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John Menzies plc

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FY2001 Annual Report · John Menzies plc
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Annual Report 2001

John Menzies plc
108 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 3AA Scotland UK
Company No. 34970
T: +44 131 225 8555 F: +44 131 226 3752
www.menziesgroup.com

 
 
The International Support Services Group

1.45am Cambuslang Branch
Stevie Russell
Menzies Distribution

Cambuslang ”super” branch which opened on 
time and on budget in October 2001 is part of a 
£15m programme to rationalise 10 branches into 4. 

8-30 Report of the Directors 
Chairman’s Statement
8
Chief Executive’s Review
10
Distribution Services
12
Aviation Services
12
Financial Review
16
20
Board of Directors
22 Corporate Information 
26
30 Directors’ Shareholdings

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

30 Directors’ Responsibilities
31
Independent Auditors’ Report
32 Group Profit and Loss Account
33 Group and Company Balance Sheets
34 Group Cash Flow Statement
35 Notes on Accounts
Five Year Summary
54
Shareholder Information
55
Pro Forma Financial Statements
56

Cover: 8.30am Newbridge Edinburgh
Cliff Prestage and Anne Marie Dundas
Menzies Distribution 

2.35pm Schiphol Airport Amsterdam
Fauzia Nandkoemarsinq and Vincent Van Os
Menzies Aviation

Over 300 flights per week are handled by
Menzies Ground Services at Schiphol Airport,
Amsterdam.

7.35pm Connect Operations Centre, Heathrow Airport 
Brian Wheeler
Menzies Aviation

8 million bags and 4 million passengers are transferred annually
between Heathrow’s four terminals by Connect. Every vehicle is
efficiently monitored from the central control room.

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

3

9.45pm Sheffield
Peter Wood
Menzies Distribution

Menzies Distribution completed the £7.1m
acquisition of Turners News in December 2001,
increasing its geographical reach and market share.

10.35am Sainsbury’s, Edinburgh
Natalie Joy 
Menzies Distribution

Menzies Distribution’s award winning added
value services help to optimise magazine sales.

4

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

11.35am Edinburgh Airport
Scott McLaren
Execair Operations Manager 

Menzies Aviation’s rapidly expanding Execair
operation extended its portfolio to 10 locations, 
with more to come.

06.15am Macau, China
Lou Chan Cheang 
Menzies Aviation 

Menzies Aviation’s successful joint venture
operation in Macau provides a strategic
gateway to the Chinese market.

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

7

Menzies has the right base, the right skills
and the right strategy; I believe that its
prospects are excellent.

Menzies Group is now focused 
on two core divisions with a clear
strategy in place for future growth.

Chairman’s Statement

Whilst the period under review has 
been one of the most difficult in the
Company’s history, particularly triggered
by a combination of the weak global
economy and the events of 11th
September, we can take satisfaction 
from the fact that we have completed
the restructuring of the business which
began in 1998. 

This challenging task has been conducted
with determination, and with the interests
of shareholders as our first priority. 
We have exited a number of businesses,
some as quickly as practicable, others
after a period of development to increase
shareholder value. We made an important
acquisition in Ogden which has enabled
us to develop Menzies Aviation Group as
a major international player in its market.

and Sylvie Greleau, were killed in the 
air crash in New York in November. 
We lost two exceptional colleagues; 
for their families, the loss was far
greater, and we share in their sadness. 

The Menzies Group now consists of two
core businesses, Menzies Distribution 
and Menzies Aviation. Both operate 
from positions of considerable strength.

Menzies Distribution has earned a strong
reputation both as an effective force and
as a voice of reason within the industry.
Its market share and geographical spread
were increased by the acquisition 
of Turners News at the end of 2001. 
Two of the four planned distribution
super-centres are now up-and-running, 
and the business is in excellent health. 

The sense of achievement which this
brings is, however, coupled with great
sorrow. Two of our most senior
executives in the USA, Dennis Blair 

Menzies Aviation Group has built a 
solid platform for expansion in a market
which continues to have significant
growth potential. 

A key element of its strategy is to build
on its successes by developing a full range
of value-added services in carefully chosen
markets. MAG is operating in 22 countries,
including Spain which was added to the
portfolio during the period. MAG is also
at the forefront of the industry’s moves 
to address the insurance and other issues
which have recently arisen.

Turning to our figures, the shortened
accounting period for these results (made
necessary by the change of our financial
year) makes it more difficult to make
useful comparisons. However, it is naturally
disappointing to report that MAG
produced a loss in this financial period. 
In addition, the results are somewhat
distorted by our process of change –
Headline Profit, for example, is reduced
by the trading losses of Early Learning
Centre to the date of sale. In order to
make better sense of our comparative
performance, our commentary therefore 

I will be handing over to William
Thomson after the Annual General
Meeting. As I prepare for this, I take 
great satisfaction in having played a 
part in transforming this Group into an
international support services business.
Menzies has the right base, the right skills
and the right strategy; I believe that its
prospects are excellent, and I have much
confidence in those who take forward
the challenge.

Gavin Reed
Chairman

focuses on the unaudited pro forma
results for the 12 months to December
2001 and 2000.

The Directors are recommending a final
dividend of 6.6p, making a total dividend
for the eight month period of 12.1p. This
equates to an annualised dividend in line
with last year and reflects your Board’s
confidence in the future prospects of 
the Group. The final dividend will be 
paid in June. The interim dividend will
then be paid in November each year. 

Businesses, no matter how good 
and how well managed, will always 
be affected by external factors. 
A management’s ability to be responsive
and to take swift, decisive action whenever
it is necessary is crucial. During my time
as Chairman, Menzies’ managers and
employees have repeatedly proved that
they can respond vigorously to whatever
change occurs. 

8

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

9

The Group now consists of two core businesses, 
Menzies Distribution and Menzies Aviation. 
Both hold leading positions in their respective markets.

Menzies Aviation 
Geographical Balance

Menzies Aviation 
Sector Spread

Chief Executive’s Review

The Group’s restructuring is complete 
and our exposure to seasonal trading has
been effectively ended. Accordingly, we
have changed our financial year to match
the calendar year. These results are for
the eight months from May to December
2001. This is the period covered by the
Interim Results we reported on 19th
December, together with the months of
November and December 2001. As might
be expected, the additional two months
of trading have not made a significant
difference to the picture I presented 
in December. 

The key messages of my interim report
were that we had transformed the Group
into an international support services
organisation consisting of two highly
focused and complementary businesses,
Distribution and Aviation; that both these
divisions were leading players in their
markets; that our Distribution performance
had been particularly strong and would
be further enhanced by the acquisition 
of Turners News; and that Aviation,
despite a difficult trading climate, 
further exacerbated by the effects of 11th
September, was well positioned for the
future because of a planned programme
of swift and decisive management action.

The main points to emerge since 
our Interim Report are:

• Distribution has maintained its robust
performance. Turners has been
successfully integrated, with early 
trading in line with expectations. 

• In the aviation sector, MAG has yet 
to see a sustained improvement 
in trading conditions but there are 
some encouraging signs of recovery 
in its market.

• Our Aviation Division further

rationalised its operations. Decisive
steps were completed post year 
end to address the remaining under-
performing elements acquired in
2000 as part of the Ogden Ground
Services deal. We have sold the
operations in Germany. On completion
of the acquisition of FR8, the largest
independent cargo handler in the
Netherlands, Amsterdam will be
turned into a profitable operation.
Other activity has included the
purchase of the remaining 20% 
in Menzies World Cargo and 
the sale of our 49% holding 
in GlobeGround (UK) Limited. 

Results 
To assist comparisons we have presented
unaudited turnover and profit for the 
pro forma 12 month periods to December
2001 and December 2000 (53 weeks).
This is in addition to figures for the eight
months to December 2001. After an
initial overview of the eight month
results, this review focuses on the 
two 12 month periods.

Eight months to December 2001
Turnover from continuing operations 
was £760.0m, comprising £594.4m 
from Menzies Distribution and £165.6m
from Aviation. Operating profit from
continuing operations was £11.3m.
Distribution profits were £16.5m, 
whilst Aviation incurred a loss of £3.8m
including some £2.5m of certain airline
debtor provisions as well as losses from
businesses that have now been exited.

Headline profit before tax was £3.6m,
after a discontinued loss of £5.7m at ELC
and interest expense. The ELC result had
a marked seasonal element, and the
transaction was therefore structured 
so that the Group was re-imbursed 
in cash for this. A higher than normal
effective tax rate, from unrelieved

Asia Pacific - 8%

Americas - 25%

UK - 45%

Rest of Europe - 22%

Support Services - 8%

Cargo Services - 39%

Ground Services - 53%

(Source - 12 months turnover to 29th December 2001)

overseas losses, resulted in Headline
earnings per share of 0.4p. The Headline
earnings per share relating to continuing
operations was 7.5p.

Sales from discontinued operations, at
£108.1m, were attributable to ELC and
THE Games; the comparative period 
also included THE and SUOS.

An inevitable consequence of our
significant restructuring process is that
results have been affected by a number
of one-off exceptional items. Operating
exceptionals totalled £11.2m. These
mainly consisted of costs incurred in
rationalising cargo capacity at Heathrow
and reducing Menzies Aviation’s cost
base. The sale of ELC resulted in a non-
operating exceptional loss of £12.7m,
including £8.5m of goodwill previously
written off.

Pro Forma 12 months 
to December 2001
Turnover from continuing operations
increased by 18% to £1,145.3m.
Distribution turnover was 4% higher at
£900.9m mainly due to newspaper price
increases, additional magazine market
share and ongoing phone-card sales.
Aviation turnover more than doubled 
to £244.4m, largely as a result of last
year’s Ogden acquisition. 

Operating profits from continuing
operations reduced by 33% to £21.1m.
Menzies Distribution profits were lower
at £26.1m, influenced by the additional
53rd week in 2000. The Division 
had a strong second half with cover 
price increases more than offsetting 
cost pressures. 

Aviation made an operating loss of
£2.6m as a result of the world-wide
economic slowdown and current
conditions within this sector, factors 
which also contributed to the debtor
provision noted above. 

The loss of £3.9m from discontinued
operations reflected the timing of ELC
trading to the date of sale, partially 
offset by profits from the final months of
trading at THE Games. The comparative
period discontinued profit of £17.9m
benefited from the inclusion of peak
trading profits at THE Games.

The funding cost of the Ogden
acquisition accounted for most of 
the £3.0m increase in interest costs.

Headline profit before tax consequently
was £14.6m and Headline earnings per
share 14.2p. The Headline earnings per
share relating to continuing operations
was 19.2p.

After £3.3m of goodwill amortisation 
and exceptional items of £28.9m which
also included the Ogden integration
costs, the Group’s overall loss before 
tax was £17.6m (2000: £18.5m profit).
Earnings per share, post goodwill
amortisation and exceptional items 
and after tax, were a loss of 37.5p 
(2000: earnings per share of 13.8p).

10

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

11

2001 saw the first significant increases 
in newspaper cover prices for six years.

Thomas Renwick of Menzies Distribution
plays his part in the nightly miracle which 
sees 4.7 million newspapers delivered to 
21,500 locations.

New magazine launches, the lifeblood 
of the industry, help Menzies Distribution 
to drive forward sales revenue.

Nancy van der Zwan of Menzies Ground Services
welcomes a passenger to the Menzies executive
lounge in Schiphol Airport.

