)

(202.9)

370.3

(0.6)

369.7

1.82x

 
 
 
 
 
142

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

36 Deferred tax 
Under IAS 12 Income Taxes, provision is made for the deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with the revaluation of assets  
and liabilities at the corporate tax rate expected to apply to the Group at the time the temporary differences are expected to 
reverse. For those UK assets and liabilities benefitting from REIT exemption, the relevant tax rate will be 0 per cent (2014: 0 per 
cent), for other UK assets and liabilities the relevant rate will be 20 per cent if the temporary difference is expected to be realised 
before 1 April 2017, 19 per cent if it is expected to be realised on or after 1 April 2017 but before 1 April 2020 and 18 per cent if it is 
expected to be realised on or after 1 April 2020 (2014: 20 per cent). For other assets and liabilities the tax rate will be the relevant 
expected corporate tax rate in the relevant country. 

Movements in the provision for deferred tax:  

Group 

Provided deferred tax provision/(asset): 

At 1 January 2014 

Recognised in the income statement 

Recognised in other comprehensive income  

Disposal of subsidiaries (note 41) 

At 31 December 2014 

Acquisition of Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 

Recognised in the income statement 

Recognised in other comprehensive income  

Foreign exchange movements 

Disposal of subsidiaries 

At 31 December 2015 

Investment and 
development 
property
£m

Other
investments
£m

Derivative 
financial  
instruments 
£m 

Other 
temporary 
differences 
£m 

12.0

–

–

(12.0)

–

6.1

(0.8)

–

(0.2)

(5.1)

–

8.4

(0.9)

6.6

–

14.1

–

(0.2)

5.0

–

–

(8.0) 

(5.6) 

– 

– 

(13.6) 

– 

(2.8) 

– 

– 

– 

18.9

(16.4) 

(0.4) 

(0.1) 

– 

– 

(0.5) 

(6.1) 

(1.2) 

– 

0.2 

5.1 

(2.5) 

Total
£m

12.0

(6.6)

6.6

(12.0)

–

–

(5.0)

5.0

–

–

–

At 31 December 2015, the Group had unrecognised deferred tax assets calculated at a tax rate of 18 per cent (2014: 20 per cent)  
of £54.2 million (2014: £55.7 million) for surplus UK revenue tax losses carried forward, £31.3 million (2014: £40.0 million) for 
temporary differences on derivative financial instruments and £0.6 million (2014: £0.5 million) for temporary differences on  
capital allowances. 

In accordance with the requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes, the deferred tax asset has not been recognised in the Group financial 
statements due to uncertainty over the level of profits that will be available in the non-REIT elements of the Group in future periods. 

The Company recognises a deferred tax asset of £1.1 million (2014: £0.4 million), which resulted from carried forward losses.  
In 2014, this also resulted from the difference between the timing of certain deductions for tax and accounting purposes. 

37 Share capital and share premium(cid:3) 

Issued and fully paid: 

At 1 January 2014: 973,845,701 ordinary shares of 50p each 

Ordinary shares issued on conversion of bonds (note 33) 

Other ordinary shares issued 

At 31 December 2014: 1,316,838,051 ordinary shares of 50p each 

Ordinary shares issued 

At 31 December 2015: 1,344,661,827 ordinary shares of 50p each 

Share  
capital 
£m 

486.9 

21.2 

150.3 

658.4 

13.9 

672.3 

Share 
premium
£m

695.6

122.5

403.9

1,222.0

81.1

1,303.1

During the year the Company issued a total of 75,777 ordinary shares in connection with the exercise of options by employees and 
former employees under the intu properties plc approved share option scheme and the intu properties plc unapproved share option 
scheme. As a result the Company’s share capital increased by 0.1 million and share premium by £0.2 million. 

On 20 May 2015 the Company issued 6,256,075 new ordinary shares of 50p each to entities in the Peel Group at £3.4635 per share 
in connection with the purchase of the two parcels of land in the province of Málaga, Spain. As a result share capital increased by 
£3.1 million and share premium by £18.6 million. See note 46. 

 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

143

37 Share capital and share premium (continued) 
On 28 May 2015 and 24 November 2015, the Company issued 16,071,625 and 5,420,299 new ordinary shares of 50p each 
respectively to shareholders who elected to receive their 2014 final and 2015 interim dividends in shares under the Scrip Dividend 
Scheme. The value of the Scrip Shares was calculated in accordance with the terms of the Scrip Dividend Scheme, being the average 
middle market quotations for each day between 24 March to 30 March 2015 inclusive and between 2 October to 8 October 2015 
respectively less the gross amount of dividend payable. As a result the Company’s share capital increased by £10.7 million and  
share premium by £62.3 million. 

Full details of the rights and obligations attaching to the ordinary shares are contained in the Company’s Articles of Association. 
These rights include an entitlement to receive the Company’s report and financial statements, to attend and speak at General 
Meetings of the Company, to appoint proxies and to exercise voting rights. Holders of ordinary shares may also receive dividends 
and may receive a share of the Company’s assets on the Company’s liquidation. There are no restrictions on the transfer of the 
ordinary shares. 

At 26 February 2016 the Company had an unexpired authority to repurchase shares up to a maximum of 131,683,805 shares with 
a nominal value of £65.8 million, and the Directors have an unexpired authority to allot up to a maximum of 438,946,017 shares 
with a nominal value of £219.5 million. 

Included within the issued share capital as at 31 December 2015 are 12,712,516 ordinary shares (2014: 13,131,185) held by the 
Trustee of the ESOP which is operated by the Company (note 38). The nominal value of these shares at 31 December 2015 is  
£6.4 million (2014: £6.6 million). 

38 Employee Share Ownership Plan (‘ESOP’) 
The cost of shares in intu properties plc held by the Trustee of the Employee Share Ownership Plan operated by the Company  
is accounted for as a deduction from equity. 

The purpose of the ESOP is to acquire and hold shares which will be transferred to employees in the future under the Group’s 
employee incentive arrangements as described in note 47 and the Director’s remuneration report on pages 78 to 91, including  
joint ownership of shares in its role as Trustee of the Joint Share Ownership Plan. Dividends of £1.6 million (2014: £1.4 million)  
in respect of these shares have been waived by agreement. 

At 1 January 

Adjustment for rights issue 

Acquisitions 

Disposals 

At 31 December  

Group and Company

2015
Shares
million

13.1

–

0.5

(0.9)

12.7

2015 
£m 

45.1 

– 

1.6 

(3.4) 

43.3 

2014
Shares
million

12.6

1.3

0.3

(1.1)

13.1

2014
£m

48.2

–

1.0

(4.1)

45.1

 
 
 
 
 
144

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

39 Other reserves 

Group 

At 1 January 2014 

Revaluation of other investments (note 25) 

Exchange differences 

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (note 14) 

Realisation of merger reserve 

At 31 December 2014 

Revaluation of other investments (note 25) 

Exchange differences 

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (note 14) 

Reclassified to income statement on sale of other investments 

At 31 December 2015 

Company 

At 1 January 2014 

Realisation of merger reserve 

At 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015 

Capital
redemption
£m

61.4

–

–

–

–

61.4

–

–

–

–

61.4

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

(7.3) 

– 

7.4 

– 

– 

0.1 

– 

7.6 

– 

– 

7.7 

Other 
£m 

446.4 

21.1 

– 

(6.6) 

(164.4) 

296.5 

12.8 

– 

(5.0) 

(0.6) 

Total
£m

500.5

21.1

7.4

(6.6)

(164.4)

358.0

12.8

7.6

(5.0)

(0.6)

303.7 

372.8

Capital 
redemption 
£m 

61.4 

– 

61.4 

Merger 
reserve 
£m 

164.4 

(164.4) 

– 

Total
£m

225.8

(164.4)

61.4

In 2014, the merger reserve created as part of the March 2013 capital raise was realised and transferred to retained earnings 
following redemption of preference shares held by the Company. 

40 Business combinations 
Acquisition during 2015 
On 19 January 2015 the Group acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Puerto Venecia Investments SOCIMI S.A. for total cash 
consideration of €273.5 million (£208.8 million). The cash flow statement outflow of £203.1 million reflects the £208.8 million less 
the unrestricted cash acquired of £5.7 million. Acquisition related costs of £1.1 million were incurred and recognised in the income 
statement in exceptional administration expenses during 2014 and 2015. 

The company acquired owns Puerto Venecia, a shopping resort in Zaragoza, Spain. 

The fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is set out in the table below: 

Assets 

Investment and development property (€450.8 million) 

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash of £2.4 million) 

Derivative financial instruments 

Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Fair value of consideration received 

Gain on acquisition of business 

Fair value
£m

344.2

8.1

0.1

2.6

355.0

(7.2)

(138.2)

(145.4)

209.6

208.8

0.8

The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration and as a result a gain of £0.8 million is 
recognised in the income statement on acquisition. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

145

40 Business combinations (continued) 
During the year the acquired business contributed £16.5 million to the revenue of the Group and £2.6 million to the profit of  
the Group. 

Had the acquired business been consolidated from 1 January 2015, the 2015 consolidated income statement would show revenue 
of £572.3 million. The Group’s reported profit would be unchanged. 

Acquisition during 2014 
On 1 May 2014 the Group acquired interests in a number of entities for a consideration of £854.9 million. These entities together 
hold a 100 per cent interest in intu Derby, a 50 per cent joint venture interest in intu Merry Hill and a 100 per cent interest in 
Sprucefield retail park in Northern Ireland. The transaction is accounted for as a single business combination as this was announced 
as one deal, from one ultimate vendor and completed on the same day. Consideration was in cash and totalled £854.9 million, 
consisting of a payment on completion of £867.8 million less £12.9 million received following final agreement of the completion 
balance sheet. The cash flow statement reflects the £854.9 million less the cash acquired of £3.6 million. Acquisition related costs  
of £11.8 million were incurred in 2014 and recognised in the income statement in exceptional administration expenses.  

The fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is set out in the table below: 

Assets 

Investment and development property 

Investment in joint venture – intu Merry Hill 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Fair value of consideration paid 

Gain on acquisition of businesses 

Fair value
£m

458.4

403.8

3.6

2.8

868.6

(12.1)

(12.1)

856.5

854.9

1.6

The fair value of the assets, investment in joint venture and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration and as  
a result a gain of £1.6 million is recognised in the income statement on acquisition. 

The acquired companies contributed £28.7 million to the revenue of the Group and £76.9 million to the profit of the Group for  
2014. Had the acquired companies been consolidated from 1 January 2014, the 2014 consolidated income statement would  
show revenue of £551.4 million and profit of £623.7 million. 

41 Disposal of subsidiaries 
Disposals during 2015 
On 30 September 2015, the Group sold 50 per cent of its interest in Intu Zaragoza S.à r.l., a wholly owned subsidiary, to CPPIB  
for consideration of €122.3 million (£90.1 million). Intu Zaragoza S.à r.l. owns, through its subsidiaries, Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza. 
Following this transaction Puerto Venecia has ceased to be accounted for as a subsidiary and is now a joint venture. Therefore the 
assets and liabilities of Puerto Venecia are no longer recorded at 100 per cent in the Group’s balance sheet but the remaining  
50 per cent interest is included in the investment in joint ventures at an initial value of £86.1 million. As a result of this transaction 
the Group has recorded a gain on disposal of £2.2 million in the income statement. The cash flow statement records a net inflow  
of £81.0 million being cash received of £90.1 million net of cash in the business of £9.1 million. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
146

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

41 Disposal of subsidiaries (continued) 
The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary disposed of, at 100 per cent, are set out below: 

Assets 

Investment and development property (€450.8 million) 

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash of £2.4 million) 

Trade and other receivables  

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Borrowings 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Net assets (at 50 per cent) 

Fair value of consideration received 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

£m

331.7

11.5

2.5

345.7

(6.3)

(1.8)

(161.8)

(169.9)

175.8

87.9

90.1

2.2

Disposals during 2014 
On 20 June 2014, the Group sold 80 per cent of its interest in Intu Uxbridge Limited (renamed Metropolitan Uxbridge Limited),  
a wholly owned subsidiary, for consideration of £174.6 million, before expenses of £1.3 million. The Group retains a 20 per cent 
interest in the company and as a result of the terms governing the management of the business, this interest has been accounted 
for as a joint venture from 20 June 2014. As a result of this transaction the Group has recorded a gain on disposal of £0.6 million in 
the income statement. The cash flow statement records a net inflow of £173.3 million being cash received of £173.8 million net of 
cash in the business of £0.5 million. 

During 2014 CPPIB, who held a 49 per cent non-controlling interest in Parque Principado S.à r.l., exercised an option allowing them 
to acquire an additional one per cent holding and certain rights relating to the management of the business. This has resulted in intu 
Asturias (renamed from Parque Principado), previously accounted for as a subsidiary, being accounted for as a joint venture from 
that date. No gain or loss arose on exercise of the option. As a result the assets and liabilities of intu Asturias, previously recorded  
in the balance sheet at 100 per cent, have been reclassified, along with the relevant non-controlling interest in reserves of £68.7 
million, to investments in joint ventures. The cash flow statement shows an outflow of £11.6 million representing consideration 
received of £1.3 million on exercise of the option, net of cash in the business of £12.9 million which is reclassified as part of the 
investment in joint ventures. 

The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries disposed of, at 100 per cent, are set out below: 

Assets  

Investment and development property  

Goodwill  

Restricted cash 

Other cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Deferred tax 

Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

intu Asturias
£m

intu Uxbridge 
£m 

Total
£m

142.2

208.2 

350.4

4.2

4.1

12.9

1.9

165.3

(12.0) 

(13.3) 

(25.3) 

140.0

– 

– 

0.5 

11.1 

219.8 

– 

(4.9) 

(4.9) 

214.9 

4.2

4.1

13.4

13.0

385.1

(12.0)

(18.2)

(30.2)

354.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

147

42 Capital commitments 
At 31 December 2015 the Board had approved £59.9 million (2014: £80.1 million) of future expenditure for the purchase, 
construction, development and enhancement of investment property. Of this, £21.2 million (2014: £30.7 million) is contractually 
committed. The majority of this is expected to be spent in 2016. 

43 Contingent liabilities 
At 31 December 2015 the Group has no contingent liabilities requiring disclosure under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and 
Contingent Assets. 

44 Cash generated from operations 

Profit before tax, joint ventures and associates 

Remove: 

Revaluation of investment and development property 

Loss/(gain) on acquisition of businesses 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Depreciation 

Share-based payments 

Lease incentives and letting costs 

Reversal of impairment of investment in group companies 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of financial instruments 

Changes in working capital: 

Change in trade and other receivables 

Change in trade and other payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Notes

19

5

41

20

21

10

11

12

13

Group
2015
£m

398.4

Group 
2014 
£m 

493.2 

Company
2015
£m

145.7

Company
2014
£m

158.6

(264.9)

(567.8) 

0.8

(2.2)

(0.9)

2.6

4.8

(5.8)

–

206.6

(18.7)

37.3

(6.0)

14.4

0.1

366.5

(1.6) 

(0.6) 

– 

2.1 

2.5 

(8.3) 

– 

197.1 

(11.9) 

56.8 

157.6 

(29.6) 

3.2 

292.7 

–

–

–

–

2.0

4.8

–

(161.9)

9.1

(17.0)

2.7

1.1

33.6

(43.4)

(23.3)

–

–

–

–

1.7

2.5

–

(208.1)

26.4

(13.0)

7.5

12.7

(144.8)

(193.0)

(349.5)

 
 
 
 
 
 
148

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
The table below lists all of the Company’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. The country of incorporation and registration is 
England and Wales except as indicated. The Company’s interest in each subsidiary is 100 per cent except as indicated. The Company’s 
interest in each joint venture is 50 per cent except as indicated. 

Name of entity 

Subsidiaries 

Class of capital 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Barton Square Holdco Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

  Derby Business Management Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

Barton Square Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

‘A’ shares 

Belside Limited (property) (Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

  Derby Investments General Partner Limited 

Ordinary shares 

(general partner) 

Braehead Glasgow Limited (property)  

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

  Derby Investments Limited Partnership  

n/a 

‘B’ Ordinary shares 

(limited partner) 

Braehead Leisure Partnership (property)  

n/a 

  Derby Investments Trustee Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Braehead Park Estates Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Fortheath (No.3) Limited (dormant)  

Braehead Park Investments Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

ICS Holding S.à r.l. (holding company) 
(Luxembourg) 

ICS InvestCo S.à r.l. (holding company) 
(Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Broadmarsh Retail (Nominee No.1) Limited 
(dormant)  

Broadmarsh Retail (Nominee No.2) Limited 
(dormant)  

Broadmarsh Retail (Nominee No.3) Limited 
(dormant)  

Broadmarsh Retail (Nominee No.4) Limited 
(dormant)  

Broadmarsh Retail General Partner Limited 
(general partner) 

Broadway Construction & Development Limited 
(dormant)  

Broadway Retail Leisure Limited (management  
of leisure facilities) 

Cable Plaza Limited (limited partner)  
Capital Shopping Centres Limited (dormant)3 

Castle & Pedmore Houses Limited  
(holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

ICS JV S.à r.l. (holding company) (Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu (Jersey) Limited (finance) (Jersey)3 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu (SGS) Finco Limited (finance)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary ‘A’ shares 

Intu (SGS) Holdco Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu (SGS) Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu (SGS) Topco Limited (holding company)3 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu 2027 Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Braehead Leisure Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Braehead Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Chapelfield GP Limited (general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Braehead Property Management Limited 
(property management)  
Intu Broadmarsh Limited (dormant)3 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Chapelfield LP Limited (limited partner)  

Chapelfield Nominee Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Bromley Limited (property)  
Intu Capital (Jersey) Limited (dormant) (Jersey)3 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Redeemable 
preference shares 

Chapelfield Property Management Limited 
(property management)  

Conduit Insurance Holdings Limited  
(holding company)3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Cardiff Holdco Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Cardiff Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Cribbs Mall Nominee (2) Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Crossmane Limited (limited partner)  
Ordinary shares 
CSC Capital (Jersey) Limited (dormant) (Jersey)3  Ordinary shares 

CSC Uxbridge Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Centaurus Retail Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 
Intu Chapelfield Limited (dormant)3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Chapelfield Residential Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Costa del Sol Resort Holdco S.A.  
(holding company) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

Curley Limited (property) (Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Costa del Sol Resort S.L. (property) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

149

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (continued) 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Intu Debenture plc (finance, holding company) 3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Derby Limited (holding company) (Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Derby 2 Limited (holding company) (Jersey)  Ordinary shares 

Intu Derby Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Units 

Intu MH (No.5) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.6) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.7) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.8) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Units 

Units 

Units 

Units 

Intu Eldon Square Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Acquisitions Limited (limited partner)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Experiences Limited (mall commercialisation)  Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Group Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Finance MH Limited (finance)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Holdings Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu FM Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Investments Limited (limited partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Holding S.à r.l. (holding company) 
(Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Leaseholds Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

Intu Investments Limited (property)  

Preference shares 

Intu MH Participations Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Phase 1 Limited (limited partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu IP Limited (intellectual property)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Properties Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Lakeside Hotel Limited (dormant)  

Intu Lakeside Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH Waterfront Limited (limited partner) 
Intu MHDS Holdco Limited (holding company)3 

Intu Lakeside Property Management Limited 
(property management)  
Intu London plc (dormant)3 

Intu Management Services Limited  
(management services)3 

Intu Management Spain Holding S.à r.l. (holding 
company) (Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Milton Keynes Limited (property) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Nottingham Investments Limited  
(limited partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Payments Limited (Group payment services)  Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Potteries Limited (limited partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Management Spain S.L. (property 
management and management services) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Merry Hill Limited (holding company) (Jersey)  Ordinary shares 

Intu Properties Investments Limited  
(limited partner) 

Intu Property Management Limited  
(property management) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Merry Hill 2 Limited (holding company) 
(Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Property Services Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Metrocentre Limited (limited partner)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Retail Services Limited  
(facilities management)5 

Ordinary shares 

Intu RS Limited (facilities management)5 

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Metrocentre Parent Company Limited 
(holding company)  

Intu Metrocentre Property Management Limited 
(property management)  

Intu Metrocentre Topco Limited  
(holding company) 3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Shelfco 1 Limited (dormant)3 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Shelfco 2 Limited (dormant)3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu MH (No.1) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.2) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.3) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Intu MH (No.4) Jersey Unit Trust (limited partner) 
(Jersey) 

Units 

Units 

Units 

Units 

Intu Shopping Centres plc (holding company)3 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Spain Limited (holding company)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Sprucefield Limited (holding company) 
(Jersey) 

Intu Sprucefield 2 Limited (holding company) 
(Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (continued) 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Intu The Hayes Limited (limited partner)  

Ordinary shares 

Intu Trafford Centre Group Limited  
(holding company) (Isle of Man)3  

Intu Trafford Centre Group (UK) Limited  
(holding company) 

Intu Trafford Centre Limited  
(development management) 

Intu Uxbridge Holdco Limited (holding company) 
(Jersey) 

Intu Ventures Limited (dormant)  
Intu Victoria Centre Limited (dormant)3 

Intu Watford Limited (property)  

Intu Watford Property Management Limited 
(property management) 

Ordinary shares 

  Merry Hill Trading Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre (GP) Limited (general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre (Holdco) Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre (Nominee No.1) Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre (Nominee No.2) Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre (Subco) Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 
  Metrocentre Lancaster LLP (property)4 

n/a 

Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre Lancaster No.1 Limited  

Ordinary shares 

(holding company)  

IntuDigital Holdco Limited (holding company)  

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

  Metrocentre Lancaster No.2 Limited  

Ordinary shares 

‘B’ Ordinary shares 

(holding company)  

IntuDigital Limited (digital services) 

Ordinary shares 

  Middleford Property Investments Limited 

Ordinary shares 

Kindmotive Limited (dormant)  

(dormant)  

Cumulative 
redeemable 
preference shares 

  Midlands Shopping Centre Jersey Unit Trust (No.1) 

Units 

(limited partner) (Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

  Nailsfield Limited (holding company) (Mauritius)3  Ordinary shares 

Lakeside 1988 Limited (dormant)  

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

  Potteries (GP) Limited (general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

‘B’ Redeemable 
preference shares 

‘C’ Preference 
shares 

  Potteries (Nominee No.1) Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  Potteries (Nominee No.2) Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Liberty Capital PLC (dormant)3 

Ordinary shares 

  Rosholt Invest S.L. (property) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

  Runic Nominees Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Liberty International Construction and 
Development Limited (dormant)3 

Liberty International Financial Services Limited 
(holding company)  

Liberty International Group Treasury Limited 
(treasury management) 

Liberty International Holdings Limited  
(holding company)1 

Ordinary shares 

Sandal Investments Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Sprucefield No.1 Nominee Limited (dormant) 
(Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Sprucefield No.2 General Partner Limited (general 
partner) 

Ordinary shares 

Libint (Proprietary) Limited (local administration 
services) (South Africa)3 

Ordinary shares 

Sprucefield No.2 Limited Partnership (property) 
(Jersey) 

n/a 

Libtai Holdings (Jersey) Limited (holding company) 
(Jersey)3 

Ordinary shares 

Sprucefield No.2 Nominee Limited (dormant) 
(Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Manchester Nominee (2) Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Sprucefield Unit Trust (limited partner) (Jersey) 

Units 

Merry Hill Finance Limited (finance)  
(Republic of Ireland) 

Merry Hill Management Services Limited 
(dormant)  

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

‘B’ Ordinary shares 

Staffordshire Property Management Limited 
(property) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Steventon Limited (property) (Jersey) 

Ordinary shares 

Merry Hill Services Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  TAI Investments Limited (holding company)2 

‘B’ Deferred shares 

Ordinary shares 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

151

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (continued) 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

TAI Nominees Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  TransAtlantic Holdings Limited (holding company)   Ordinary shares 

The Broadmarsh Retail Limited Partnership 
(property) 

n/a 

  Transol Investments Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

The Bullfinch Company Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  VCP (GP) Limited (general partner)  