Brian Hill of Menzies World Cargo tests 
the new Hermes cargo control system
currently being installed throughout 
its network. 

Menzies Distribution

Pro Forma 

12 months

Pro Forma 

12 months

2001

£m

900.9

26.1 

2000

£m

867.7 

29.1 

Turnover 

Operating Profit

The impact of the additional week 
of trading in 2000 was some £18.3m 
in sales and £1.3m in profit. The
comparisons which follow exclude 
this 53rd week. 

Distribution performed strongly, helped
by newspaper cover price increases,
particularly in the latter half of the year.
Underlying newspaper sales revenues
were up by 2.7%, magazines by 2.2%
and phone-cards by £16.4m. For the
eight month period operating profit 
was in line with last year, the benefit 
of price increases being offset by the
impact of lower margin phone-cards and
a reduction in high margin sticker sales. 
Full year operating profit was lower than
last year, affected by various contributory
factors including some reduction to overall
margins due to changing product mix,
increased pagination and above inflation
cost increases, especially for fuel, only
partially offset by the recent cover 
price growth.

In early December 2001 we completed
the purchase of Turners News for £7.1m
including costs. Turners’ annual sales
were approximately £45.0m, and the
acquisition is immediately earnings
enhancing. The operations, based in
Sheffield and Guildford, are highly
complementary to our distribution
network and the business has been
successfully integrated, with early 
trading in line with expectations.

During October Menzies Distribution
opened the first of four new regional
branches at Cambuslang, on time and on
budget. Of the three other planned new
branches, Newbridge became operational
from the beginning of February 2002; 
the other two will come on stream later 
in the year and early next year. At that 
point our programme to consolidate ten
branches into four major units will be
complete, delivering superior customer
service and considerable operational
efficiencies. This will assist us in
maintaining operating margins 
despite inflationary cost pressures. 

On 14th January 2002 the Office of 
Fair Trading (OFT) announced a further
review of the Industry Code of Practice
for the supply of national newspapers 
in England and Wales. We are due 

to submit our response to the OFT
questionnaire by 11th April 2002. 
The UK’s approach to news wholesaling 
is generally envied throughout the 
world and we are confident that this
review will again reaffirm the value 
of the present industry structure.

Menzies Aviation Group

Pro Forma 

12 months

Pro Forma 

12 months

Turnover 

2001

£m

244.4

Operating (Loss)/Profit 

(2.6) 

2000

£m

104.3 

3.8 

Overview
MAG’s turnover more than doubled
following the acquisition of Ogden Ground
Services (Ogden) in November 2000. The
operating loss of £2.6m included some
£2.5m of certain airline debtor provisions
as well as losses from businesses which
have been or are in the course of being
closed or exited, and reflected a slowing
global economy from early 2001
compounded by the tragic events 
of 11th September. 

Management were actively responding 
to the economic environment prior to the
events in the USA. In addition to capacity
reduction at Heathrow, operational capital
expenditure throughout the Division 
has been limited to essential items and
discretionary revenue expenditure has
been curtailed. By the end of 2001, 
the Division’s global workforce was
substantially reduced and by Spring 2002
the overall reduction will be over 1,200. 

The four problem areas identified during
the Ogden acquisition process have been
addressed: Hong Kong is cash neutral;
we have now sold the operations in
Germany; losses at Amsterdam have been
significantly reduced - the passenger and
ramp operation is now profitable, and
the merger with FR8 will be earnings
enhancing; and UK cargo operations
have been fully integrated into Menzies
World Cargo, which has undergone
substantial rationalisation during the year. 

In my interim report I highlighted
significant anticipated insurance premium
increases in respect of war and terrorism
risks. These have begun to take effect,
and various initiatives are underway to
mitigate their impact on the business
including appropriate surcharges.

MAG has three divisions and a broad
geographical spread. This diversity is 
a strength in periods of uncertainty 
and economic downturn.

UK/Europe
Most of our UK revenues come from
cargo services. We are the biggest
independent cargo handler with a 
strong presence at Heathrow, as 
well as a number of regional airports. 
On 21st December 2001 MAG
consolidated this position in a
settlement with Penauille Polyservices 
by the acquisition of the remaining 
20% minority holding in Menzies World 
Cargo (MWC) for £5.5m including costs.
At the same time, MAG sold its 49%
share of GlobeGround’s UK passenger
service operation for £5.8m. 

UK cargo activities, especially at
Heathrow, were impacted by adverse
global economic conditions, particularly
reduced imports from the Far East.
Reduction of excess cargo capacity at
Heathrow, partly inherited from Ogden,
but mainly reflecting the global economy,
has been completed. Capacity has been
reduced by some 25%. Employee and
other costs have been significantly
reduced. On a more positive note, 
during a period of great upheaval, 

MWC retained all but one of the cargo
contracts which came up for renewal
during the year and has also won
significant new business since the year
end. This positions MWC well for the
future. AMI, our consolidation and
express business, has had a good year
and the benefits of its investment in
internet booking and track and trace
facilities are now starting to show. 
Some 25% of all bookings are now 
made on-line.

Elsewhere in the UK, there were strong
performances from Execair (our executive
business aviation handler) and from
Connect (the inter-terminal transfer
service at Heathrow). Execair now
operates from 10 stations, seven based 
in the UK and three in Europe. 2001 has
seen new stations at Cardiff, Dublin and
Prague. Connect continues to meet and
surpass key operational measures and
efforts continue to secure similar contracts
at other major `hub’ airports. In the face
of unrealistic price competition and a
difficult labour environment, we sold
Mecanix, our Heathrow vehicle repair 
and maintenance facility, for a
consideration totalling £0.9m 
after the year end.

12

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

13

EVA AIR renewed their contract with Menzies World
Cargo to handle their cargo at Heathrow Airport and
extended the agreement to cover the whole of the UK.

Menzies World Cargo has completed 
the rationalisation of capacity at Heathrow 
and is well positioned to benefit from
economic upturn.

Menzies Aviation provides a
distinctive service in 80 locations
throughout the world.

It was a year of contrasting fortunes 
for us in mainland Europe. The sale of 
the German operations, which consisted
of a number of small loss-making and
fragmented locations, was achieved 
in March 2002 for Euro 0.1m and is
immediately earnings enhancing. This
disposal marks another milestone in
streamlining MAG’s operations. At
Amsterdam, losses have been greatly
reduced from pre-acquisition levels,
despite severe competitive and labour
pressures. Passenger and ramp activities
are now profitable. Post year end, we
signed `Heads of Terms’ to acquire FR8,
the leading independent cargo handler 
in the Netherlands. The acquisition will
add 320,000 tonnes of cargo throughput
and on completion should bring our
cargo operation to profitability through
capacity rationalisation. In February 2001,
the Group purchased a 49% interest in
Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA. The
Czech Republic, where we have both
passenger and cargo activities, performed
well. Finally, in July 2001 MAG acquired 
a 70% interest in a Spanish company,
Main Gestion de Aeropuertos SA for
£0.7m. Although relatively small, this
provides the opportunity to bid for
forthcoming licences throughout Spain 
as the liberalisation of European 
airports accelerates.

Americas
Our revenues in this region are split
broadly 50:50 between North America
and Latin America/Caribbean, with 
over 80% being in passenger and 
ramp handling. Overall, the region 
was profitable with performance before
September in line with our expectations
at the time of the Ogden acquisition.
Inevitably, the results were affected by
the tragic events in the United States 
and a consequent reduction in activity
levels thereafter. Many airlines reduced
schedules by some 30-35% and some,
including Canada 3000 and Transbrasil,
either went out of business or down-
sized large operations. 

By the end of the year we were seeing
signs that the impact on sales revenue
had abated and that activity levels were
beginning to recover. Particularly pleasing
is that since December we have
commenced five new contracts.

Most locations performed well during the
first half of the year. Our joint venture in
Peru, where the main activity is in cargo,
was especially strong, as were our
Caribbean stations in St Maarten and the
Dominican Republic. Whilst all stations
were affected by the downturn, the 
main impact was seen in Mexico, 
Brazil and the USA.

Asia Pacific
Hong Kong was one of four loss makers
when we bought Ogden. It was still
making significant losses in the early 
part of the period but reached cash
break-even in November thanks to new
contracts and substantial reductions in
the cost-base; a good result in the light
of continued severe competitive pressure,
further aided by new contracts won since
the year end. We regard this as a key
strategic station for the future.

Our joint venture in Macau, another key
strategic location, performed exceptionally
well and has been relatively unaffected by
economic conditions and events elsewhere. 

However, our operation at Incheon in
South Korea has been suspended as 
we, like others, could not establish the
critical mass necessary to justify ongoing
investment there.

Our interests in Australia and New
Zealand are growing well through 
new business and additional contracts.

Summary
2001 was a difficult year for the industry.
However, MAG’s management took swift
and decisive action to deal with loss
making activities; to re-position our 
cost base; and to retain and win key
contracts. These initiatives ensure that
MAG is poised to benefit from the
expected upturn in activity levels.
Furthermore, we believe the
developments of the last year will
accelerate the process of consolidation
within the aviation sector, which we
expect in turn to reinforce the trend
towards outsourcing. We are in a 
strong position to win new business 
as this trend develops.

Discontinued operations

Pro Forma 

12 months

Pro Forma 

12 months

Turnover 

2001

£m

108.1

Operating (Loss)/Profit 

(3.9) 

2000

£m

389.5 

17.9 

The Group completed its programme 
of strategic repositioning with the sale, 
in September 2001, of Early Learning
Centre. The business was sold for a total
consideration of £29.6m, including 
a payment of £9.0m in respect of 

seasonal losses and working capital 
build to the point of sale. This transaction
substantially reduces our exposure to
fixed property rents and eliminates the
seasonal build up of inventory. 

The comparative period profit of 
£17.9m benefited from the inclusion 
of discontinued one-off peak trading
profits at THE Games.

People
The number of employees at Menzies’
continuing operations has been
substantially reduced during the past
twelve months. Redundancies are never
easy but it was essential to reduce our
cost base in this way to take account 
of changing trading circumstances. 
We are grateful for the efforts of 
the staff who have left us, and 
for the loyalty, commitment and
professionalism of those who remain. 

Outlook 
Distribution has made a powerful start 
to the year, supported by recent cover
price increases. In the aviation sector,
MAG has yet to see a sustained
improvement in trading conditions 
but there are some encouraging 
signs of recovery in its markets.

Commentators remain divided on the
prospective economic climate for the
short to mid-term. If we look forward
with more confidence than some other
businesses, it is because we have a strong
balance sheet and because we believe
the Menzies Group has a good business
mix – a resilient and strongly cash
generative Distribution division, coupled
with an international Aviation operation
that is primed to capitalise on undoubted
opportunities ahead. Following our
reorganisation, we are focused and ready
to take the difficult decisions that will give
us the edge we need. Few organisations
are likely to find the going easy this year;
the successful companies will be those
who respond quickly and wisely to the
issues which arise. I am more certain 
than ever before that we are ready for 
the challenges and opportunities ahead.

David Mackay
Chief Executive

14

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

15

The results for the period reflect the significant amount
of change within the Group as the restructuring into 
a focused support services organisation was completed.

Menzies Distribution uses 1,240
vehicles covering 58,000 miles a day
with over 3,300 employees.

Financial Review

Change of Year End
As announced in the Interim Report in
December, the Group has changed its year
end to 31st December from 30th April.
The Group’s policy is to report to the
nearest Saturday to 31st December, the
current period consequently ending on
29th December.