The Chapelfield Partnership (property) 
The Metrocentre Partnership (property)4 

The Potteries Shopping Centre Limited Partnership 
(property)  

The Trafford Centre Limited (property)  

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

‘A’ Preference 
shares 

‘B’ Preference 
shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  VCP Nominees No.1 Limited (dormant)  

  VCP Nominees No.2 Limited (dormant)  

  W (No.3) GP (Nominee A) Limited (dormant) 

Ordinary shares 

(Jersey) 

  W (No.3) GP (Nominee B) Limited (dormant) 

Ordinary shares 

(Jersey) 

  Wattenberg Invest S.L. (property) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

The Trafford Centre Finance Limited (finance) 
(Cayman Islands) 

The Trafford Centre Holdings Limited  
(holding company)  

The Trafford Centre Investments Limited  
(holding company)  

The Victoria Centre Partnership (property) 

The Wilmslow (No.3) Limited Partnership 
(property) 

Ordinary shares 

  Westgate Oxford Investments Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Wilmslow (No.3) (Nominee A) Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

  Wilmslow (No.3) (Nominee B) Limited (dormant)   Ordinary shares 

n/a 

n/a 

  Wilmslow (No.3) General Partner Limited  

(general partner)  

‘A’ Shares 

‘B’ Shares 

  Whitesun Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

  WRP Management Limited (property)  

Ordinary shares 

Joint ventures 

Asturias Propco Numero Dos S.L. (property) (Spain)  Ordinary shares 

Asturias Propco Numero Uno S.L. (property) 
(Spain) 

Asturias Retail and Leisure SOCIMI S.A.  
(holding company) (Spain) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Centaurus Retail LLP (property)  

n/a 

Intu Eurofund Investments Valencia, B.V.  
(holding company) (Netherlands) 

Intu Eurofund Investments Vigo B.V. (holding 
company) (Netherlands) 

Intu Eurofund Mallorca S.L. (property 
development) (Spain) 

Intu Eurofund Valencia S.L.  
(property development) (Spain) 

Cribbs Causeway JV Limited (property 
management) 

Intu Eurofund Developments S.à r.l.  
(holding company) (Luxembourg) 

Intu Eurofund Investments Mallorca B.V  
(holding company) (Netherlands) 

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

‘B’ Ordinary shares 

Intu Eurofund Vigo S.L (property development) 
(Spain) 

‘A’ shares 

‘B’ shares 

Ordinary shares 

Intu Zaragoza S.à r.l. (holding company) 
(Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (continued) 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Name of entity 

Class of capital 

Intu Zaragoza Holding S.à r.l. (holding company) 
(Luxembourg) 

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.5) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

Manchester JV Limited (property management) 

‘A’ Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.6) General Partner Limited  

Ordinary shares 

‘B’ Ordinary shares 

(general partner)  

Metropolitan Retail JV (Jersey) Unit Trust 
(property) (Jersey)8 

‘A’ units 

‘B’ units 

  MH (No.6) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

MH (No.1) General Partner Limited  
(general partner)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.6) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.1) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

  MH (No.6) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.1) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.7) General Partner Limited  

Ordinary shares 

(general partner) 

MH (No.1) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.7) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

MH (No.2) General Partner Limited  
(general partner)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.7) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.2) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

  MH (No.7) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.2) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.8) General Partner Limited  

Ordinary shares 

(general partner) 

MH (No.2) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.8) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

MH (No.3) General Partner Limited  
(general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

  MH (No.8) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.3) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

  MH (No.8) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.3) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  Parque Principado S.à r.l. (holding company) 

(Luxembourg) 

‘A’ shares 

‘B’ shares 

MH (No.3) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  Puerto Venecia Investments SOCIMI S.A. 

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.4) General Partner Limited  
(general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

St. David’s (Cardiff Residential) Limited (property)   Ordinary shares 

(property) (Spain) 

MH (No.4) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

St. David’s (General Partner) Limited 
(general partner) 

MH (No.4) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

St. David’s (No.1) Limited (dormant)  

MH (No.4) Nominee B Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

St. David’s (No.2) Limited (dormant)  

‘A’ shares 

‘B’ shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

MH (No.5) General Partner Limited  
(general partner) 

Ordinary shares 

St. David’s Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

MH (No.5) Limited Partnership (property) 

n/a 

St. David’s Unit Trust (limited partner) (Jersey) 

Units 

MH (No.5) Nominee A Limited (dormant)  

Ordinary shares 

  Zaragoza Properties SOCIMI S.A.  

Ordinary shares 

(holding company) (Spain) 

Associates 
Empire Mall Private Limited (property) (India)6 

Ordinary shares 

  Prozone Intu Properties Limited (property) (India)7  Ordinary shares 

1  40.2 per cent is held by intu properties plc, 31.1 per cent is held by Conduit Insurance Holdings Limited and 28.7 per cent is held by TAI Investments Limited. 

2  95.4 per cent is held by Libtai Holdings (Jersey) Limited and 4.6 per cent is held by intu properties plc. 

3  Related undertaking held directly by intu properties plc. 

4  Group’s interest is 60 per cent. 

5  Group’s interest is 51 per cent. 

6  Group’s interest is 38 per cent. 

7  Group’s interest is 32.4 per cent. 

8  Group’s interest is 20 per cent. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

153

45 Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (continued) 
Intu (SGS) Finance plc and Intu Metrocentre Finance plc are consolidated as subsidiaries in these financial statements but are not 
listed in the table above as the Group does not own the shares in these companies. These companies are vehicles set up on behalf  
of the Group for the sole purpose of issuing some of the Group’s listed debt. The Group’s obligations in respect of this debt via a 
back-to-back intercompany loan agreement between these companies and other Group companies, and security over investment 
property via a deed of charge between the security trustees and other Group companies, mean that the Group is deemed to have 
control of these entities. 

By virtue of their 40 per cent interest in The Metrocentre Partnership, GIC Real Estate is entitled to appoint 40 per cent of the 
directors of Metrocentre (GP) Limited. £78.4 million of the non-controlling interest shown in the balance sheet as at 31 December 
2015 (2014: £72.8 million) and £0.8 million of the non-controlling interest share of loss for the year shown in the income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: share of profit £12.5 million) relates to GIC Real Estate’s interest. Set out below is the 
summarised financial information of The Metrocentre Partnership at 100 per cent, as consolidated: 

Summarised income statement  

Revenue 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Summarised balance sheet 

Investment and development property 

Borrowings 

Other net liabilities 

Net assets 

2015
£m

65.5

(2.1)

934.0

(906.9)

(8.0)

19.1

2014
£m

66.0

28.5

909.5

(891.0)

(13.2)

5.3

Bilfinger Europa Facilities Management Limited holds a 49 per cent interest in Intu Retail Services Limited. At 31 December 2015 an 
amount of £nil (2014: £nil) is included within the non-controlling interest balance in the balance sheet of £nil (2014: £nil) and £nil of 
the non-controlling interest share of profit for the year shown in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2015 
(2014: £nil) relating to their interest. 

46 Related party transactions 
Key management1 compensation is analysed below: 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits 

Pensions and other post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

Compensation for loss of office 

2015
£m

5.7

0.3

3.8

0.2

10.0

2014 
£m

5.4

0.4

1.6

–

7.4

1  Key management comprises the Directors of intu properties plc and employees who have been designated as persons discharging managerial responsibility. 

As John Whittaker, Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director of intu properties plc, is the Chairman of the Peel Group, 
members of the Peel Group are considered to be related parties. Total transactions between the Group and members of the Peel 
Group are shown below: 

Income 

Expenditure 

2015
£m

1.1

(0.5)

2014 
£m

1.6

(0.9)

Income predominantly relates to leases of office space and a contract to provide advertising services. Expenditure predominantly 
relates to costs incurred under a management services agreement and the supply of utilities. All contracts are on an arm’s length 
basis at commercial rates. Following shareholder approval in December 2015, the Group agreed terms on a 5 year, £550,000 per 
annum lease on a 30.96 acre site known as King George V Docks (West) to Clydeport Operations Limited (a member of the Peel 
Group) with effect from 30 December 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
154

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

46 Related party transactions (continued) 
Balances outstanding between the Group and members of the Peel Group as at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 are 
shown below: 

Amounts owed by members of the Peel Group 

Amounts owed to members of the Peel Group 

2015 
£m 

0.1 

(0.2) 

2014
£m

0.2

–

Under the terms of the Group’s acquisition of intu Trafford Centre from the Peel Group, the Peel Group have provided a guarantee 
in respect of Section 106 planning obligation liabilities at Barton Square which as at 31 December 2015 totalled £11.7 million (2014: 
£11.6 million). 

In 2012, the Group acquired for €2.5 million, alongside a refundable deposit of €7.5 million, a three year option to purchase two 
parcels of land in the province of Málaga, Spain from Peel Holdings Limited. 

Following shareholder approval at a general meeting on 15 April 2015 the Group exercised the option in May 2015 for consideration 
of €48.7 million which included the €7.5 million deposit paid in 2012. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the Peel Group subscribed to €30.0 million of ordinary shares in the Company. As a result, the 
Company issued 6,256,075 new ordinary shares of 50 pence each. The shares were issued and paid for in cash at £3.4635 per share 
being the 30-day average of the volume weighted average price of the Company’s shares. 

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation in the 
Group’s financial information.  

Significant transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Interest expense 

Interest income 

Dividend received 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Redemption of preference shares 

2015 
£m 

(7.5) 

17.0 

– 

– 

– 

2014
£m

(20.6)

13.0

9.1

182.8

(197.2)

The Company has provided Intu (Jersey) Limited a guarantee over obligations in relation to the 2.5 per cent convertible bonds  
(see note 33). 

Significant balances outstanding between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below: 

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 

2015 
£m 

1,262.0 

(326.8) 

2014
£m

1,284.4

(376.8)

 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

155

47 Share-based payment 
The Group operates a number of share-based payment arrangements providing employee benefits and incentives. All schemes are 
equity settled, and as such the expense recognised in the income statement is based on the fair value of the equity instruments 
awarded as determined at their grant date. The expense is recognised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on 
Group estimates of the number of shares that are expected to vest. 

Share Option Schemes 
Options to subscribe for ordinary shares may be awarded under the intu properties plc approved share option scheme and the intu 
properties plc unapproved share option scheme. 

Certain grants are subject to an earnings per share (‘EPS’) performance condition. Options granted to members of the Executive 
Committee in 2012 are subject to a sliding scale performance condition based on EPS growth of between 4 to 6 per cent per annum 
over a three-year period. Options granted to staff who are not members of the Executive Committee 2012 are not subject to a 
performance condition. 

Except in the case of a ‘good’ leaver, options may not be exercised within three years of grant and before satisfaction or waiver of 
any applicable performance condition, and are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options become capable of 
exercise. The options automatically lapse if not exercised within 10 years of the date of grant. 

Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows: 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Forfeited prior to rights issue 

Lapsed prior to rights issue 

Exercised prior to rights issue 

Adjustment for rights issue 

Awarded after rights issue 

Forfeited after rights issue 

Exercised after rights issue 

Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

Number of options

Weighted average 
exercise price (pence)

Number of options 

Weighted average 
exercise price (pence)

2015

2014

6,173,103

275

5,867,697 

–

–

–

–

2,233,000

(257,788)

(75,777)

8,072,538

2,578,544

–

–

–

n/a

349

293

286

295

256

(10,000) 

(536,628) 

(11,041) 

897,337 

1,834,800 

(100,759) 

(1,768,303) 

6,173,103 

2,406,626 

320

335

430

272

n/a

292

287

255

275

253

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during the year was 348p (2014: 307p). 

The number of options outstanding at 31 December 2015 includes a total of 170,181 (2014: 2,150,541) which are subject to a 
capped gain price of £2.8563 per share. If the market price of shares at the date of exercise exceeds the capped price, the maximum 
gain the holder of such options can realise is the difference between exercise price and the capped price per share. 