In addition to the Group’s audited
accounts for the resultant eight month
shortened period, pro forma unaudited
accounts have also been prepared 
for comparison purposes for the 12
months to December 2001 and for 
the previous year.

Acquisitions and Disposals 
During the period the Group has
continued to invest by acquisition 
in both core activities – Distribution 
and Aviation Services. 

On 25th July 2001 the Group acquired 
a 70% interest in Main Gestion de
Aeropuertos SA, Spain, for £0.7m.

On 28th September 2001 the Group
completed its strategic disposal
programme by selling Early Learning
Centre. The business was sold for a 
total consideration of £29.6m, including 

£9.0m in respect of seasonal losses 
and working capital to the point 
of sale. Trading losses to the date 
of disposal of £5.7m have been 
treated as discontinued operations.

On 10th October 2001 the Group
acquired Parc Aviation Handling, 
Dublin, for £0.6m.

On 3rd December 2001 the Group
acquired Turners News for £7.1m.

On 21st December 2001 the Group
acquired the remaining 20% outside
interest in Menzies World Cargo for
£5.5m whilst at the same time selling 
its 49% interest in GlobeGround (UK) 
for £5.8m. 

In the pro forma comparative period to
December 2000 discontinued operations
comprised THE Games (exited in February
2001), THE (sold in August 2000) and
SUOS BV (associate sold in March 2000).

Share of Operating Profit 
of Joint Ventures and Associates
In the eight month period to 29th
December 2001 the share of operating
profit before goodwill of joint ventures
and associates was £4.2m (12 months 
to 5th May 2001: £3.4m). 

Strong performances by our aviation
interests in Macau and Peru were a 
major factor in this.

Goodwill
Capitalised goodwill at 29th December
2001 amounted to £66.5m. In the
period, goodwill additions amounted 
to £8.6m and the amortisation charge
was £2.2m. Goodwill is being amortised
on a straight line basis over 20 years. 

Balance Sheet
Shareholders’ funds were £116.4m at
29th December 2001 compared with
£136.6m at 5th May 2001. Principal
movements were £11.9m post-
exceptional loss in the period, after
adding back goodwill already written 
off, and dividends of £8.0m.

Minority interests of £6.2m at 5th May
2001 were eliminated by the acquisition
of the remaining 20% outside interest 
in Menzies World Cargo.

Net debt was £46.8m, reflecting the 
free cash outflow of £29.1m explained
below, dividends paid of £7.1m and 
the acquisition spend of £7.4m offset 
by net disposal proceeds of £21.0m.

Cash Flow

Operating profit 

Depreciation

Goodwill amortisation

Pension prepayment

Working capital

Cash spend on exceptionals

Non cash items

Operating cash flow

Purchase of fixed assets 

Sale of fixed assets 

Net capital expenditure

Dividends from associates and 

joint ventures less net financing cost

Tax paid

Free cash flow

Dividends paid

Acquisitions

Disposals

Shares 

Total movement

Opening net (debt)/cash

Closing net debt

8 months to
December
2001
£m

£m

12 months to 
May
2001
£m

£m 

(21.7)

0.9

3.4

11.0

2.2

(3.3)

(4.5)

(7.8)

(4.0)

(3.0)

(20.8)

(1.0)

(4.3)

(29.1)

(7.1)

(7.4)

21.0

–

(22.6)

(24.2)

(46.8)

(23.0)

2.1

49.9

16.1

1.7

(5.0)

(1.5)

(7.6)

(3.0)

50.6

(20.9)

1.3

(3.4)

27.6

(10.0)

(86.7)

0.8

0.1

(68.2)

44.0

(24.2)

Working Capital
Working capital movement is analysed 
as follows:

8 months to

12 months to

December 

2001

£m

(6.1)

7.4

(5.8)

(4.5)

May

2001

£m

17.2

10.9

(29.6)

(1.5)

Stocks

Debtors

Creditors

The net cash outflow on working capital
in the eight month period was mainly
due to the build up of seasonal stocks 
at Early Learning Centre prior to the sale 
of the business and higher levels of stock
held by Distribution in December. 

The net outflow in the comparative
period was mainly due to sale of stock
and settlement of letters of credit as the
Group exited the THE Games business.

16

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

17

Menzies World Cargo provides the
fundamental infrastructure needed by 
an airline to operate its cargo business 
with confidence, efficiency and security.

Menzies Aviation Group

e
p
o
r
u
E
&
K
U

t
s
a
E
r
a
F

a
i
s
a
l
a
r
t
s
u
A

a
c
i
r
e
m
A
n
i
t
a
L

a
c
i
r
e
m
A
h
t
r
o
N

29

3

3

31

14

Number of stations

Fixed Assets 
Purchases of fixed assets totalled:

Interest
The net interest charge is analysed 
as follows:

mix of profit, which had a beneficial
impact on the Headline tax rate in 
the period. 

Plant &

Equip-

ment

£m

3.4

7.0

0.1

2.0

Total

£m

11.2

8.4

0.1

2.0

Property

£m

7.8

1.4

–

–

9.2

12.5

21.7

Distribution Services

Aviation Services

Central

Discontinued Retail

Capital expenditure at Distribution was
higher than normal ongoing maintenance
levels as a result of the rationalisation
programme to consolidate ten branches
into four new regional branches. 
Lower levels of expenditure are 
expected next year.

Tax
Tax paid was £4.3m, benefiting from 
tax relief on exceptional restructuring
charges incurred last year. Payments 
are expected to remain at this amount
for the 12 months to December 2002. 
We will continue to benefit from 
relief on the current period 
operating exceptional charges.

8 months to

12 months to

December 

2001

£m

(1.7)

(1.2)

0.9

–

(2.0)

May

2001

£m

(2.6)

(1.9)

4.6

(0.1)

–

Bonds

US dollar term loan

Cash/overdrafts

Joint ventures 
and associates

Net interest charge

Interest increased largely as a result of 
the Ogden acquisition in the prior period. 

Taxation
The effective Headline tax rate increased
to 66.7% from 28.1%. The following table
analyses this period’s Headline tax rate:

Tax due at UK rate

Non tax-deductible items

Unrelieved overseas losses

Overseas rate impact

Headline tax rate

%

30.0

3.2

43.7

(10.2)

66.7

The Headline tax rate increased
substantially because of unrelieved
overseas losses associated with operations
within Ogden which are presently being
rationalised. The Ogden acquisition 
also led to a shift in the geographical 

As most of the exceptional items were
non-deductible, the overall tax charge
only reduced to £0.5m from the Headline
tax charge of £2.4m. Neither the goodwill
charged on the disposal of ELC of £8.5m
nor goodwill amortisation of £2.2m attract
tax relief.

Pensions
The Group’s main defined benefit scheme
is in surplus under both prevailing
accounting standards. The economic
effect of this surplus is to eliminate the
cash cost of the UK pension scheme and
has led to a £3.3m credit accrued to the
prepayment in the Group’s balance sheet.

Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 17
`Retirement Benefits’ was issued in
November 2000 and will replace SSAP 24
for accounting periods ending on or after
22nd June 2003. For the period ended
29th December 2001 we are applying 
the transitional rules and disclosures, and
these have had no effect on the reported
results. Whilst full implementation in 2003
could potentially introduce volatility to
the reported pensions position and,
therefore, profit and net assets, it will
have no impact on cashflows nor the
Group’s contribution holiday for its
principal defined benefit scheme.

Treasury Operations
From a Treasury perspective the main
financial risks faced by the Group are
liquidity, interest rate fluctuations and
foreign exchange exposures. The Board
has approved policies for each of these
risks, which are managed on a day-to-day
basis by Group Treasury. The purpose 
of these policies, which remained
unchanged throughout the period, is to
ensure that adequate funds are available
to the Group at all times and that
financial risks arising from the Group’s
operating and investment activities are
carefully managed. Accordingly, Group
policy is not to enter into transactions 
of a speculative nature. 

The Group Treasurer reports formally on 
a monthly basis to a Treasury Committee
under the chairmanship of the Group
Finance Director and operates within
scope and authorisation levels specified 
by the Board.

Liquidity: operations are financed by a
mixture of shareholders’ funds, long term
bonds, bank borrowings and trade credit.
The objective is to ensure a mix of funding
methods offering flexibility and cost
effectiveness to match the needs of the
Group. Surplus cash is currently held, and
Group policy is to make major deposits
only with substantial institutions with
high credit ratings. In addition to its fully 

drawn down term loans the Group has
£34.0m of unutilised committed facilities,
which mature by March 2006. The
£20.0m 8.58% cumulative redeemable
preference shares are due for redemption
in June 2003.

The majority of the Aviation Services
operations are located outside the UK and
operate in currencies other than sterling.
The rates of exchange to sterling for
those currencies which have principally
affected the Group’s results were:

Interest rate fluctuations: the Group’s
policy is to arrange core debt with fixed
rate borrowings. The £35.0m bonds are
fixed at 7.362%. Subsequent to the period
end the Group swapped US dollar floating
rate borrowing of $18.5m to fixed rate at
5.205% covering the period until 28th
February 2006. Other borrowings and
cash deposits are at variable rates.

Foreign exchange exposures:
following the completion of the strategic
disposal programme, Group exposure 
to currency risk at a transactional level 
is minimal, with day to day transactions 
of overseas subsidiaries largely carried 
out in local currency.

In respect of the continuing businesses,
approximately 13% of Group turnover
and 43% of net assets are denominated
in overseas currencies. It is policy to
hedge material overseas net assets by
means of foreign currency loans, where
practicable. The Group does not actively
hedge exchange rate movements on the
translation of overseas profits except where
those profits are effectively matched by
foreign currency interest costs.

Average

for 8

month 

Average

for 12

month

Period

Year

period to

end 29th

period 

end 5th

December

December

2001

2001

US$

Euro

1.440

1.626

1.448

1.642

to May

2001

1.451

1.599

May

2001

1.439

1.611

Credit risk: the Group is exposed to 
credit related losses in the event of 
non-performance by counterparties 
to financial instruments, but does not
expect any failure by them to meet their
obligations given the policy of selecting
only counterparties with high credit ratings.
Further disclosure in respect of the above
is included in Note 16 to the Accounts.

Martyn Smith
Group Finance Director

18

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

19

 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

Gavin Reed *#§ (67) was
appointed a non-executive
director in 1992 and Chairman 
in 1998. He is Chairman of the
Remuneration and Nomination
Committees. Previously Vice
Chairman of Scottish and
Newcastle plc, he is Chairman 
of Hamilton & Inches Ltd and
holds a number of other
directorships. He will retire from
the Board on 2nd May 2002.

David Mackay § (58) was
appointed Chief Executive in
1997, having joined the Board 
as Wholesale Managing Director
in 1984 and the Group in 1964.

Martyn Smith (46) was
appointed Group Finance Director
in 1999. He was previously Group
Financial Controller of Inchcape
plc, having undertaken a number
of UK and international financial
roles both there and earlier 
with Rothmans. 

Iain Callaghan (54) joined 
the Group in 1965 and was
appointed to the Board in 
January 1997. He is Managing
Director of Menzies Distribution.

Peter Smith (57) joined the
Group as Chief Executive of
Menzies Aviation Group in 1996.
His career in aviation has included
senior positions in the UK and
overseas as well as a period as 
an independent consultant to 
the airline industry. He was
appointed a director in 1999.

William Thomson *#+§ (61),
Deputy Chairman, has been a
non-executive director since 1987
and chairs the Audit Committee 
as well as being Non-Executive
Chairman of Menzies Aviation
Group. He will relinquish these
duties when he is appointed as
Chairman of the Company on 
2nd May 2002. He is Chairman of
E G Thomson (Shipping) Ltd and
British Assets Trust plc and holds 
a number of other directorships.

Dermot Jenkinson *#+ (47) was
appointed to the Board in 1986
where he held various executive
responsibilities prior to assuming 
a non-executive role in 1999. 
He is co-founder and Chairman 
of beCogent Ltd, Chairman of 
the Wren Press and holds a
number of other directorships.

Ian Harrison *#+ (45) was
appointed a non-executive director
in 1987. He is a director of Record
Currency Management Limited.

Charles Ramsay *#+ (65) was
appointed a non-executive
director in 1990. He is Chairman 
of Cockburns of Leith Ltd and
holds several other directorships.

Michael Walker *#+ (49) was
appointed a non-executive
director in 1995. He is Managing
Partner of solicitors Maclay 
Murray & Spens and holds 
a number of non-executive
directorships including 
Securities Trust of Scotland plc.

David Coltman *# (59) was
appointed a non-executive
director on 1st February 2001. 
He has held various senior
positions with airlines in the 
UK and, most recently, with
United Airlines in Chicago.

Adair Anderson (55) was
appointed Company Secretary 
in 1986, having joined the 
Group in 1974.

* Non-executive director

# Member of Remuneration Committee

+ Member of Audit Committee

§ Member of Nomination Committee

20

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Corporate Information 

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Directors’ Shareholdings

Directors’ Responsibilities

Independent Auditors’ Report

Group Profit and Loss Account

Group and Company Balance Sheets

Group Cash Flow Statement

Notes on Accounts

Five Year Summary

Shareholder Information

Pro Forma Financial Statements

22

26

30

30

31

32

33

34

35

54

55

56

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

21

Corporate Information

Directors
The names of the directors at the date of this report are listed on page 20. 

The directors who retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting are Mr D J Mackay, Mr I C L Harrison and Mr M J Walker who, 
being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. 

Of the directors proposed for re-election, Mr Mackay has a service contract as set out on page 26. Mr Harrison and Mr Walker, 
as non-executive directors, do not have service contracts.

Substantial Shareholdings
In addition to the directors’ interests, the Company has been notified of the following interests of three per cent or more in its issued ordinary
share capital at 18th March 2002:

D C Thomson & Co. Ltd

Mr J M Menzies

Mr D F Ramsay

Mrs S J Speke

Mrs K P Slater

Legal & General Investment Management Ltd

Number of
Shares

4,990,000

4,189,650

2,639,878

2,039,920

1,981,552

1,707,707

Percentage of
Issued Capital

8.82

7.41

4.67

3.61

3.50

3.02

Corporate Governance
The Board is committed to high standards of corporate governance and supports the Principles of Good Governance contained in the
Combined Code set out in the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. These principles are included in the Board’s own Code 
of Practice which outlines the role and responsibilities of the Board and is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. Other than as
disclosed, the Group has complied throughout the period with the Combined Code. 

Board of Directors
The Board comprises seven non-executive directors, including the Chairman, and four executive directors, providing a wide range of skills
and experience. Their biographies are on page 20. The roles of the Chairman, who is non-executive, and Chief Executive are separate and
clearly defined, and the Board considers the majority of its non-executives to be independent. The Board has considered the appointment 
of a senior independent non-executive director but has decided not to do so as it does not believe that this is necessary when the Chairman
is also non-executive. 

The Board normally meets nine times a year, with a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision. These include the
approval of financial statements, acquisitions and disposals, material agreements, major non-recurring projects, treasury policies, major
capital expenditures and strategic plans. It also delegates specific responsibilities to the Board Committees detailed below. Information 
of an appropriate quality is issued in a timely manner to assist it in performing its duties. All members of the Board have access to the 
advice and services of the Company Secretary and may take independent professional advice and training as appropriate at the expense 
of the Company. 

Group Executive Committee
The Group Executive Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive and consists of the executive directors together with certain senior
executives. It is responsible for the implementation of strategy and plays a central role in planning, budgeting and in risk identification 
and management within the Group’s operations. It normally meets ten times a year.

Nominations Committee
A Nominations Committee with a majority of non-executive directors under the Chairmanship of Mr Reed is responsible for recommending
new members to the Board for appointment and meets as required. The Board as a whole is responsible for the appointment of its own
members and for nominating them for election by shareholders on first appointment and thereafter for re-election at three yearly intervals.

Remuneration Committee
The Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 26 to 29 details the constitution and role of the Remuneration Committee, and how the
principles of the Combined Code relating to directors’ remuneration have been applied. The committee is chaired by Mr Reed and meets 
at least once a year.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board in the execution of its responsibilities for corporate governance and internal control. It consists 
of five non-executive directors, chaired by Mr Thomson, and meets at least twice a year. It reviews the Group’s internal control structure,
approves the outsourced internal audit (Controls Assurance) and external audit programmes, and reviews reports from management, from
the external Controls Assurance specialists, and from the external auditors on their work. It also reviews the Group’s financial statements 
and any proposed changes in accounting policies prior to approval by the Board. Furthermore, it keeps under review the nature and extent
of non-audit services provided to the Group by the external auditors. 

Communication
The Group has developed a comprehensive programme to ensure that effective communication with shareholders, analysts and the financial
press is maintained throughout the year. Through its annual and interim reports, results and other announcements, and presentations to
institutional shareholders, the Group seeks to present its strategy and performance in an objective and balanced manner. Information is 
also available through the Group’s website at www.menziesgroup.com. 

Shareholders attending the Annual General Meeting are invited to ask questions during the meeting and also to meet the directors after 
the formal business of the meeting has concluded. The Chairmen of the Audit and Remuneration Committees are also available to answer
questions from any shareholder at this meeting. Full details of proxy votes cast on each resolution are made available to shareholders at 
the meeting.

22

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

23

Corporate Information
(continued)

Internal Control
The directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal control, which covers financial, operational and compliance controls together
with risk management. Whilst no system can provide absolute guarantee and protection against material loss, the system is designed to give
the directors reasonable assurance that problems can be identified promptly and remedial action taken as appropriate.

The directors have reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control for the accounting period under review.

The key features of the Group’s internal control system are:

Control Environment
A key factor in the Group’s approach to internal control is the recognition of the need for risk awareness and the ownership of risk
management by executives at all levels. Each operating Division has its own Board. A Statement of Group Policies sets out the responsibilities
of these Divisional Boards, including authority levels, reporting disciplines and responsibility for risk management and internal control.
Certain activities, including treasury, taxation, insurance, pension and legal matters are controlled centrally with reports reviewed by the
Board as appropriate. 

Risk Identification and Review
Key identified risks are reviewed at both Group and operating Divisional Board level on an ongoing basis, with a formal annual review 
of risks and controls supported by the Group’s Controls Assurance provider. The Chief Executive and Group Finance Director have regular
formal meetings with each Divisional Board to review their performance, strategy and risk management. Biannual compliance statements 
on internal control are certified by each Divisional Board. A Treasury Review Committee meets regularly to review the adequacy of the
Group’s facilities against potential utilisation and commitments.

Financial Reporting
There is a comprehensive Group-wide system of financial reporting. Figures reported include profit, cash flows, capital expenditure, balance
sheet and relevant performance indicators. Each operating Division prepares an annual budget which is approved by the Board. Thereafter 
a formal re-forecasting exercise is undertaken at least twice during the year. Actual monthly results are monitored against budget, forecasts
and the previous year’s results. Any significant variances are investigated and acted upon as appropriate.

Investment Appraisal
There are clearly defined investment guidelines for capital expenditure. All such expenditure is subject to formal authorisation procedures,
with major proposals being considered by the Board. Post investment appraisals are conducted for all major capital projects.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee considers reports from management, the Controls Assurance provider and the external auditors, and makes 
its recommendations to the Board, prior to the approval of the Annual Report. 

Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for 
the foreseeable future and, accordingly, consider that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

Employees, Ethics and Health & Safety
The Board recognises that the Group’s success depends on the quality and performance of its employees. The principles of equal opportunities
are recognised in the formulation and development of employment policies which are designed to attract, retain and motivate quality staff.
The Board believes in creating throughout the Group a culture based on sound ethical practices which is open and free from discrimination
and harassment. 

Employees are encouraged to become involved in the financial performance of the Group; its savings-related share option scheme is open 
to all UK employees, of whom some 2,000 are members.

Internal communications are designed to ensure that employees throughout the Group are kept informed of developments and plans, 
both in their own Division and in the Group as a whole. The Group magazine “The Reporter” and Menzies Aviation Group’s “The MAG” 
are issued on a regular basis and the interim and final results are circulated throughout the business.

The Group recognises the importance of employee and management development in securing the future of the business, and its central
team of professional employees provide advice, support and training to operating Divisions. Health and safety training and audits are also
undertaken regularly, with an annual report to the Board. 

Environment
The Group recognises that its operations impact upon the environment, and also that environmentally responsible business practices can 
be compatible with sound commercial practices and can contribute to the well-being of its employees. Each operating Division has set out
environmental policies which reflect their activities, and which have as their base legal and regulatory compliance as a minimum standard.
These policies are reviewed regularly to reflect changes to both legislation and best practice. The Group magazine includes regular features
focusing on various aspects of these policies primarily so as to ensure that a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility is
encouraged for staff at all levels. 

Supplier Payment Policy
The Group does not operate a standard code in respect of payments to suppliers. Each operating Division is responsible for agreeing the
terms and conditions under which business transactions with its suppliers are conducted, including the terms of payment. It is Group policy
that payments to suppliers be made in accordance with the agreed terms, provided that the supplier has performed in accordance with all
relevant terms and conditions.

The Company does not have any trade creditors, so the number of creditor days outstanding at the period end was nil.

Donations
The Group made no political donations during the period. Donations to various charitable, community and arts organisations totalling
£71,000 were made during the period, and Early Learning Centre supported the NSPCC by donating a total of £44,000 raised through
product sales and in-store and staff collections in the period prior to its disposal.

Annual General Meeting
A separate document has been sent to all shareholders containing the Notice of Meeting and explaining the Special Business to be
transacted at the Annual General Meeting on 2nd May 2002.

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers have expressed their willingness to continue in office and a resolution proposing their re-appointment 
and authorising the Board to set their remuneration will be submitted at the Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

C A Anderson
Secretary
18th March 2002

24

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

25

Report on Directors’ Remuneration

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee deals with the remuneration of the executive directors on behalf of the Board and shareholders. It has a formal
written constitution and comprises the non-executive directors under the chairmanship of Mr G B Reed. In addition, the Chief Executive,
together with the Director of Group Personnel, who is not a member of the Board, attend meetings as appropriate. The Company Secretary
is secretary of the Committee.

Members of the Remuneration Committee have no personal financial interest in the matters to be decided and no day-to-day involvement 
in the running of the business of the Group other than, where applicable, as shareholders.

In considering and determining suitable remuneration packages for the executive directors the Remuneration Committee has given full
consideration to the relevant best practice provisions set out in the Combined Code appended to the Listing Rules.