Share options outstanding at 31 December 2015 had exercise prices between 232p and 349p (2014: between 232p and 292p)  
and a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately seven years (2014: seven years). More detail by exercise price 
range is shown below: 

Exercise price (pence) 

232 to 292 

349 

Exercise price (pence) 

232 to 292 

Number of options 

Weighted average remaining 
contractual life

2015

5,854,538 

2,218,000 

6

9

2014

Number of options 

6,173,103 

Weighted average remaining 
contractual life

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

47 Share-based payment (continued) 
The fair value of options granted during the year, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was £0.28 per option 
(2014: £0.26). The significant inputs to the model for the majority of options granted during the year were as follows: 

Share price and exercise price at grant date 

Expected option life in years 

Risk free rate 

Expected volatility 

Expected dividend yield 

2015 

£3.49 

4 years 

1.4% 

17% 

3.9% 

2014

£2.92

4 years

1.8%

19%

4.7%

Expected dividend yield is based on public pronouncements about future dividend levels. All other measures are based on  
historical data. 

Performance Share Plan  
The Company operates a Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) for eligible employees at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. 
The PSP was approved by shareholders at the 2013 annual general meeting. 

Awards may be made in the form of nil cost options, a conditional share award or a joint share ownership award and fixed value  
zero cost option, and eligible employees may be granted any combination of such awards subject to any individual limits. 

Vesting of PSP awards made in 2015, 2014 and 2013 is based on Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and Absolute Total Return (TR) 
with performance measured one third over three years, one third over four years and one third over five years. Half of the awards 
vest by reference to TR (25 per cent vesting for 6 per cent per annum return; full vesting for 10 per cent per annum; straight line 
vesting in between). The remaining half of the awards vest by reference to TSR relative to the top five UK-listed REITs (25 per cent 
return vesting for TSR in line with the third rated Company; full vesting for TSR in line with the top rated Company; straight line 
vesting in between) subject to a Remuneration Committee operated discretionary assessment of underlying financial performance.  

Movements in the number of PSP options outstanding are as follows: 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Adjustment for rights issue 

Awarded during the year 

Forfeited in the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

2015 
Number of  
options 

2014
Number of 
options

3,548,076 

1,913,145

– 

205,416

1,410,003 

1,559,340

(343,701) 

(129,825)

4,614,378 

3,548,076

The fair value of TSR options granted during the year was determined using the Monte Carlo option pricing model. The fair value  
of the TR options granted during the year was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values per option 
granted in the year were as follows: 

Performance period 

3 years 

4 years 

5 years 

TSR

£0.87

£0.90

£0.93

2015 

TR 

£0.87 

£0.87 

£0.87 

TSR 

£0.74 

£0.79 

£0.84 

The significant inputs to the valuation model for the TSR options granted during the year were as follows: 

2015

2014

TR

£0.73

£0.73

£0.73

2014

Performance period 

TSR 3 years

TSR 4 years

TSR 5 years

TSR 3 years 

TSR 4 years 

TSR 5 years

Share price at grant date 

Expected option life in years 

Risk free rate 

Expected volatility 

3.38

3.38

3.38

£2.92 

£2.92 

£2.92

2.8 years

3.8 years

4.8 years

2.7 years 

3.7 years 

4.7 years

1.0%

17%

1.2%

21%

1.4%

22%

1.1% 

20% 

1.5% 

23% 

1.8%

26%

Expected competitor volatility  

9%-15%

9%-15%

9%-15%

11%-17% 

11%-17% 

11%-17%

Average correlation 

61%

72%

72%

68% 

71% 

72%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

157

47 Share-based payment (continued) 
The fair value of the TR options, before taking account of the performance condition, is equal to the share price at the date of grant 
of £3.38 (2014: £2.92) as these awards accumulate dividends over the performance period. At the date of grant a 25 per cent 
vesting has been assumed resulting in a fair value per share of £0.87 (2014: £0.73) as above. 

Joint Share Ownership Plan 
Eligible employees may be invited to participate in the Joint Share Ownership Plan (‘JSOP’) which forms part of the intu properties 
plc unapproved share option scheme and the PSP. Under the JSOP shares are held jointly by the employee and the employee share 
ownership plan trustee with any increases in the share price and dividends paid on those shares being allocated between  
the joint owners in accordance with the terms of the scheme. 

Conditions for exercise (including satisfaction of the same performance condition), forfeiture and lapsing are as set out above for 
options or PSP generally. 

In 2012, individuals who received awards of unapproved options in 2011 and 2012 were given the option to exchange their awards 
for jointly owned shares under the JSOP. In 2013, participants in the PSP were given the option to take their awards in the form of 
jointly owned shares under the JSOP and fixed value zero cost options. No option was given in 2014 or 2015. 

Bonus Share Scheme 
Under the Company’s Bonus Scheme (the ‘Bonus Scheme’), deferred shares may be awarded as part of any bonus. 

Such awards comprise ‘Restricted’ shares and ‘Additional’ shares. Where awarded, Additional shares would be equal to 50 per cent 
of the Restricted shares and SIP shares (see below) combined. No Additional shares were outstanding at 1 January 2014 and no 
awards have been made in 2014 or 2015. The vesting of deferred share awards is not dependent on the achievement of any further 
performance conditions other than that participants remain employed by the Group for a specified time from the date of the award, 
typically two to three years in the case of Restricted shares and four years in the case of Additional shares. The fair value of 
Restricted shares granted with the condition for participants to remain employed by the Group for two years during the year, 
determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was £3.23 per share (2014: £2.66 per share). The fair value of Restricted 
shares with the condition for participants to remain employed by the Group for three years, determined using the Black-Scholes 
options pricing model, was £3.10 per share (2014: £2.54 per share). The significant inputs to the model were as follows: 

Share price at grant date 

Expected option life in years 

Risk free rate 

Expected dividend yield 

Movements in shares awarded under the Bonus Share Scheme are as follows: 

2015

3 years

£3.49

2015 

2 years 

£3.49 

2014

3 years

£2.92

2014 

2 years

£2.92

3 years

2 years 

3 years

2 years

1.3%

3.9%

1.0% 

3.9% 

1.5%

4.7%

1.1%

4.7%

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Adjustment for rights issue 

Forfeited during the year 

Vested during the year 

Outstanding at 31 December 

2015

2014

Restricted

Restricted

1,013,807

1,085,286

425,117

–

428,424

183,348

(13,725)

(35,751)

(711,376)

(647,500)

713,823

1,013,807

Share incentive plan (‘SIP’) 
The Company operates a SIP for all eligible employees, who may receive up to £3,600 worth of shares as part of their annual bonus 
arrangements. The SIP arrangements offer worthwhile tax advantages to employees and to the Company. 

The SIP Bonus shares can be released three years after the date of the award, provided the individual employee has remained in 
employment, but the shares must then be held in trust for a further two years in order to qualify for tax advantages. The fair value 
of shares granted during the year, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was £3.49 per share (2014: £2.92 per 
share). As these awards accumulate dividends, the fair value of each share awarded is equal to the share price at the date of grant  
of £3.49. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Notes to the accounts continued 

47 Share-based payment (continued) 
As part of the SIP arrangements, the Company also offers eligible employees the opportunity to participate in a ‘Partnership’ share 
scheme, under which employees can save up to £150 a month. The Group offers one free Matching share for every two Partnership 
shares purchased by the employee at the end of a 12-month saving period. Matching shares are forfeited if the employee leaves the 
Group within three years of the date of award, and qualify for tax advantages if they are held in the SIP for five years. The fair value 
of Matching shares is determined by the market price at the grant date. 

The dividend payable in respect of the shares held in the SIP is used to purchase additional shares, known as Dividend Shares, which 
are also held in trust and allocated to individuals and are subject to the same conditions of release. 

Movements in SIP bonus shares granted are as follows: 

Outstanding at 1 January 

Awarded during the year 

Adjustment for rights issue 

Forfeited during the year 
Vested during the year1 

Outstanding at 31 December2 

1  May still be held in trust. 

2  Shares that remain within their three-year holding period. 

2015 

2014

260,271 

120,431 

– 

(19,919) 

(78,016) 

224,743

114,319

7,158

(20,171)

(65,778)

282,767 

260,271

48 Pensions 
The Group operates defined contribution group pension plans for its staff. Additionally the Group makes contributions to self-
invested personal pension arrangements (‘SIPPs’) on behalf of an Executive Director. All contributions are invested in funds 
administered outside of the Group. 

The pension charge for the Group’s contributions to these arrangements is the amount paid which totalled £3.1 million for the  
year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: £2.7 million). 

49 Events after the reporting period 
On 19 January 2016 the Group disposed of its interest in Equity One. See note 25 for details. 

50 Directors’ interests and emoluments 

(a) Shares in the Company 
The number of ordinary shares of the Company in which the Directors were beneficially interested were: 

Chairman: 

Patrick Burgess 

Deputy Chairman: 
John Whittaker* 

Executive: 

David Fischel 

Matthew Roberts 

Non-Executive: 

Adèle Anderson 

Richard Gordon 

Andrew Huntley  

Rakhi (Parekh) Goss-Custard 

Louise Patten  

Neil Sachdev 

John Strachan 

Andrew Strang  

*  Total beneficial interest includes shares held by subsidiaries of the Peel Group of which John Whittaker is the Chairman.  

2015 

2014

37,627 

37,627

336,492,751 

296,155,452

993,534 

213,133 

965,646

154,506

32,504 

18,124

7,005,211 

7,004,818

7,714 

– 

12,857 

– 

– 

– 

7,714

–

12,857

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Accounts

159

50 Directors’ interests and emoluments (continued) 
Conditional awards of shares have previously been made to Executive Directors under the Company’s annual bonus scheme. 

The awards comprise ‘Restricted’ shares and ‘Additional’ shares, the latter equal to 50 per cent of the Restricted and share incentive 
plan shares combined. Executive Directors were required to retain the shares, net of shares sold to meet tax and PAYE deductions, 
which vested ahead of the normal vesting date.  

Awards to Executive Directors under the scheme since January 2013 are as follows: 

David Fischel 

Matthew Roberts 

Award date 

07/03/2013 

29/04/2014 

29/04/2014 

11/03/2015 

11/03/2015 

07/03/2013 

29/04/2014 

29/04/2014 

11/03/2015 

11/03/2015 

335

292

292

349

349

335

292

292

349

349

Market
 price at 
award 
(pence)

Original
vesting
date

Market 
price at 
vesting 
(pence)

Number of 
shares at
31 December 
2014  

Number of  
shares  
awarded 
during 2015 

Number of 
shares 
vested 
during 2015

Number of 
shares at
31 December 
2015 

07/03/2015

343

144,117

29/04/2016

29/04/2017

11/03/2017

11/03/2018

–

–

–

–

29/04/2016

29/04/2017

11/03/2017

11/03/2018

–

–

–

–

30,655

29,627

24,558

23,530

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(144,117)

–

–

–

–

(110,617)

–

–

–

–

–

30,655

29,627

30,478

29,446

–

24,558

23,530

24,154

23,122

–

–

30,478 

29,446 

–

–

24,154 

23,122 

07/03/2015

343

110,617

Details of Restricted and Additional shares awarded in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 are given in the Directors’ 
remuneration report on pages 78 to 91. 

Awards may also be made under the Company’s share incentive plan (‘SIP’). The SIP shares can be released three years after the 
date of the award provided the individual Director has remained in employment but the shares must be held in trust for a further 
two years in order to qualify for tax advantages. The dividend payable in respect of the shares held in trust is used to purchase 
additional shares, known as Dividend Shares, which are also held in trust.  

Current Directors: 

David Fischel 

Matthew Roberts 

At
31 December 
2014

Removed from 
trust

Lapsed

Awarded1 

Partnership, 
matching and 
dividend shares

At
31 December 
2015

13,853

6,210

–

–

–

–

1,031 

1,031 

1,454

1,198

16,338

8,439

1  SIP shares in respect of the year ended 31 December 2014 awarded in March 2015. Details of SIP shares awarded in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 are given in 

the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 78 to 91. 

(b) Share options in the Company 
Executive Directors interests in share options and the PSP are given in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 78 to 91. 

(c) Other disclosures 
No Director had any dealings in the shares of any Group company between 31 December 2015 and 26 February 2016, being a date 
less than one month prior to the date of the notice convening the annual general meeting. 