Remuneration Policy
The Group recognises that its continuing success depends on the quality and motivation of its employees. The policies followed by the
Group aim to ensure that its remuneration practices are competitive, thereby enabling it to attract, retain and motivate executives and staff
who are expected to perform at the highest levels. These practices are reviewed each year to ensure that they support the Group’s business
objectives and the creation of shareholder value. The Remuneration Committee follows these principles with regard to the executive
directors, and also reviews the principles underlying the remuneration of senior executives.

The main components of the Group’s remuneration packages for executive directors are:

Basic Salary and Benefits
In setting the basic salary for the executive directors, the Remuneration Committee takes account of the rates of salary being paid by
companies of similar size and complexity, and independent advice is taken as required. The principal benefits-in-kind are the provision 
of a car, fuel and private medical and health insurance. 

Performance Related Bonuses
The executive directors participate in a bonus scheme which is linked to the achievement of performance targets set by the Remuneration
Committee at the start of each financial year. The maximum potential payment under the scheme is limited to 50 per cent of basic salary 
for the Chief Executive and to 40 per cent for the other executive directors.

Share Options
The Group believes that share ownership by executives strengthens the link between their personal interests and those of shareholders.
Under the John Menzies Executive Share Option Scheme options have been granted to executive directors on a regular basis at a level
determined by the Remuneration Committee. They are also subject to appropriate performance criteria at the time of each grant.

In addition the Group operates a savings-related share option scheme which all UK employees, including executive directors, 
are entitled to join.

Service Contracts
Each of the executive directors has a service contract with the Company. These are terminable by the Company on two years’ notice 
for Mr D J Mackay and Mr I M Callaghan, and on one year’s notice for Mr M R Smith and Mr P S Smith.

The Remuneration Committee considers that the notice periods stated above are reasonable and in the interests of shareholders 
having due regard to prevailing market conditions and practice among companies of comparable size.

Pensions 

Scheme Benefits
The executive directors are members of the Menzies Pension Fund, a defined benefit contributory scheme which provides pension on retirement
at age 60 of up to two-thirds of pensionable earnings. Pensionable earnings are based on salary excluding bonuses.

Unfunded Arrangement
The pensionable salaries for Mr M R Smith and Mr P S Smith are restricted as a consequence of the Finance Act 1989 and each has an
unfunded pension undertaking from the Company to provide in total the same level of pension as applicable to the other executive directors.
This entitlement is effective from their date of appointment as a director.

Pension details are as follows:

Director

D J Mackay

I M Callaghan

M R Smith

P S Smith

Age

58

54

46

57

Members’
contributions
£’000

Increase in accrued 
pension during period
Unfunded
£’000

Scheme
£’000

Total accrued pension
entitlement at 29th December 2001

Scheme
£’000

Unfunded
£’000

11

7

3

3

10

5

2

1

Nil

Nil

2

1

189

123

8

19

Nil

Nil

8

4

Total
£’000

189

123

16

23

The following additional information relates to the directors’ pensions:

a) Normal retirement age - The normal retirement age is 60, although with the consent of the Company members may retire 

after the age of 50 with reduced benefits.

b) Spouses and dependant’s benefits - The member’s pension is guaranteed for ten years from date of retiral. 

Thereafter, the dependant’s pension is two-thirds of the member’s pension before any reduction in lieu of a cash sum.

c) Pension increases after retirement - Pensions in payment are increased in line with the movements in the Retail Price Index 

subject to a minimum of 3% per annum and a cumulative maximum of 8.5% per annum.

d) Inflation - The increase in accrued pension excludes any increase for inflation.

Non-executive Directors
The remuneration of the Chairman and the non-executive directors is determined by the Board on an annual basis within the limits contained
in the Articles of Association and takes account of market rates based on independent advice as required. They do not have service contracts
nor do they participate in any of the Group’s bonus, share or pension schemes.

26

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

27

Report on Directors’ Remuneration
(continued)

Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ emoluments for the eight months to 29th December 2001 (12 months to 5th May 2001) are:

Share options
Share options held by the Directors at 29th December 2001 are analysed as follows:

G B Reed

D J Mackay

I M Callaghan

M R Smith 

P S Smith 

W R E Thomson

D J Jenkinson 

I C L Harrison

C A Ramsay

M J Walker

D A Coltman 

Salary/fees
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Total 
December
2001
£’000

67

230

149

143

123

30

15

15

15

15

28

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

8

10

12

–

–

–

–

–

–

67

240

157

153

135

30

15

15

15

15

28

Total
May
2001
£’000

96

464

317

280

243

38

108

22

22

22

10

870

1,622

D J Mackay

M R Smith

I M Callaghan

P S Smith

D J Jenkinson

At 5th 
May
2001

25,000
25,000
30,000
123,000

3,186*

18,549
225,563

84,224

2,549*

25,000

641*

47,619

15,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
70,300

3,186*

25,000
54,331

10,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
15,000
10,000

25,000
40,897

59,000

Lapsed
during 
period

At 29th 
December
2001

Exercise
price
(pence)

Date
exerciseable
from

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

25,000
25,000
30,000
123,000

3,186*

18,549
225,563(c)

84,224

2,549*

25,000

641*
47,619(c)

15,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
70,300

3,186*

25,000
54,331(c)

10,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
15,000
10,000
–
25,000
40,897(c)

Expiry
date

26.2.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
6.4.08
1.4.03
27.1.10
19.11.10

4.10.09
1.4.03
27.1.10
1.4.04
19.11.10

24.2.04
26.2.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
6.4.08
1.4.03
27.1.10
19.11.10

15.10.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
9.10.07
6.4.08
17.2.09

27.1.10
19.11.10

501
520
461
492
304
391
399

407
304
391
302
399

653
501
520
461
492
304
391
399

596
520
461
404
492
348
304
391
399

492

27.2.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
7.4.01
1.10.02
28.1.03
20.11.03

5.10.02
1.10.02
28.1.03
1.10.03
20.11.03

25.2.97
27.2.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
7.4.01
1.10.02
28.1.03
20.11.03

16.10.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
10.10.00
7.4.01
18.2.02
1.10.02
28.1.03
20.11.03

30.4.99

3,186*

3,186*

59,000

–

Note:
(a) All the above options were issued under the executive share option scheme with the exception of those items marked* which have been issued under the Group’s

savings-related share option scheme.

(b) The market price for shares in John Menzies plc ranged from 251p to 470p during the period, and was 347.5p at 29th December 2001.
(c) These options are subject to the performance condition that growth in Headline Earnings per Share for the three years commencing 7th May 2000 be equal 

to or greater than 6% above the level of the UK Retail Prices Index, failing which the options will lapse. 

(d) No options were granted or exercised during the eight months to 29th December 2001.

28

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

29

Directors’ Shareholdings

Independent Auditors’ Report
to the Members of John Menzies plc

The interests, all ordinary shares, of the directors in the share capital of the Company at 29th December 2001 and 5th May 2001 were as follows:

G B Reed

D J Mackay

D J Jenkinson

W R E Thomson

I C L Harrison

C A Ramsay

M J Walker

I M Callaghan

M R Smith

P S Smith

D A Coltman

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial
Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

December 2001

May 2001

8,650

24,651

2,258,360
2,514,885*
3,570,360

2,000

2,122,832
2,514,885*
82,350

1,712,600
759,286

1,000

6,884

3,000

13,315

–

8,650

16,651

3,013,706
2,640,539*
3,570,360

2,000

2,786,832
2,640,539*
82,350

1,991,867
514,303

1,000

6,884

3,000

9,315

–

* Joint beneficial interests 

There have been no subsequent changes to these interests as at 18th March 2002.

Directors’ Responsibilities
in respect of the preparation of accounts

The directors are required by law to prepare accounts for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 
Company and the Group as at the end of the financial period and of the profit or loss and cash flows of the Group for the financial period
then ended.

In preparing the accounts the directors are required to:

• Maintain adequate accounting records;

• Apply suitable accounting policies in a consistent manner and make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates where necessary;

• Comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985 and all applicable accounting standards;

• Prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

The directors confirm that these accounts comply with these requirements. The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

The maintenance and integrity of the John Menzies plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the Auditors does not
have 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.

We have audited the financial statements on pages 32 to 53 which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow
Statement, the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements, in accordance with applicable United Kingdom
law and accounting standards, are set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities. Our responsibility is to audit the financial
statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, United Kingdom Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing
Practices Board, and the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with
the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the
company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, 
or if information specified by law or the Listing Rules regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions is not disclosed.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any
apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.

We review whether the Corporate Information Report on pages 22 to 25 reflects the Company’s compliance with the seven provisions of 
the Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the
Board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or to form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s or Group’s
corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures. 

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on 
a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant
estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide
us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused
by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in
the financial statements.

Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group at 29th December
2001 and of the loss and cash flows of the Group for the eight month period then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance
with the Companies Act 1985.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Edinburgh
18th March 2002

30

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

31

Group Profit and Loss Account
for the 34 weeks ended 29th December 2001 (52 weeks ended 5th May 2001)

Group and Company Balance Sheets
as at 29th December 2001 (5th May 2001)

8 months to December 2001

12 months to May 2001

Group

Company

Turnover

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Less share of: 

Joint ventures 
Associates 

Group turnover

Net operating costs

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Group operating profit/(loss)

Share of operating profit/(loss) in

Joint ventures 
Associates 

Total operating profit/(loss)

Gain on disposal of fixed assets
Loss on disposal of businesses

2

5
5

7

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest

Net interest payable

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation

(Loss)/profit after taxation

Minority interests

(Loss)/profit for the financial period

Dividends (including non-equity)

Retained (loss)/profit for the financial period

Earnings per ordinary share
Headline
FRS 3
Headline/FRS 3 diluted

8

22

9

10

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note 5)
£m

Notes

2

760.0
55.9

815.9

(9.5)
(42.9)

763.5

–
–

–

–
–

–

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note 5)
£m

1,024.6
306.8

1,331.4

(10.6)
(32.7)

1,288.1

–
–

–

–
–

–

Total
£m

760.0
55.9

815.9

(9.5)
(42.9)

763.5

Total
£m

1,024.6
306.8

1,331.4

(10.6)
(32.7)

1,288.1

3

(762.8)

(10.4)

(773.2)

(1,240.7)

(9.5)

(1,250.2)

(10.4)
–

(10.4)

–
(0.8)

(11.2)

–
(11.3)

(22.5)

–

(22.5)

1.9

(20.6)

1.0

(19.6)

–

(19.6)

6.4
(5.7)

0.7

–
2.7

3.4

–
–

3.4

(2.0)

1.4

(2.4)

(1.0)

0.2

(0.8)

(8.0)

(8.8)

0.4p

0.4p

(4.0)
(5.7)

(9.7)

–
1.9

(7.8)

–
(11.3)

(19.1)

(2.0)

(21.1)

(0.5)

(21.6)

1.2

(20.4)

(8.0)

(28.4)

(38.7)p
(38.7)p

24.5
22.9

47.4

0.2
2.3

49.9

–
–

49.9

–

49.9

(14.5)

35.4

(0.3)

35.1

(12.0)

23.1

62.8p

62.8p

(9.5)
–

(9.5)

–
–

(9.5)

2.5
(27.8)

(34.8)

–

(34.8)

3.0

(31.8)

–

(31.8)

–

(31.8)

Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses
for the 34 weeks ended 29th December 2001 (52 weeks ended 5th May 2001)

(Loss)/profit for the financial period
Currency translation 

Total recognised (losses)/gains for the financial period

December
2001
£m

(20.4)
(0.3)

(20.7)

15.0
22.9

37.9

0.2
2.3

40.4

2.5
(27.8)

15.1

–

15.1

(11.5)

3.6

(0.3)

3.3

(12.0)

(8.7)

2.7p
2.7p

May
2001
£m

3.3
2.1

5.4

December
2001
£m

26.6
113.8

Notes

£m

11
12
13

10.2
3.2
(2.2)
0.6

£m

10.7
3.0
(2.3)
0.4

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments

– joint ventures
Goodwill
Share of gross assets
Share of gross liabilities
Shareholder loans 

– associates
– other
– subsidiaries

Total investments

Current assets
Stocks
Debtors – amounts due after more than one year
– amounts due within one year

Cash at bank and in hand

14
14
16

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loans and overdrafts
Other

16
15

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Loans and other borrowings
Other

16
15

Provision for liabilities and charges
Deferred taxation
Other

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account
Other reserves

Equity shareholders’ funds
Non-equity share capital

Shareholders’ funds
Minority interests

19
19

20
21
21
21

20

23
22

11.8
36.7
6.9
–

55.4

195.8

11.2
45.0
92.6
38.8

187.6

(18.6)
(155.8)

13.2

209.0

(66.9)
(4.2)

(11.0)
(10.5)

116.4

14.1
4.0
73.6
3.3

95.0
21.4

116.4
–

116.4

May
2001
£m

17.6
124.4

11.8
43.6
3.6
–

59.0

December
2001
£m

–
4.9

–
–
–
–

–
–
3.3
95.6

98.9

201.0

103.8

30.3
41.7
99.7
58.8

–
42.5
95.3
1.6

May
2001
£m

–
5.0

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
128.2

128.2

133.2

–
42.5
70.6
0.8

230.5

139.4

113.9

(12.1)
(181.1)

37.3

238.3

(70.5)
(4.3)

(11.7)
(9.0)

142.8

14.1
4.0
93.5
3.6

115.2
21.4

136.6
6.2

142.8

(10.5)
(85.0)

43.9

147.7

(66.8)
–

–
–

(10.9)
(81.5)

21.5

154.7

(70.2)
–

–
–

80.9

84.5

14.1
4.0
39.8
1.6

59.5
21.4

80.9
–

80.9

14.1
4.0
43.4
1.6

63.1
21.4

84.5
–

84.5

32

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

33

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 18th March 2002 and signed on its behalf by:
David Mackay, Chief Executive

Martyn Smith, Group Finance Director

Group Cash Flow Statement
for the 34 weeks ended 29th December 2001 (52 weeks ended 5th May 2001)

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

£m

Notes

£m

Net cash inflow from continuing operations
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from discontinued operations

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

24a

Dividends from joint ventures and associates 

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Interest received
Interest paid
Preference dividends paid
Minority interest dividends

Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance

Tax paid

Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Employee share ownership advances

Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment

ext

Acquisitions and disposals
Investment in joint ventures and associates
Purchase of subsidiaries
Net cash acquired with subsidiaries
Disposal of subsidiaries
Net cash disposed of with subsidiaries

25

25

2.2
(4.7)
(1.8)
–

(21.7)
0.9
–

(0.2)
(7.3)
0.1
24.6
(3.6)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from acquisitions and disposals

Equity dividends paid

Management of liquid resources
Increase in short term deposits

Net cash outflow from management of liquid resources

Net cash outflow before financing

Financing
Proceeds from shares issued
Finance leases
Increase in loans

Net cash inflow from financing

Decrease in cash in the period

24b,c

Notes on Accounts

1

Accounting policies

Accounting convention and presentation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The
accounting year end has been changed to 31st December. There were no material differences between reported profits and historical profits
on ordinary activities of the Group both before and after taxation. In accordance with Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985 no profit and
loss account is presented for the Company. A summary of the more significant accounting policies, which have been consistently applied, 
is given below.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated accounts incorporate the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates from the effective 
date of acquisition or to the date of deemed disposal. 

Turnover
Turnover represents the invoiced value of goods sold and services provided. Turnover excludes value added and sales taxes and intercompany
transactions.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, including acquisition expenses, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight
line basis at the following rates:

Freehold and long leasehold properties
Short leasehold properties 
Plant and equipment

–
–
–

over 50 years.
over the remaining lease term.
over the estimated life of the asset.

26.4
24.2

50.6

2.1

(1.0)

(3.4)

7.2
(10.2)

(3.0)

3.3

(4.3)

(4.3)

5.4
(4.4)
(1.8)
(0.2)

(23.0)
2.1
(0.1)

(20.8)

(21.0)

Stocks
Stocks, being goods for resale, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

(51.8)
(43.0)
8.1
0.8
–

13.6

(7.1)

(2.9)

(3.3)

–
(0.3)
0.9

(2.9)

(25.5)

0.6

(24.9)

0.2
(0.3)
41.1

(85.9)

(9.8)

(3.3)

(71.7)

41.0

(30.7)

Pensions
The cost of providing retirement benefits in the Group defined benefit scheme is charged to the profit and loss account over the period 
of the relevant employee’s service. Variations identified at each actuarial valuation date are spread over the average remaining service lives
of members. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries. With regard to defined contribution schemes
and a non-Group defined benefit scheme, in which the Group participates, the profit and loss charge represents contributions made.

Deferred taxation
Provision is made for deferred taxation where such taxation is expected to crystallise in the foreseeable future.

Goodwill
Goodwill, representing the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired, is capitalised and amortised on 
a straight line basis over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to April 1998 (Note 21) has been set off
directly against reserves in line with the provisions of FRS 10.

Foreign currencies
Foreign currency assets and liabilities of the Group are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The trading results
of overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are translated at the average exchange rate ruling during the period, with the exchange
difference between average rates and the rates ruling at the balance sheet date being taken to reserves. 

Any differences arising on the translation of the opening net investment, including goodwill, in overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures and
associates, and of applicable foreign currency loans, are dealt with as adjustments to reserves. All other exchange differences are dealt 
with in the profit and loss account.

Leases 
Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated over their useful lives or over the lease term, 
whichever is shorter. The interest element of the rental obligations is charged to the profit and loss account as incurred.

Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over applicable lease periods.

34

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

35

2

Segmental analysis

3

Net operating costs

By class of business
Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Central services
Pension credit/prepayment

Continuing operations
Goodwill amortisation
Discontinued operations

Reconciliation of net assets:
Net debt
Unallocated net liabilities

Net assets

By geographical origin
United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Americas
Rest of the World

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations – United Kingdom

Joint Ventures and Associates included above

Distribution Services
Joint ventures
Associates
Aviation Services
Joint ventures
Associates

Goodwill amortisation

By geographical origin
United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Americas
Rest of the World

Turnover

Pre-exceptional operating
profit/(loss)

Net assets

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

December
2001
£m

594.4
165.6

760.0

–
–

760.0
–
55.9

815.9

662.8
43.5
40.0
13.7

760.0
55.9

815.9

866.8
157.8

1,024.6

–
–

1,024.6
–
306.8

1,331.4

963.8
20.2
30.5
10.1

1,024.6
306.8

1,331.4

16.5
(3.8)

12.7

(4.7)
3.3

11.3
(2.2)
(5.7)

3.4

9.9
(0.8)
(0.3)
0.3

9.1
(5.7)

3.4

26.3
4.3

30.6

(6.9)
5.0

28.7
(1.7)
22.9

49.9

25.6
(0.4)
2.5
(0.7)

27.0
22.9

49.9

31.5
123.2

154.7

–
45.0

199.7
–
–

199.7

(46.8)
(36.5)

116.4

114.0
16.3
29.9
41.3

201.5
–

201.5

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

December
2001
£m

6.0
9.6

3.5
33.3

52.4
–

52.4

20.6
21.7
3.5
6.6

52.4

8.3
14.3

2.3
18.4

43.3
–

43.3

28.7
8.5
2.3
3.8

43.3

–
–

0.4
3.8

4.2
(1.5)

2.7

(0.4)
0.3
0.1
2.7

2.7

(0.1)
–

0.5
3.0

3.4
(0.9)

2.5

(0.1)
0.9
0.3
1.4

2.5

0.9
0.8

10.9
35.9

48.5
–

48.5

1.9
6.9
10.7
29.0

48.5

May
2001
£m

11.6
135.4

147.0

–
41.7

188.7
–
21.3

210.0

(24.2)
(43.0)

142.8

105.6
14.6
31.3
39.3

190.8
21.3

212.1

May
2001
£m

0.8
0.8

11.0
42.8

55.4
–

55.4

7.0
7.7
10.7
30.0

55.4

Turnover by geographical origin and destination do not materially differ.

Goodwill amortisation is attributable to Aviation Services.

Discontinued operations comprise Early Learning Centre (sold in September 2001), THE Games (exited in February 2001) 
and THE (sold in August 2000).

The results of acquisitions during the period were not material.

Continuing Discontinued
£m

£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

Continuing
£m

Discontinued
£m

Goods for resale and consumables
Other operating charges
Employment costs (Note 4)
Goodwill amortisation (Note 11)
Depreciation (Note 12)
Exceptional operating expenses (Note 5)

Other operating charges include:

Hire charges – plant and machinery
Rent of properties

554.9
34.9
101.8
0.7
8.9
10.4

711.6

3.8
11.9

40.6
10.3
8.6
–
2.1
–

61.6

–
8.2

During the period PricewaterhouseCoopers earned the following fees:

Statutory UK audit
Overseas audit
Due diligence and Reporting Accountants work:

– United Kingdom
– Rest of the World

Consultancy services

595.5
45.2
110.4
0.7
11.0
10.4

773.2

3.8
20.1

0.3
0.2

0.2
–
–

The auditors’ remuneration for the parent company was £15,000 (May 2001: £15,000).

788.7
35.3
121.3
0.8
10.7
9.5

966.3

4.7
15.4

228.4
25.3
24.8
–
5.4
–

283.9

–
19.4

12 months to
May
2001
£m

1,017.1
60.6
146.1
0.8
16.1
9.5

1,250.2

4.7
34.8

0.4
–

0.8
0.5
0.2

4

Employees

Wages and salaries
Social security costs

Pension credit (net)

The average number of full time equivalent persons employed by Group subsidiaries during the period was:

Distribution Services
Aviation Services
Central services

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

103.2
9.4

112.6
(2.2)

110.4

138.3
12.0

150.3
(4.2)

146.1

8 months to
December
2001
number

12 months to
May
2001
number

3,867
5,661
65

9,593
1,170

3,871
4,477
69

8,417
2,100

10,763

10,517

The numbers above include 4,180 full time equivalent persons employed outside the UK (May 2001: 2,615). 

The actual number of full time equivalent Aviation Services employees at 29th December 2001 was 5,191 (May 2001: 5,908).

36

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37

4

Employees (continued)

4

Employees (continued)

Pension schemes
With regard to the principal Group defined benefit scheme in the UK (the Menzies Pension Fund), to which the employees contribute, the
charge to the profit and loss account is assessed in accordance with independent actuarial advice from Aon Consulting (“the Actuary”) using
the projected unit method. Certain Group subsidiaries operate overseas and participate in a number of pension schemes, some of which are 
of a defined contribution nature. The profit and loss charge for defined contribution schemes represents the contributions made. A subsidiary
company participates in the UK defined benefit scheme of a third party and accordingly the profit and loss charge in respect of this
particular scheme represents the contributions made.