Other than as disclosed in these accounts, no Director of the Company had a material interest in any contract (other than service 
contracts), transaction or arrangement with any Group company during the year ended 31 December 2015. 

(d) Emoluments 
The details of individual Directors’ remuneration and pension benefits, as set out in the tables contained in the Directors’ 
remuneration report on pages 78 to 91, form part of these financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
160

Other information

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Investment and development property (unaudited) 

1 Property data 

As at 31 December 2015 

Subsidiaries 

intu Trafford Centre 

intu Lakeside 

intu Metrocentre 

intu Braehead 

intu Derby 

Manchester Arndale 

intu Victoria Centre 

intu Watford 

intu Eldon Square 

intu Milton Keynes 

intu Chapelfield 

Cribbs Causeway 

intu Potteries 

intu Bromley 
OtherC 

Market value
£m

Revaluation
surplus/deficit 

Net initial
yield (EPRA)

‘Topped-up’ NIY 
(EPRA) 

Nominal 
equivalent yield 

Occupancy

2,305.0

1,334.0

952.3

585.5

447.0

445.0

356.0

336.0

299.7

280.0

272.5

245.1

175.1

174.1

263.4

448.4

368.6

166.1

89.1

59.5

+5%

+6%

+1%

–3%

+5%

+3%

+10%

–

+8%

–

+4%

–

–

–

+3%

+21%
–A/B
+13%B

3.7%

4.2%

4.7%

3.9%

5.9%

4.6%

4.3%

4.7%

4.1%

4.1%

5.3%

4.4%

4.7%

5.5%

4.5%

4.0%

5.0%

5.1%

3.9% 

4.3% 

4.9% 

4.3% 

6.5% 

4.7% 

4.6% 

4.9% 

4.9% 

4.4% 

5.5% 

4.6% 

5.4% 

5.7% 

4.7% 

4.2% 

5.0% 

5.5% 

4.3% 

4.7% 

5.4% 

6.0% 

6.0% 

5.1% 

6.0% 

6.3% 

5.9% 

4.8% 

5.8% 

5.4% 

7.5% 

7.1% 

4.9% 

4.7% 

6.3% 

5.3% 

96%

95%

94%

94%

99%

99%

93%

94%

99%

97%

100%

96%

95%

94%

96%

94%

95%

100%

96%

95%

Investment and development property 
excluding Group’s share of joint ventures 

8,470.7

Joint ventures 

intu Merry Hill 

St David’s, Cardiff 

Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 

intu Asturias 
OtherD 

Investment and development property 
including Group’s share of joint ventures 

As at 31 December 2014 

9,602.4

4.29%

4.52% 

5.14% 

including Group’s share of joint ventures 

8,963.4

4.36%

4.60% 

5.32% 

Notes 

A  Revaluation surplus assessed from date of acquisition. 

B  Calculated in local currency. 

C 

D 

Includes the Group’s interest in intu Broadmarsh, Soar at intu Braehead, development land in Spain and Sprucefield, Northern Ireland. 

Includes the Group’s interest in intu Uxbridge. 

Passing rent 

Annual property income 

ERV 

Weighted average unexpired lease term 

Please refer to the glossary for definitions. 

31 December 
2015 
£m 

31 December
2014
£m

411.7 

448.5 

531.2 

401.4

436.2

515.3

7.9 years 

7.4 years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

161

2 Analysis of capital return in the year 

Like-for-like property 

Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 

Developments 

Total investment and development property 

3 Additional property information 

As at 31 December 2015 

intu Trafford Centre 

intu Lakeside 

intu Metrocentre 

intu Braehead 

intu Derby 

Manchester Arndale 

intu Victoria Centre 

intu Watford 

intu Eldon Square 

intu Milton Keynes 

intu Chapelfield 

Cribbs Causeway 

intu Potteries 

intu Bromley 

intu Merry Hill 

St David’s, Cardiff 

Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 

intu Asturias 

Other 

Investment and development property 
including Group’s share of joint ventures 

As at 31 December 2014 

Notes 

Market value 

Revaluation surplus/(deficit) (cid:3)

2015
£m

9,291.9

166.1

144.4

9,602.4

2014 
£m 

8,887.8 

– 

75.6 

£m

355.0

(1.5)

(2.8)

8,963.4 

350.7

2015(cid:3)
%(cid:3)

4.0

n/a

n/a

n/a

Ownership

Note

Form of(cid:3)(cid:3)
OwnershipE

Gross area million(cid:3)(cid:3) 
sq ftF 

Year
opened

Acquisition(cid:3)(cid:3)
DateG

100%

100%

90%

100%

100%

48%

100%

93%

60%

100%

100%

33%

100%

64%

50%

50%

50%

50%

A

B

FH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

LH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

FH/LH(cid:3)

LH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

LH(cid:3)(cid:3)

FH/LH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

C

FH/LH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

LH(cid:3)

FH(cid:3)

FH/LH(cid:3)

FH

FH

D

1998

1990

1986

1999

2007

1976

1972

1992

1976

2000

2005

1998

1998

1991

1985

2009

2012

2001

2011

–

1995

–

2014

2005
2002H

–

–

2013

–

2005

–

–

2014

2006

2015

2013

2.0 

1.4 

2.1 

1.1 

1.3 

1.6 

1.0 

0.7 

1.4 

0.4 

0.5 

1.1 

0.6 

0.5 

1.7 

1.4 

1.3 

0.8 

1.5(cid:3)

22.4 

21.4 

A 

Interest shown is that of The Metrocentre Partnership in intu Metrocentre (90 per cent) and the Metro Retail Park (100 per cent). The Group has a 60 per cent interest in  
The Metrocentre Partnership which is consolidated as a subsidiary of the Group. 

B  The Group’s interest is through a joint operation ownership of a 95 per cent interest in Manchester Arndale, and a 90 per cent interest in New Cathedral Street, Manchester. 

C  The Group’s interest is through a joint operation ownership of a 66 per cent interest in The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and a 100 per cent interest in The Retail Park, 

Cribbs Causeway. 

D 

Includes intu Uxbridge, intu Broadmarsh, Soar at intu Braehead and Sprucefield, Northern Ireland. 

E  Form of ownership is shown as either freehold (‘FH’), leasehold (‘LH’) or freehold and leasehold (‘FH/LH’). 

F  Area shown is not adjusted for the proportion of ownership. 

G  The acquisition date is presented only where the centre was not built by the Group. 

H 

intu held a 20 per cent stake in intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham prior to 2002 when it acquired the remaining 80 per cent to take its holding to 100 per cent. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
162

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial covenants (unaudited) 

Intu (SGS) Finance plc and Intu (SGS) Finco Limited (‘Secured Group Structure’) 

Term loan 

3.875 per cent bonds 

4.625 per cent bonds 

4.250 per cent bonds 

Loan
£m

351.8

450.0

350.0

350.0

1,501.8

Maturity

2020

2023

2028

2030

LTV
covenant

LTV 
actual 

Interest 
cover 
covenant 

Interest
cover
actual

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:3) 

(cid:3)(cid:3) 

(cid:3)(cid:3) 

(cid:3)(cid:3) 

80%(cid:3)(cid:3)

45% 

125%(cid:3)(cid:3) 

242%

Covenants are tested on the Security Group, the principal assets of which are intu Lakeside, intu Braehead, intu Watford, intu 
Victoria Centre, intu Chapelfield and intu Derby. 

The structure has a tiered operating covenant regime giving the Group a significant degree of flexibility when the covenants are 
below certain levels. In higher tiers the level of flexibility is reduced. The Group retains operating control below loan to value of  
72.5 per cent and interest cover above 1.4x. No financial covenant default occurs unless the loan to value exceeds 80 per cent  
or the interest cover falls below 1.25x. 

The Trafford Centre Finance Limited 
There are no financial covenants on the intu Trafford Centre debt of £796.7 million at 31 December 2015. However a debt service 
cover ratio is assessed quarterly and where this falls below specified levels restrictions come into force. The loan to 31 December 
2015 market value ratio is 36 per cent. No restrictions are in place at present. 

Intu Metrocentre Finance plc 

4.125 per cent bonds 

Loan
£m

485.0

Maturity

2023

LTV
covenant

100%

LTV 
actual 

51% 

Interest 
cover 
covenant 

125% 

Interest
cover
actual

207%

The structure’s covenant regime gives the Group a significant degree of flexibility when the covenants are below certain levels. The 
Group retains operating control below loan to value of 70 per cent and interest cover above 1.4x. No financial covenant default 
occurs unless loan to value exceeds 100 per cent or interest cover falls below 1.25x. 

Other asset-specific debt 

intu Bromley4 

intu Merry Hill 

intu Milton Keynes 

Barton Square 

Sprucefield 
intu Uxbridge5 

St David’s, Cardiff 
intu Asturias5 
Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza5 

Loan outstanding(cid:3)
at 31 December(cid:3)
20151
£m(cid:3)

Maturity

LTV
covenant

Loan to(cid:3)  
31 December(cid:3)  
2015(cid:3)  
market value2 

112.6

191.3

125.2

42.5

33.2

26.0

122.5

€47.4

€112.5

2016

2017

2017

2017

2020

2020

2021

2019

2019

80%

65%

65%

65%

65%

70%

65%

65%

65%

64% 

43% 

45% 

47% 

49% 

56% 

33% 

39% 

50% 

Interest 
cover 
covenant 

120% 

150% 

150% 

175% 

150% 

125% 

150% 

150% 

150% 

Interest(cid:3)
cover(cid:3)
actual3

371%(cid:3)

268% 

251% 

233% 

353%(cid:3)

175% 

298% 

288% 

305% 

1  The loan values are the actual principal balances outstanding at 31 December 2015. 

2  The loan to 31 December 2015 market value provides an indication of the impact the 31 December 2015 property valuations could have on the LTV covenants. The actual 

timing and manner of testing LTV covenants varies and is loan specific. 

3  Based on latest certified figures, calculated in accordance with loan agreements, which have been submitted between 31 December 2015 and 31 January 2016. The calculations 

are loan specific and include a variety of historical, forecast and in certain instances a combined historical and forecast basis. 

4 

In January 2016, the loan secured on intu Bromley was settled and replaced by a new £95.8 million loan. 

5  Debt shown consistent with the Group’s economic interest. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

163

Intu Debenture plc 

Loan
£m

231.4

Maturity

2027

Capital cover
 covenant

Capital cover  
actual 

Interest cover 
covenant

Interest cover 
actual

150%

248% 

100%

119%

The debenture is currently secured on a number of the Group’s properties including intu Potteries, intu Eldon Square, intu 
Broadmarsh and Soar at intu Braehead.  

Should the capital cover or interest cover test be breached, Intu Debenture plc (the ‘Issuer’) has three months from the date of 
delivery of the valuation or the latest certificate to the Trustees to make good any deficiencies. The Issuer may withdraw property 
secured on the debenture by paying a sum of money or through the substitution of alternative property provided that the capital 
cover and interest cover tests are satisfied immediately following the substitution. 

Financial covenants on corporate facilities 

£600m facility, maturing in 2020* 

£300m due in 2018 2.5 per cent  
convertible bonds** 

Net worth 
covenant

Net worth
actual

Interest cover
covenant

Interest cover  
actual 

Borrowings/net 
worth covenant

Borrowings/net 
worth actual

£1,200.0m

£2,340.2m

120%

205% 

125%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a 

175%

69%

13%

*  Tested on the Borrower Group which excludes, at the Group’s election, certain subsidiaries with asset-specific finance. The facility is secured on the Group’s investments in 

Manchester Arndale and Cribbs Causeway.  

**  Tested on the Group excluding, at the Group’s election, the borrowings on certain subsidiaries with asset-specific finance. 

Interest rate swaps 
The table below sets out the nominal amount and average rate of hedging, excluding lenders’ margins, in place under current  
and forward starting swap contracts. 