SSAP 24 regular pension costs
The net pension credit to the profit and loss account is analysed as follows:

Menzies Pension Fund
Regular pension cost
Interest on balance sheet prepayment
Amortisation of, and interest on, additional surplus

Increase in balance sheet prepayment
Other schemes

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

2.6
(1.9)
(4.0)

(3.3)
1.1

(2.2)

3.8
(2.8)
(6.0)

(5.0)
0.8

(4.2)

In respect of the Menzies Pension Fund, the Actuary prepared a valuation update as at 30th April 2001 when the market value of the
scheme’s assets was £167.7m. The actuarial value represented 185% of the value of the benefits that had accrued to members, yielding 
a surplus of £77.1m.

Interest on the balance sheet prepayment is calculated using a market related rate of investment return of 7.75%. The additional surplus over
the balance sheet prepayment, which also earns interest at this rate, is credited to the profit and loss account, and brought onto the balance
sheet, on a straight line basis over the anticipated remaining service lives of the current members. The assumptions used in the actuarial
valuation to determine the valuation results were:

FRS 17 disclosures
The Actuary also undertook an actuarial valuation of the Menzies Pension Fund as at 29th December 2001 for the purposes of disclosure
under FRS 17.

In deriving the results the Actuary used the projected unit method and the following financial assumptions:

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions
Rate of increase in price inflation
Discount rate

Net Pension Asset
The assets in the scheme and the expected rates of return as at 29th December 2001 were as follows:

Equities
Bonds
Cash

Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

Surplus in scheme
Related deferred tax liability

Net pension asset

%

3.25
3.25
2.75
5.75

Long term
rate of return
%

Value at
December
2001
£m

8.5
6.0
3.0

134.4
21.7
2.2

158.3
(148.2)

10.1
(3.0)

7.1

If FRS 17 had been adopted in the Accounts, the Group’s net assets and profit and loss reserve at 29th December 2001 would be as follows:

Rate of return on investments
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions
Rate of increase in price inflation

In view of the substantial surplus no employer contributions were payable during the periods covered by the Accounts.

%

7.75
3.0
3.25
2.5

Net assets per Accounts
Pension adjustment (net of deferred taxation)

Net assets

Profit and loss reserve per Accounts
Pension adjustment (net of deferred taxation)

Profit and loss reserve

£m

116.4
(24.4)

92.0

73.6
(24.4)

49.2

38

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39

5

Exceptional items

7

Interest

Exceptional operating expenses:
Aviation Services
Distribution Services

Aviation Services - associate

Total exceptional operating expenses

Non-operating exceptional items:
Net profit on disposal of fixed assets
Net loss on disposal of businesses

Total non-operating exceptional items

Total exceptional items

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

Notes

a
b

c

d
e

(9.0)
(1.4)

(10.4)
(0.8)

(11.2)

–
(11.3)

(11.3)

(22.5)

(6.0)
(3.5)

(9.5)
–

(9.5)

2.5
(27.8)

(25.3)

(34.8)

a December 2001: Cost of rationalising excess capacity, comprising asset write downs, property costs and related staff costs.

May 2001:

Cost of integrating Ogden Ground Services - £3.6m and costs in respect of an abortive acquisition - £2.4m.

b December 2001: Rationalisation costs - £0.5m and additional provision in respect of an investment in an internet magazine 

subscription service - £0.9m.

May 2001: 

Provision in respect of the aforementioned internet investment - £3.5m.

c December 2001:  Share of the cost of reducing excess capacity in Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA.

d May 2001: 

Gain realised on a fixed asset investment in a subsidiary.

e December 2001:  On 28th September 2001 Early Learning Centre was sold for £29.6m. The disposal generated a loss of £4.2m 

before writing off goodwill of £8.5m previously charged to reserves (Note 21). 

On 21st December 2001 the Group, in selling its 49% interest in GlobeGround (UK) Limited for £5.8m, 
generated a gain of £1.4m.

May 2001: 

On 11th August 2000 THE was sold at a loss of £13.9m before writing off goodwill of £12.5m previously 
charged to reserves. Redundancy and other costs on the closure of THE Games amounted to £1.4m.

6

Directors

A detailed analysis of Directors’ remuneration, together with shareholdings and options, is provided in the Report of the Remuneration
Committee on pages 26 to 29.

Payable:

Bank loans and overdrafts
Share of associates 

Receivable

Net interest payable

8

Taxation

UK corporation tax at 30%
Overseas tax
Deferred tax – (credit)/charge
Adjustments to prior year liabilities

– corporation tax
– deferred tax
Share of joint ventures
Share of associates

The tax charge includes a credit of £1.9m (May 2001: £3.0m) in respect of exceptional items.

9

Dividends

Dividends on equity shares:
Ordinary – Interim, 5.5p (May 2001: 5.5p) per share

– Final proposed, 6.6p (May 2001: 12.6p) per share

Dividends on non-equity shares:
Preference shares

Dividends of £0.1m (May 2001: £0.1m) were waived by employee share trusts (Note 13) during the period.

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

3.9
–

3.9
(1.9)

2.0

5.5
0.1

5.6
(5.6)

–

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

(1.6)
1.0
(0.1)

–
0.1
0.2
0.9

0.5

10.9
1.1
0.7

(2.0)
(0.3)
0.2
0.9

11.5

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

3.1
3.7

1.2

8.0

3.1
7.1

1.8

12.0

40

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41

12

Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost 
At 5th May 2001
Acquisitions
Additions
Transfers
Disposals
Currency translation 

At 29th December 2001

Depreciation
At 5th May 2001
Charge for the period
Exceptional operating expense
Disposals

At 29th December 2001

Net book value
At 29th December 2001

At 5th May 2001

Free-
hold
£m

30.9
–
7.7
(0.7)
(0.1)
–

37.8

2.5
0.4
–
–

2.9

Long
lease-
hold
£m

14.3
–
0.1
–
–
–

14.4

0.1
0.7
–
–

0.8

Short
lease-

Plant
and
hold equipment
£m

£m

24.6
–
1.4
0.2
(8.1)
0.3

18.4

8.6
0.6
0.8
(5.5)

4.5

134.0
0.3
12.0
0.5
(55.5)
(0.2)

91.1

68.2
9.3
1.2
(39.0)

39.7

Total
£m

203.8
0.3
21.2
–
(63.7)
0.1

161.7

79.4
11.0
2.0
(44.5)

47.9

34.9

28.4

13.6

14.2

13.9

16.0

51.4

65.8

113.8

124.4

Company

Long
lease-
hold
£m

Short
lease-
hold
£m

0.1
–
–
–
–
–

0.1

–
–
–
–

–

0.1

0.1

0.3
–
–
–
–
–

0.3

0.2
–
–
–

0.2

0.1

0.1

Free-
hold
£m

5.6
–
–
–
–
–

5.6

0.8
0.1
–
–

0.9

4.7

4.8

Total
£m

6.0
–
–
–
–
–

6.0

1.0
0.1
–
–

1.1

4.9

5.0

10

Earnings per share

Operating profit
add back: goodwill amortisation
Exceptional items
Interest

Profit/(loss) before taxation
Taxation
Minority interests
Preference dividends

Earnings for the period

Headline
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

FRS 3
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions)
Weighted average
Diluted weighted average

Headline

Post exceptional items

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

3.4
–
(22.5)
(2.0)

(21.1)
(0.5)
1.2
(1.2)

(21.6)

49.9
–
(34.8)
–

15.1
(11.5)
(0.3)
(1.8)

1.5

(38.7)
(38.7)

2.7
2.7

3.4
2.2
–
(2.0)

3.6
(2.4)
0.2
(1.2)

0.2

0.4
0.4

49.9
1.7
–
–

51.6
(14.5)
(0.3)
(1.8)

35.0

62.8
62.8

55.761
55.780

55.705
55.745

The weighted average number of fully paid shares in issue during the period excludes those held by the employee share trusts (Note 13). 
The diluted weighted average is calculated by adjusting for all outstanding share options which are dilutive potential ordinary shares.

11

Intangible assets – goodwill

Cost
At 5th May 2001
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Fair value adjustments
Disposals (Note 25)
Currency translation

At 29th December 2001

Amortisation
At 5th May 2001
Charge for the period
Disposals (Note 25)

At 29th December 2001

Net book value
At 29th December 2001

At 5th May 2001

Joint
ventures
£m

Associates
£m

Subsidiaries
£m

10.9
–
–
–
(0.1)

10.8

0.2
0.4
–

0.6

10.2

10.7

33.4
–
1.0
(2.9)
(0.2)

31.3

0.7
1.1
(0.2)

1.6

29.7

32.7

18.8
8.6
1.1
–
–

28.5

1.2
0.7
–

1.9

26.6

17.6

Total
£m

63.1
8.6
2.1
(2.9)
(0.3)

70.6

2.1
2.2
(0.2)

4.1

66.5

61.0

The fair value adjustments relate to certain working capital items. Goodwill arising on the earlier acquisition of Ogden Ground Services
continues to remain provisional pending finalisation of the formal completion accounts process, which may result in an adjustment to 
the consideration.

42

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43

13

Investments

14

Debtors

Group

Company

Group

Company

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts owed by Group companies

Due after more than one year

Pension prepayment (Note 4)
Amounts owed by Group companies

15

Creditors

Due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Corporation tax
Other taxes and social security costs
Dividends
Unsecured loan stock
Obligations under finance leases
Amounts owed to Group companies

Due after more than one year

Accruals and deferred income

December
2001
£m

65.9
17.2
9.5
–

92.6

45.0
–

45.0

December
2001
£m

85.7
48.8
10.7
3.6
6.9
0.1
–
–

155.8

May
2001
£m

76.9
10.0
12.8
–

99.7

41.7
–

41.7

December
2001
£m

–
–
0.6
94.7

95.3

–
42.5

42.5

Group

Company

May
2001
£m

102.4
51.5
13.4
5.6
7.8
0.1
0.3
–

181.1

December
2001
£m

–
3.5
–
–
6.9
–
–
74.6

85.0

May
2001
£m

–
0.9
1.7
68.0

70.6

–
42.5

42.5

May
2001
£m

–
5.3
–
–
7.8
–
–
68.4

81.5

4.2

4.3

–

–

Shares in
joint
ventures
£m

Loans to
joint
ventures
£m

Shares
in
associates
£m

Loans
to
associates
£m

Own
shares
held
£m

Other
£m

Total Other
£m

£m

Subsidiaries
£m

Total
£m

Cost
At 5th May 2001
New investments
Share of profits after tax
Exceptional provision (Note 5)
Fair value adjustment (Note 11)
Disposals (Note 25)
Dividends received
Currency translation 

Goodwill
At 5th May 2001
Fair value adjustment (Note 11)
Disposals (Note 25)
Amortisation
Currency translation 

At 29th December 2001

At 5th May 2001

0.7
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
0.1

1.0

10.7
–
–
(0.4)
(0.1)

10.2

11.2

11.4

0.4
0.2
–
–
–
–
–
–

0.6

–
–
–
–
–

–

0.6

0.4

9.6
–
2.1
–
(1.0)
(0.4)
(3.3)
–

7.0

32.7
1.0
(2.7)
(1.1)
(0.2)

29.7

36.7

42.3

1.3
–
–
–
–
(1.3)
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

1.3

3.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

3.6

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
4.2
–
(0.9)
–
–
–
–

3.3

–
–
–
–
–

–

15.6
4.4
2.3
(0.9)
(1.0)
(1.7)
(3.3)
0.1

15.5

43.4
1.0
(2.7)
(1.5)
(0.3)

39.9

–
3.3
–
–
–
–
–
–

3.3

–
–
–
–
–

–

128.2 128.2
7.1
–
–
–
(36.4)
–
–

3.8
–
–
–
(36.4)
–
–

95.6

98.9

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

3.6

3.6

3.3

–

55.4

59.0

3.3

–

95.6

98.9

128.2 128.2

Joint ventures
The Group holds:
a 50% interest in the ordinary share capital of Ogden & Talma Aviation Services of Peru SA
a 50% interest in the ordinary share capital of Dolphin Logistics Ltd
a 33.3% interest in the ordinary share capital of Eurobip, a border inspection post facility at London Heathrow.