In effect on or after: 

1 year 

2 years 

5 years 

10 years 

15 years 

20 years 

Nominal amount
£m

Average rate
%

1,458.2

1,389.2

801.7

674.1

663.2

116.7

3.35

3.46

4.48

4.90

4.91

4.70

 
 
 
 
 
 
164

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial information including  
share of joint ventures (unaudited) 
for the year ended 31 December 2015 

The information in this section is presented to show the Group including its share of joint ventures. A reconciliation from the 
amounts shown in the Group’s income statement and balance sheet is provided.  

Group underlying 
profit 
£m

Share of joint 
ventures 
£m

2015

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

Group underlying 
profit 
£m 

Share of joint 
ventures 
£m 

2014

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

Underlying earnings 

Rent receivable 

Service charge income 

Facilities management income from joint 
ventures 

Revenue 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Administration expenses 

Underlying operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Other finance costs 

461.0

96.9

13.7

571.6

381.8

6.9

(37.3)

351.4

(206.6)

18.7

(5.9)

53.0

10.6

(5.8)

57.8

46.0

(1.1)

(0.7)

44.2

(2.3)

(17.1)

–

514.0

107.5

7.9

629.4

427.8

5.8

(38.0)

395.6

(208.9)

1.6

(5.9)

Underlying net finance costs 

(193.8)

(19.4)

(213.2)

Underlying profit before tax, joint ventures  
and associates 

Tax on underlying profit 

Share of underlying profit of joint ventures 

Share of underlying profit of associates 

Remove amounts attributable to non-controlling 
interests 

Interest on convertible bonds deducted  
directly in equity 

Underlying earnings 

157.6

(0.5)

24.7

0.2

4.6

–

186.6

24.8

(0.1)

(24.7)

–

–

–

–

182.4

(0.6)

–

0.2

4.6

–

186.6

441.1 

88.2 

7.1 

536.4 

362.6 

4.8 

(30.8) 

336.6 

(197.1) 

11.9 

(6.1) 

(191.3) 

145.3 

(0.6) 

18.6 

– 

1.3 

(2.9) 

161.7 

39.3 

9.5 

(3.0) 

45.8 

34.0 

– 

(0.3) 

33.7 

(4.1) 

(10.7) 

– 

(14.8) 

18.9 

(0.3) 

(18.6) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

480.4

97.7

4.1

582.2

396.6

4.8

(31.1)

370.3

(201.2)

1.2

(6.1)

(206.1)

164.2

(0.9)

–

–

1.3

(2.9)

161.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

165

Consolidated income statements 

Revenue 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Revaluation of investment and development 
property 

(Loss)/gain on acquisition of subsidiaries 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Administration expenses – ongoing 

Administration expenses – exceptional  

Operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Other finance costs 

Change in fair value of financial instruments 

Net finance costs 

Profit before tax, joint ventures  
and associates 

Share of post-tax profit of joint ventures 

Share of post-tax profit of associates 

Profit before tax 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Balance sheets 

Assets 

Investment and development property 

Investment in joint ventures 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Group income 
statement 
£m

Share of joint 
ventures 
£m

2015

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

Group income 
statement 
£m 

Share of joint 
ventures
£m

2014

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

571.6

381.8

6.9

264.9

(0.8)

2.2

0.9

(37.3)

(1.0)

617.6

(206.6)

18.7

(37.3)

6.0

(219.2)

398.4

108.6

6.0

513.0

(0.4)

5.0

4.6

517.6

57.8

46.0

(1.1)

85.8

–

–

–

(0.7)

(0.5)

129.5

(2.3)

(17.1)

–

(0.7)

(20.1)

109.4

(108.6)

–

0.8

(0.1)

(0.7)

(0.8)

–

629.4

427.8

5.8

350.7

(0.8)

2.2

0.9

(38.0)

(1.5)

747.1

(208.9)

1.6

(37.3)

5.3

(239.3)

507.8

–

6.0

513.8

(0.5)

4.3

3.8

536.4 

362.6 

4.8 

567.8 

1.6 

0.6 

– 

(30.8) 

(13.8) 

892.8 

(197.1) 

11.9 

(56.8) 

(157.6) 

(399.6) 

493.2 

99.7 

0.8 

593.7 

(0.5) 

6.6 

6.1 

517.6

599.8 

45.8

34.0

–

80.4

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.1)

114.0

(4.1)

(10.7)

–

0.6

(14.2)

99.8

(99.7)

–

0.1

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

–

582.2

396.6

4.8

648.2

1.6

0.6

–

(31.1)

(13.9)

1,006.8

(201.2)

1.2

(56.8)

(157.0)

(413.8)

593.0

–

0.8

593.8

(0.6)

6.6

6.0

599.8

Group balance 
sheet 
£m

Share of joint 
ventures 
£m

2015

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

Group balance 
sheet 
£m 

Share of joint 
ventures
£m

2014

Group including 
share of joint 
ventures
£m

8,403.9

991.9

3.2

275.8

472.1

1,119.8

(991.9)

–

25.6

20.9

9,523.7

8,019.6 

–

3.2

301.4

493.0

851.5 

9.7 

230.0 

451.2 

10,146.9

174.4

10,321.3

9,562.0 

(4,471.6)

(140.9)

(4,612.5)

(4,354.0) 

(341.7)

(278.7)

(5,092.0)

5,054.9

(2.0)

(31.5)

(343.7)

(310.2)

(174.4)

(5,266.4)

–

5,054.9

(356.5) 

(254.7) 

(4,965.2) 

4,596.8 

869.2

(851.5)

–

30.1

29.5

77.3

(35.6)

(0.4)

(41.3)

(77.3)

–

8,888.8

–

9.7

260.1

480.7

9,639.3

(4,389.6)

(356.9)

(296.0)

(5,042.5)

4,596.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
166

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial information including  
share of joint ventures (unaudited) continued 
for the year ended 31 December 2015  

Net external debt  
The table below provides a reconciliation between the components of net debt included on the Group’s balance sheet and net 
external debt including the Group’s share of joint ventures’ debt and cash. 

Total borrowings 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Net debt 

Metrocentre compound financial instrument 

Net external debt – before Group’s share of joint ventures 

Add share of borrowings of joint ventures 

Less share of cash of joint ventures 

2015 
£m 

4,471.6 

(275.8) 

4,195.8 

(172.0) 

4,023.8 

140.9 

(25.6) 

2014
£m

4,354.0

(230.0)

4,124.0

(166.1)

3,957.9

35.6

(30.1)

Net external debt – including Group’s share of joint ventures 

4,139.1 

3,963.4

Analysed as: 

Debt including Group’s share of joint ventures 

Cash including Group’s share of joint ventures 

Net external debt – including Group’s share of joint ventures 

Debt to assets ratio 

Market value of investment and development property 

Net external debt 

Debt to assets ratio 

4,440.5 

(301.4) 

4,139.1 

2015 
£m 

9,602.4 

(4,139.1) 

43.1% 

4,223.5

(260.1)

3,963.4

2014
£m

8,963.4

(3,963.4)

44.2%

Pro forma for the £201.9 million received on disposal of the Group’s interest in Equity One on 19 January 2016, the debt to assets 
ratio would be 41.0 per cent at 31 December 2015. 

Interest cover 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Interest on convertible bonds recognised directly in equity 

Underlying operating profit 

Less trading property related items 

Interest cover 

2015 
£m 

2014
£m

(208.9) 

(201.2)

1.6 

– 

(207.3) 

395.6 

– 

395.6 

1.91x 

1.2

(2.9)

(202.9)

370.3

(0.6)

369.7

1.82x

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

167

Underlying profit statement (unaudited) 
for the six months ended 31 December 2015  

The underlying profit information in the table below shows the Group including its share of joint ventures on a line-by-line basis. 

Net rental income 

Net other income 

Administration expenses  

Underlying operating profit 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Other finance costs 

Underlying net finance costs 

Underlying profit before tax and associates 

Tax on underlying profit 

Share of underlying profit of associates 

Remove amounts attributable to non-
controlling interests 

Interest on convertible bonds deducted directly 
in equity 

Underlying earnings 

Underlying earnings per share (pence) 

Year ended 
31 December 
2015
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2014
£m

Six months 
ended 
31 December 
2015
£m

Six months  
ended  
31 December  
2014 
£m 

Six months 
ended 
30 June 
2015
£m

Six months 
ended 
30 June 
2014
£m

427.8

5.8

(38.0)

395.6

(208.9)

1.6

(5.9)

(213.2)

182.4

(0.6)

0.2

4.6

–

186.6

14.2p

396.6

4.8

(31.1)

370.3

(201.2)

1.2

(6.1)

(206.1)

164.2

(0.9)

–

1.3

(2.9)

161.7

13.3p

220.2

3.2

(21.7)

201.7

(103.8)

1.1

(3.0)

207.4 

2.8 

(16.2) 

194.0 

(103.5) 

0.7 

(3.0) 

207.6

2.6

(16.3)

193.9

(105.1)

0.5

(2.9)

189.2

2.0

(14.9)

176.3

(97.7)

0.5

(3.1)

(105.7)

(105.8) 

(107.5)

(100.3)

96.0

(0.3)

0.1

2.1

–

97.9

7.4p

88.2 

(0.6) 

– 

2.1 

– 

89.7 

6.9p 

86.4

(0.3)

0.1

2.5

–

88.7

6.8p

76.0

(0.3)

–

(0.8)

(2.9)

72.0

6.4p

Weighted average number of shares (million) 

1,318.1

1,214.6

1,327.6

1,297.9 

1,308.3

1,129.5

For the reconciliation from basic earnings per share see note 17. 

 
 
 
168

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

EPRA performance measures (unaudited) 

1 Summary 
The EPRA Best Practice Recommendations identify six key performance measures, including the EPRA Cost Ratios. The measures 
are deemed to be of importance for investors in property companies and aim to encourage more consistent and widespread 
disclosure. The Group is supportive of this initiative but continues to disclose additional measures throughout this report which 
it believes are more appropriate to the Group’s current circumstances. 

In 2015, the Group retained its EPRA Gold Award for exceptional compliance with the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations. 

The EPRA measures, as calculated including the Group’s share of joint ventures, are summarised below and detailed in the  
tables following: 

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs) 

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) 

EPRA earnings 

— per share 

EPRA NAV 

— per share 

EPRA NNNAV 

— per share 

EPRA net initial yield 

EPRA ‘topped-up’ NIY 

EPRA vacancy rate 

Table 

2 

2 

3 

3 

4(a) 

4(a) 

4(b) 

4(b) 

5 

5 

6 

2015 

19.9% 

16.0% 

2014

19.4%

15.5%

£187.7m 

£154.9m

14.3p 

12.8p

£5,188.5m 

£4,740.0m

387p 

361p

£4,878.7m 

£4,322.4m

365p 

4.3% 

4.5% 

2.6% 

329p

4.4%

4.6%

3.0%

Details of the Group’s performance against the EPRA Best Practice Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting can be found  
in full in the 2015 corporate responsibility report. In 2015, the Group retained its Gold EPRA Sustainability Best Practice 
Recommendations award. 

2 EPRA Cost Ratios 

Administration expenses – ongoing 

Net service charge costs 

Other non-recoverable costs 

Remove: 

Service charge costs recovered through rents 

EPRA costs – including direct vacancy costs 

Direct vacancy costs 

EPRA costs – excluding direct vacancy costs 

Rent receivable 

Rent payable 

Gross rental income less ground rent payable 

Remove: 

Service charge costs recovered through rents 

Gross rental income 

2015 
£m 

38.0 

14.0 

49.8 

(4.8) 

97.0 

(18.9) 

78.1 

514.0 

(22.4) 

491.6 

(4.8) 

486.8 

2014
£m

31.1

11.3

49.1

(3.3)

88.2

(17.9)

70.3

480.4

(23.4)

457.0

(3.3)

453.7

EPRA cost ratio (including direct vacancy costs) 

EPRA cost ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs) 

19.9% 

16.0% 

19.4%

15.5%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

169

3 EPRA earnings 
EPRA earnings per share has been presented as recommended by EPRA which seeks to assist comparison between European 
property companies. However, we believe that our measure of underlying earnings per share is more appropriate than the EPRA 
measure in the context of our business as set out in note 17. The key difference relates to the adjustments in respect of exceptional 
items where EPRA is prescriptive about the adjustments that can be made limiting these to acquisition related costs and costs 
incurred on termination of derivative financial instruments. A reconciliation of EPRA earnings per share to the Group’s measure  
of underlying earnings per share is provided below.  

Basic earnings per share  

Remove: 

Revaluation of investment and development 
property 

Loss/(gain) on acquisition of businesses 

Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

Gain on sale of other investments 

Exceptional administration costs – acquisition 
and disposal related 

Exceptional finance charges – termination  
of derivative financial instruments 

Change in fair value of financial instruments 

Tax on the above 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Share of associates’ adjusting items 

Non-controlling interests in respect  
of the above 

EPRA earnings per share 

Reconciliation to the Group’s measure of 
underlying earnings per share 

Remove: 

Other exceptional items 

Other exceptional tax 

Add: 

Share of associates’ adjusting items 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Earnings
£m

518.4

Shares
million

1,318.1

(264.9)

0.8

(2.2)

(0.9)

0.4

26.5

(6.0)

(3.6)

(84.3)

(0.3)

3.8

187.7

5.5

(1.5)

(5.5)

0.4

1,318.1

Underlying earnings per share 

186.6

1,318.1

2015

Pence per
share

39.3p

(20.1)p

0.1p

(0.2)p

(0.1)p

Earnings 
£m 

583.3 

Shares
million

1,214.6

(567.8) 

(1.6) 

(0.6) 

– 

–

13.1 

2.1p

(0.4)p

(0.3)p

(6.4)p

–

0.3p

14.3p

0.4p

(0.1)p

(0.4)p

–

14.2p

44.1 

157.6 

(5.6) 

(81.7) 

(0.8) 

14.9 

154.9 

7.3 

(1.1) 

– 

0.6 

1,214.6

2014

Pence per
share

48.0p

(46.7)p

(0.1)p

–

–

1.1p

3.6p

13.0p

(0.5)p

(6.7)p

(0.1)p

1.2p

12.8p

0.6p

(0.1)p

–

–

161.7 

1,214.6

13.3p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
170

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

EPRA performance measures  
(unaudited) continued 

4 EPRA NAV 
(a) EPRA NAV 
EPRA NAV has been presented as recommended by EPRA which seeks to assist comparison between European property 
companies. However, we believe that our measure of NAV per share (diluted, adjusted), as presented in note 18a, is more 
appropriate than the EPRA measure in the context of our business. The key difference is the swaps not currently used for economic 
hedges of debt which are excluded in the Group’s definition of NAV per share (diluted, adjusted). The adjustment in respect of the 
non-controlling interest recoverable balance not recognised is due to historical accounting practices and is required, in our view, to 
give a more appropriate value of net assets attributable to equity owners of the Group. A reconciliation of EPRA NAV to the Group’s 
measure of NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) is provided below. 

As for earnings per share, the comparative number of shares have been adjusted to reflect the rights issue. See note 17 for details. 

Net assets 
£m

Shares
million

2015

NAV per 
share 
pence

Net assets  
£m 

Shares
million

2014

NAV per 
share 
pence

NAV attributable to owners of intu properties plc 

4,976.4

1,331.9

374p

4,524.0 

1,303.7

347p

Dilutive convertible bonds, share options and awards 

16.2

6.4

22.2 

8.6

Diluted NAV per share 

Remove: 

4,992.6

1,338.3

373p

4,546.2 

1,312.3

347p

Fair value of derivative financial instruments (excluding swaps not 
currently used for economic hedges of debt and net of tax) 

Deferred tax on investment and development property and other 
investments 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Add: 

Non-controlling interest recoverable balance not recognised 

99.4

18.9

6.3

71.3

7p

1p

1p

5p

104.3 

14.1 

4.1 

71.3 

8p

1p

–

5p

EPRA NAV per share 

5,188.5

1,338.3

387p

4,740.0 

1,312.3

361p

Reconciliation to the Group’s measure of underlying earnings per share 

Remove: 

Swaps not currently used for economic hedges of debt (net of tax) 

222.7

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 

5,411.2

1,338.3

17p

404p

228.9 

4,968.9 

1,312.3

18p

379p

(b) EPRA NNNAV 
The Group’s measure of NNNAV per share (diluted, adjusted) disclosed in note 18 is equal to the EPRA NNNAV measure  
presented below: 

EPRA NAV 

Fair value of derivative financial instruments (net of tax) 

Excess of fair value of debt over book value 

Deferred tax on investment and development property and other 
investments 

Share of joint ventures’ adjusting items 

Non-controlling interests in respect of the above 

Net assets 
£m

Shares
million

5,188.5

1,338.3

(99.4)

(194.4)

(18.9)

(8.1)

11.0

2015

NAV per 
share 
pence

387p

(7)p

(14)p

(1)p

(1)p

1p

Net assets  
£m 

Shares
million

4,740.0 

1,312.3

(104.3) 

(310.2) 

(14.1) 

(6.0) 

17.0 

2014

NAV per 
share 
pence

361p

(8)p

(24)p

(1)p

–

1p

EPRA NNNAV 

4,878.7

1,338.3

365p

4,322.4 

1,312.3

329p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

171

5 EPRA net initial yield and ‘topped-up’ NIY 

Investment and development property 

Less developments 

Completed property portfolio 

Allowance for estimated purchasers costs 

Gross up completed property portfolio valuation 

Annualised cash passing rental income 

Property outgoings 

Annualised net rents 

Notional rent on expiration of rent free periods or other lease incentives 

Topped-up net annualised rent 

EPRA net initial yield 

EPRA ‘topped-up’ NIY 

2015
£m

9,602

(144)

9,458

525

9,983

449

(20)

429

21

450

4.3%

4.5%

2014
£m

8,963

(74)

8,889

457

9,346

436

(21)

415

19

434

4.4%

4.6%

EPRA net initial yield and ‘topped-up’ NIY by property is given in the investment and development property section. 

6 EPRA vacancy rate 

intu Trafford Centre 

intu Lakeside 

intu Metrocentre 

intu Braehead 

intu Derby 

Manchester Arndale 

intu Victoria Centre 

intu Watford 

intu Eldon Square 

intu Milton Keynes 

intu Chapelfield 

Cribbs Causeway 

intu Potteries 

intu Bromley 

intu Merry Hill 

St David’s, Cardiff 

Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza 

intu Asturias 

2015
%

2014
%

1.7

2.7

4.3

3.6

1.2

0.7

2.6

4.6

0.9

2.8

–

4.2

2.7

2.4

3.2

3.8

5.0

0.4

2.6

3.4

2.2

2.7

3.8

0.1

2.6

3.3

2.6

3.1

0.8

1.2

8.2

3.0

4.8

3.0

5.0

n/a

0.7

3.0

EPRA vacancy rate is the ERV of vacant space divided by total ERV. This differs from the Group’s measure of occupancy which 
treats units in administration and no longer trading as un-let, units under offer as let, and assesses occupied units using passing 
rent not ERV.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Financial record 
2011-2015 

Net rental income 

Underlying earnings 
Underlying earnings per share1 
Dividend per share1 

Property revaluation surplus 

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted)1 

Market value of investment and development property 

Net external debt 

Debt to assets ratio 

Interest cover 

Change in like-for-like net rental income 

Occupancy 

Growth in footfall (like-for-like) 

2011

£364m

£139m

15.0p

13.7p

£63m

2012

£363m

£138m

14.7p

13.7p

£41m

2013 

£370m 

£140m 

13.7p 

13.7p 

2014 

£397m 

£162m 

13.3p 

13.7p 

£126m 

£648m 

2015

£428m

£187m

14.2p

13.7p

£351m

356p

£6,960m

£3,374m

357p

£7,073m

£3,504m

346p 

£7,624m 

£3,698m 

379p 

£8,963m 

£3,963m 

404p

£9,602m

£4,139m

48.5%

1.71x

3.6%

97%

2%

49.5%

1.69x

(2.7)%

96%

(1)%

48.5% 

1.71x 

(1.9)% 

95% 

(2)% 

44.2% 

1.82x 

(3.2)% 

95% 

+0% 

43.1%

1.91x

1.8%

96%

+0%

Amounts presented include the Group’s share of joint ventures. 

1  Amounts for 2013 and earlier are as adjusted by the 2014 rights issue bonus factor. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

173

Glossary 

ABC1 customers 
Proportion of customers within UK social groups A, B and C1, 
defined as members of households whose chief earner’s 
occupation is professional, higher or intermediate management, 
or supervisory. 

Annual property income 
The Group’s share of passing rent plus the external valuers’ 
estimate of annual excess turnover rent and sundry income 
such as that from car parks and mall commercialisation. 

CACI 
Provide market research on intu’s customers and UK wide 
location analysis. 

Debt to assets ratio 
Net external debt divided by the market value of investment 
and development property. 

Diluted figures 
Reported amounts adjusted to include the effects of dilutive 
potential shares issuable under convertible bonds and employee 
incentive arrangements. 

Earnings per share 
Profit for the period attributable to owners of intu properties plc 
divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the period. 

EPRA 
European Public Real Estate Association, the publisher of Best 
Practice Recommendations intended to make financial 
statements of public real estate companies in Europe clearer, 
more transparent and comparable. 

ERV (estimated rental value) 
The external valuers’ estimate of the Group’s share of the 
current annual market rent of all lettable space after expiry of 
concessionary periods net of any non-recoverable charges but 
before bad debt provisions. 

Exceptional items 
Items that in the Directors’ view are required to be separately 
disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence to enable a 
full understanding of the Group’s financial performance.  

Headline rent ITZA 
Annual contracted rent per square foot after expiry of 
concessionary periods in terms of Zone A. 

Interest cover 
Underlying operating profit excluding trading property  
related items divided by the net finance cost plus interest on 
convertible bonds recognised in equity excluding the change  
in fair value of financial instruments, exceptional finance  
costs and amortisation of the Metrocentre compound 
financial instrument. 

Interest rate swap 
A derivative financial instrument enabling parties to exchange 
interest rate obligations for a predetermined period. These are 
used by the Group to convert floating rate debt to fixed rates. 

IPD 
Investment Property Databank Limited, producer of an 
independent benchmark of property returns.  

Like-for-like property 
Investment property which has been owned throughout both 
periods without significant capital expenditure in either period, 
so that income can be compared on a like-for-like basis. For the 
purposes of comparison of capital values, this will also include 
assets owned at the previous reporting period end but not 
throughout the prior period. 

Long-term lease 
A lease with a term certain of at least five years.  

LTV (loan to value) 
The ratio of attributable debt to the market value of an 
investment property.  

NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 
NAV per share calculated on a diluted basis and adjusted to 
remove the fair value of derivatives (net of tax), goodwill 
resulting from the recognition of deferred tax liabilities, and 
deferred tax on investment and development property and 
other investments. 

Net asset value (NAV) per share 
Net assets attributable to owners of intu properties plc divided 
by the number of ordinary shares in issue at the period end. 

Net external debt 
Net debt after removing the Metrocentre compound financial 
instrument. 

Net initial yield (EPRA) 
Annualised net rent on investment property (after deduction  
of revenue costs such as head rent, running void, service  
charge after shortfalls, empty rates and merchant association 
contribution) expressed as a percentage of the gross market 
value before deduction of theoretical acquisition costs, 
consistent with EPRA’s net initial yield, and as provided by  
the Group’s independent external valuers. 

Net rental income 
The Group’s share of net rents receivable as shown in  
the income statement, having taken due account of  
non-recoverable costs, bad debt provisions and adjustments  
to comply with IFRS including those regarding tenant  
lease incentives. 

 
174

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Glossary continued 

NNNAV per share (diluted, adjusted) 
NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) adjusted to include  
the fair values of derivatives, debt and deferred taxes. 

Nominal equivalent yield 
Effective annual yield to a purchaser from an asset at market 
value before taking account of notional acquisition costs 
assuming rent is receivable annually in arrears, reflecting  
ERV but disregarding potential changes in market rents,  
as determined by the Group’s independent external valuers. 

Occupancy 
The passing rent of let and under offer units expressed as  
a percentage of the passing rent of let and under offer units  
plus ERV of un-let units, excluding development and recently 
completed properties. Units let to tenants in administration  
and still trading are treated as let and those no longer trading 
are treated as un-let. 

Passing rent 
The Group’s share of contracted annual rents receivable at  
the balance sheet date. This takes no account of accounting 
adjustments made in respect of rent free periods or tenant 
incentives, the reclassification of certain lease payments as 
finance charges or any irrecoverable costs and expenses, and 
does not include excess turnover rent, additional rent in respect 
of unsettled rent reviews or sundry income such as from car 
parks etc. Contracted annual rents in respect of tenants in 
administration are excluded. 

PMA 
Property Market Analysis LLP, a producer of property market 
research and forecasting. 

Property Income Distribution (PID) 
A dividend, generally subject to UK withholding tax at the  
basic rate of income tax, that a UK REIT is required to pay to its 
shareholders from its qualifying rental profits. Certain classes  
of shareholder may qualify to receive a PID gross, shareholders 
should refer to intugroup.co.uk for further information. The 
Group can also pay non-PID dividends which are not subject  
to UK withholding tax. 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 
REITs are internationally recognised property investment 
vehicles which have now been introduced in many countries 
around the world. Each country has its own rules, but the  
broad intention of REITs is to encourage investment in  
domestic property by removing tax distortions for investors. 

In the UK, REITs must meet certain ongoing rules and 
regulations, including the requirement to distribute at  
least 90 per cent of qualifying rental profits to shareholders. 
Withholding tax of 20 per cent is deducted from these  
Property Income Distributions (see above). Profits from a  
REIT’s non-property business remain subject to normal 
corporation tax. The Group elected for REIT status in the  
UK with effect from 1 January 2007. 

Scrip Dividend Scheme 
The Group offers shareholders the opportunity to participate  
in the Scrip Dividend Scheme. This enables participating 
shareholders to receive shares instead of cash when a Scrip 
Alternative is offered for a particular dividend.  

Short-term lease 
A lease with a term certain of less than five years. 

SOCIMI 
The Spanish equivalent of a Real Estate Investment Trust  
(see definition). 

Tenant (or lease) incentives 
Any incentives offered to occupiers to enter into a lease. 
Typically incentives are in the form of an initial rent free  
period and/or a cash contribution to fit out the premises.  
Under IFRS the value of incentives granted to tenants is 
amortised through the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. 

Topped-up NIY (EPRA) 
Net initial yield adjusted for the expiration of rent free periods 
and other unexpired lease incentives. 

Total financial return 
The change in NAV per share (diluted, adjusted) plus dividends 
per share paid in the period expressed as a percentage of 
opening NAV per share (diluted, adjusted). 

Total property return 
The change in capital value, less any capital expenditure 
incurred, plus net income in the year expressed as a percentage 
of the capital employed (opening capital value plus capital 
expenditure incurred) in the year as calculated by IPD. 

Underlying earnings per share (EPS) 
Earnings per share adjusted to exclude valuation movements, 
exceptional items and related tax.  

Underlying figures 
Amounts described as underlying exclude valuation 
movements, exceptional items and related tax. 

Vacancy rate (EPRA) 
The ERV of vacant space divided by total ERV. 

Yield shift 
A movement (usually expressed in basis points) in the yield of  
a property asset. 

 
 
intugroup.co.uk

Other information

175

Dividends 

The Directors of intu properties plc have proposed a final 
dividend per ordinary share (ISIN GB0006834344) of 9.1 pence 
(2014: 9.1 pence) to bring the total dividend per ordinary share 
for the year to 13.7 pence (2014: 13.7 pence as adjusted by the 
rights issue bonus factor). A scrip dividend alternative may  
be offered. 

The dividend may be partly paid as a Property Income 
Distribution (‘PID’) and partly paid as a non-PID. The PID 
element will be subject to deduction of a 20 per cent 
withholding tax unless exemptions apply (please refer to the  
PID special note below). Any non-PID element will be treated  
as an ordinary UK company dividend. For South African 
shareholders, non-PID cash dividends may be subject to 
deduction of South African Dividends Tax at 15 per cent. 

The following are the salient dates for the payment of the 
proposed final dividend. 

Tuesday 29 March 2016 
Sterling/Rand exchange rate struck 

Wednesday 30 March 2016 
Sterling/Rand exchange rate and dividend amount in South 
African currency announced 

Monday 11 April 2016 
Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the Johannesburg  
Stock Exchange 

Thursday 14 April 2016 
Ordinary shares listed ex-dividend on the London Stock 
Exchange 

Friday 15 April 2016 
Record date for 2015 final dividend in London  
and Johannesburg 

Thursday 26 May 2016 
Dividend payment date for shareholders 

South African shareholders should note that, in accordance with 
the requirements of Strate, the last day to trade cum-dividend 
will be Friday 8 April 2016 and that no dematerialisation or 
rematerialisation of shares will be possible from Monday  
11 April 2016 to Friday 15 April 2016 inclusive. No transfers 
between the UK and South African registers may take  
place from Thursday 24 March 2016 to Monday 18 April  
2016 inclusive.  

PID SPECIAL NOTE:  
UK shareholders  
For those who are eligible for exemption from the 20 per 
cent withholding tax and have not previously registered for 
exemption, an HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’) Tax Exemption 
Declaration is available for download from the ‘Investors’ 
section of the intu properties plc website (intugroup.co.uk), or 
on request to our UK registrars, Capita Asset Services. Validly 
completed forms must be received by Capita Asset Services no 
later than the dividend Record Date, as advised; otherwise the 
dividend will be paid after deduction of tax. 

South African and other non-UK shareholders  
South African shareholders may apply to HMRC after payment 
of the dividend for a refund of the difference between the  
20 per cent withholding tax and the UK/South African double 
taxation treaty rate of 15 per cent. Other non-UK shareholders 
may be able to make similar claims for a refund of UK 
withholding tax deducted. Refund application forms for all non-
UK shareholders are available for download from the ‘Investors’ 
section of the intu properties plc website (intugroup.co.uk), or 
on request to our South African registrars, Trifecta, or HMRC. 
UK withholding tax refunds are not claimable from intu 
properties plc, the South African Revenue Service (‘SARS’)  
or other national authorities, only from the UK’s HMRC.  

Additional information on PIDs can be found at 
intugroup.co.uk/investors/shareholders-bondholders/real-
estate-investment-trust/. 

The above does not constitute advice and shareholders should 
seek their own professional guidance. intu properties plc does 
not accept liability for any loss suffered arising from reliance  
on the above. 

SUMMER BUDGET 2015 SPECIAL NOTE: 
UK shareholders should note that the Summer Budget 2015 
announced that the dividend tax credit is to be replaced with a 
new personal tax-free dividend allowance of £5,000 a year for  
all UK taxpayers from 6 April 2016. 

These new rules will only apply to any non-PIDs paid, but there 
will be no change to the taxation of PIDs paid by intu properties 
plc. The Company’s dividend communications in May will be 
updated, as required, to reflect the new taxation arrangements. 

 
 
176

intu properties plc Annual report 2015

Shareholder information 

Registered Office 
40 Broadway, London SW1H 0BT 
Registered in England & Wales no. 3685527 

Websites 
intugroup.co.uk 
intu.co.uk 

Registrars 
All enquiries concerning shares or shareholdings, including 
notification of change of address, queries regarding loss of a 
share certificate and dividend payments should be addressed to: 

For shareholders registered in the UK 
Capita Asset Services  
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU. 
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary 
by provider; lines are open 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday 
Telephone +44 (0) 371 664 0300 
Email: ssd@capitaregistrars.com 
capitashareportal.com 

For shareholders registered in South Africa 
From 1 February 2016,  
Trifecta Capital Services 
31 Beacon Road, Florida North, 1709 
South Africa 
Postal address: 
PO Box 61272 
Marshalltown 2107, South Africa 
Telephone +27 (0) 860 222 213 
Email: intu@trifectacapital.com 

Payment of dividends 
Shareholders who wish to have their dividends paid directly into 
a bank or building society account should complete a mandate 
form available from the appropriate registrars.  

Share price information 
The latest information on the intu properties plc share price is 
available on the website intugroup.co.uk. 

Web-based enquiry service for shareholders  
Shareholders registered in the UK can go to 
capitashareportal.com to obtain details of their shareholdings 
and dividends. The shareholder’s surname, Investor Code  
(found on any correspondence from registrars) and postcode 
are required to use this service. Shareholders may also use  
this service to amend or change their address and dividend 
mandate details. 

Shareholders registered in South Africa can go to 
trifectacapital.net/how-can-we-help-you/ to obtain details  
of their shareholdings. Shareholders will need to follow a 
registration process in order to access such information. 
Unfortunately, due to South African legal requirements, 
shareholders may not update records, but will be able to  
view their entire holding of shares globally. Please note that  
the Trifecta company code for intu properties plc is ITUZ. 

Share dealing 
Existing UK shareholders may trade intu properties plc shares 
through Capita Share Dealing Services who provide an easy  
to use, real-time online, telephone and postal dealing service.  

Contact details are: 

capitadeal.com  
Telephone (within UK) 0871 664 0364 (calls cost 10p per 
minute plus network extras; lines are open 8.00 am to 4.30 pm 
Monday to Friday) 
(Ireland) Lo-call 1 890 946 375  
(outside UK) +44 20 3367 2686 

Existing South African shareholders whose shares are held in 
electronic format through Trifecta’s CSDP may trade intu 
properties plc shares through Trifecta’s low cost telephone 
share dealing service on 0869 222 213 (SA calls only). 

Sharegift 
Shareholders with a small number of shares, which may be 
uneconomic to sell on a commission basis, may wish to consider 
donating them to the charity Sharegift (registered charity no. 
1052686). Further information can be found on Sharegift’s 
website sharegift.org or by calling them on 020 7930 3737. 

Strate Charity Shares 
South African shareholders for whom the cost of selling their 
shares would exceed the market value of such shares may wish 
to consider donating them to charity. An independent non-profit 
organisation called Strate Charity Shares has been established 
to administer this process. The South African Revenue Service 
(SARS) has advised Strate Charity Shares that the value of any 
shares donated may be deducted from taxable income, as the 
scheme is registered under section 18A of the Income Tax Act. 
For further details, queries and/or donations contact the 
Strate Share Care toll free help line on 0800 202 363 or  
+27 11 373 0038 if you are phoning from outside South Africa 
or email charityshares@trifecta.co.za 

Electronic communication 
The Company supplies information such as the annual report  
via its website to shareholders who have consented to such 
communication. Shareholders will be notified by email or  
post when new information is available on the website. 

Shareholders can at any time revoke a previous instruction  
in order to receive hard copies of shareholder information. 

UK shareholders may register to receive email alerts by logging 
on to the website of the UK Registrars (capitashareportal.com) 
and following the instructions given to register an email  
address. SA shareholders may register to receive email alerts  
by written instruction to the South African Registrar, Trifecta,  
sent either by email (intu@trifectacapital.com) or by facsimile  
(+27 860 222 213). Once registered, shareholders are sent a 
‘Notice of Availability’ email highlighting that the annual report 
or other information is available for viewing on the website. 

 
This report contains ‘forward-looking statements’ regarding the belief or current 
expectations of intu properties plc, its Directors and other members of its senior 
management about intu properties plc’s businesses, financial performance and 
results of operations. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of 
future performance. Rather, they are based on current views and assumptions 
and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of 
which are outside the control of intu properties plc and are difficult to predict,  
that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially 
from any future results, performance or developments expressed or implied by 
the forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this report.  
Except as required by applicable law, intu properties plc makes no representation 
or warranty in relation to them and expressly disclaims any obligation to update 
or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change 
in intu properties plc’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, 
conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. 

Any information contained in this report on the price at which shares or other 
securities in intu properties plc have been bought or sold in the past, or on the 
yield on such shares or other securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to 
future performance.

© 2016 intu properties plc

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intu properties plc  
40 Broadway, London  
SW1H 0BT

intugroup.co.uk