During the period the Group subscribed £0.2m of interest bearing loan notes at par in cash in Dolphin Logistics Ltd.

Associates
The Group holds:
a 29% interest in the ordinary share capital of MASC-Ogden Aviation Services (Macau) Ltd
a 49% interest in the ordinary share capital of Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA
a 30% interest in the ordinary share capital of Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd
a 33.3% interest in the ordinary share capital of TC Cox and Son (Tonbridge) Ltd.

Own shares held
The Company’s ordinary shares are held in trust for an employee share scheme and are treated as assets of the Group. The trusts are 
funded by loans from a Group subsidiary. At 29th December 2001 the trusts held 797,770 (May 2001: 797,770) shares with a market 
value of £2,772,251 (May 2001: £3,454,344).

Other
New investments include £3.3m of loan notes received in respect of the disposal of Early Learning Centre (Note 25).

Subsidiaries
On 22nd September 2000 John Menzies plc subscribed for Discounted Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock due 2030 issued 
by Menzies Aviation Group plc. The principal amount of the loan stock is £75m and the original cost to the company was £62.9m. 

On 28th September 2001 John Menzies plc sold John Menzies (UK) Ltd , which traded as Early Learning Centre (Note 25).

44

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45

16

Financial instruments

16

Financial instruments (continued)

The objectives, policies and strategies pursued by the Group in relation to financial instruments are described within the Financial Review 
on page 16.

Fair values and hedges
Set out below is an analysis of the fair and book value of the Group’s financial instruments as at 29th December 2001. 

Maturity profile
Borrowings due within one year:
Bank loans and overdrafts
Finance leases
Unsecured loan stock

Total borrowings due within one year

Borrowings due after one year:

Loans repayable between one and two years
Loans repayable between two and five years
Loans repayable after five years

Total borrowings due after one year

Total borrowings
Cash at bank and in hand 

Net debt

Group

Company

December
2001
£m

May
2001
£m

December
2001
£m

18.6
–
0.1

18.7

6.5
19.2
41.2

66.9

85.6
(38.8)

46.8

12.1
0.3
0.1

12.5

6.7
19.3
44.5

70.5

83.0
(58.8)

24.2

10.5
–
–

10.5

6.4
19.2
41.2

66.8

77.3
(1.6)

75.7

Other than trade debtors and creditors there are no financial assets or liabilities excluded from the above analysis.

No financial assets or liabilities were held or issued for trading purposes.

Borrowing facilities
At 29th December 2001, the Group had undrawn committed facilities of £34.0m (May 2001: £40.8m) with the following expiry profile:

Less than one year
Between one and two years

December
2001
£m

26.1
7.9

34.0

In addition to these undrawn committed facilities, the Group has undrawn uncommitted facilities totalling £2.0m (May 2001: £2.0m).

May
2001
£m

10.9
–
–

10.9

6.4
19.3
44.5

70.2

81.1
(0.8)

80.3

May
2001
£m

31.9
8.9

40.8

Primary financial instruments held or issued 
to finance the Group’s operations:

Cash and deposits
Short term borrowings
Finance leases
Medium term borrowings
Long term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments held to manage 
interest rate profile and currency transaction exposure:

Interest rate swap
Forward foreign exchange contracts

December
2001
Book
value
£m

December
2001
Fair
value
£m

(38.8)
18.7
–
25.7
41.2

(38.8)
18.7
–
25.7
41.2

May
2001
Book
value
£m

(58.8)
12.2
0.3
26.0
44.5

May
2001
Fair
value
£m

(58.8)
12.2
0.3
26.0
44.5

–
–

0.3
–

–
–

–
1.0

The fair values of the interest rate swap and forward foreign exchange contracts have been determined by reference to quoted market prices. 

The fair value of provisions, preference shares and other financial liabilities are not considered to be materially different from their book value.

Gains on hedges
Unrecognised gains on instruments used for hedging, and the movements therein, are as follows:

Unrecognised gains on hedges arising before 5th May 2001 that were not recognised by 5th May 2001
Gains arising in the period to 29th December 2001 that were not recognised in the period
Gains recognised in this period’s profit and loss account that arose in previous years and were unrecognised at 5th May 2001

Unrecognised gains on hedges as at 29th December 2001
Of which:
Gains expected to be recognised between 28th February 2002 and 28th February 2006

Gains
£m

1.0
0.3
(1.0)

0.3

0.3

46

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47

16

Financial instruments (continued)

Interest rate and currency risk profile of financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities
The interest rate and currency profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities (excluding trade debtors and trade creditors) 
at 29th December 2001 is shown below.

Currency

Sterling
Euro
US dollar
Hong Kong dollar
Other

Floating 
rate 
financial 
assets
£m

Fixed
rate
financial
assets
£m

20.2
2.9
2.3
0.3
0.8

26.5

10.3
1.2
0.3
–
0.5

12.3

December
2001
Total
financial
assets
£m

30.5
4.1
2.6
0.3
1.3

38.8

Floating 
rate
financial
assets
£m

40.4
–
6.1
0.1
1.7

48.3

Fixed
rate
financial
assets
£m

7.4
–
–
0.3
2.8

10.5

May
2001
Total
financial
assets
£m

47.8
–
6.1
0.4
4.5

58.8

The floating rate financial assets of £26.5m (May 2001: £48.3m) are at interest rates linked to Base rates and LIBID. Of the £12.3m fixed 
rate financial assets, £10.0m is on 3 month fixed deposit at 3.94% and the remaining £2.3m (May 2001: £10.5m) is at interest rates based 
on 2 month LIBID.

Currency

Sterling
Euro
US dollar
Hong Kong dollar
Other

Floating 
rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

5.0
3.8
41.1
0.5
0.4

50.8

34.8
–
–
–
–

34.8

December
2001
Total
financial
liabilities
£m

39.8
3.8
41.1
0.5
0.4

85.6

Floating 
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

6.4
–
41.8
–
–

48.2

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

34.8
–
–
–
–

34.8

May
2001
Total
financial
liabilities
£m

41.2
–
41.8
–
–

83.0

Floating rate financial liabilities of £50.8m (May 2001: £48.2m) comprise bank loans and overdrafts, finance leases and unsecured loan stock.
Interest on these liabilities is determined by reference to short term rates linked to Base rates and LIBOR.

Fixed rate financial liabilities comprise loans repayable after five years of £34.8m (May 2001: £34.8m) on which interest is at a fixed rate 
of 7.362%. These loans are repayable from 2007 to 2009.

17

Operating lease commitments

Annual commitments in respect of leases which expire:

within one year
between one and five years
after five years

The Company had no operating lease commitments (May 2001: £Nil). 

Group

Property

Other

December
2001
£m

1.4
5.7
10.7

17.8

May
2001
£m

1.7
9.5
28.0

39.2

December
2001
£m

0.4
2.6
–

3.0

May
2001
£m

0.4
3.2
–

3.6

18

Capital commitments

Contracted but not provided

19

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Group

Company

December
2001
£m

3.6

May
2001
£m

9.3

December
2001
£m

–

Deferred taxation
Provided:

Accelerated capital allowances and other timing differences
Pension prepayment

Movement in period:

Profit and loss charge (Note 8)
Disposals (Note 25)
Acquisitions 

Other

At 5th May 2001
Provided during period
Utilised during period

At 29th December 2001

Group

December
2001
£m

(2.5)
13.5

11.0

–
(0.7)
–

(0.7)

Property
related
£m

9.0
2.6
(1.1)

10.5

May
2001
£m

–

May
2001
£m

(0.8)
12.5

11.7

0.4
–
0.1

0.5

The property related provision is in respect of obligations for vacated leasehold properties where applicable sublet income may be insufficient
to meet obligations under head leases. 

Contingent liabilities
Nintendo and certain of its present and previous European distributors are currently under investigation by the European Commission for
alleged restriction of cross-border trading in Nintendo products, with a formal Statement of Objections having been issued on 26th April
2000. The Group was the exclusive distributor of such product in the UK and the Republic of Ireland at the relevant time. It remains the
opinion of the directors that it is too early at this stage to form a clear view on the extent of any liability which may result from this action.

There are other contingent liabilities, including those in respect of acquired and disposed businesses, which are not expected to give rise 
to any significant loss to the Group. In addition, in the normal course of business the Company has guaranteed certain trading obligations 
of its subsidiaries.

48

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

49

20

Share capital

Authorised

73,056,248 Ordinary shares of 25p each
20,000,000 8.58% Cumulative redeemable preference shares 
of £1 each, redeemable at par on 20th June 2003
1,735,938 9% Cumulative preference shares of £1 each

Issued

56,566,105 Ordinary shares of 25p each, fully paid (May 2001: 56,551,626 shares)
20,000,000 8.58% Cumulative redeemable preference shares 
of £1 each, fully paid, redeemable at par on 20th June 2003 (May 2001: 20,000,000 shares)
1,394,587 9% Cumulative preference shares of £1 each, fully paid (May 2001: 1,394,587 shares)

December
2001
£m

18.3

20.0
1.7

40.0

14.1

20.0
1.4

35.5

May
2001
£m

18.3

20.0
1.7

40.0

14.1

20.0
1.4

35.5

As a result of options being exercised, 14,479 Ordinary shares having a nominal value of £3,620 were issued during the period, at a share
premium of £40,798.

At 29th December 2001 options granted and outstanding under the Company’s executive share option schemes amounted to 2,518,493
ordinary shares (May 2001: 2,797,432). These options are exerciseable at varying dates up to 29th January 2011 and at prices varying from
334p to 653p per share.

22

Minority interests

At beginning of period
Share of (loss)/profit after tax
Dividends
Additions
Disposals

At end of period

23

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Retained loss for the financial period
Goodwill previously written off to reserves
New share capital issued (Note 20)
Currency translation

Net (decrease)/increase to shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds at beginning of period

Shareholders’ funds at end of period

21

Reserves

24

Cash flow

December
2001
£m

6.2
(1.2)
–
–
(5.0)

–

December
2001
£m

(28.4)
8.5
–
(0.3)

(20.2)
136.6

116.4

May
2001
£m

5.8
0.3
(0.2)
0.3
–

6.2

May
2001
£m

(8.7)
12.5
0.2
2.2

6.2
130.4

136.6

Continuing Discontinued
£m

£m

12 months to
May
2001
£m

Continuing Discontinued
£m

£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

Group

Share
premium
account
£m

Profit and
loss
account
£m

Currency
reserve
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Company

Profit and
loss
account
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

At 5th May 2001
Movement during the period
(Loss)/profit for the period
Dividends
Goodwill previously 

written off to reserves

At 29th December 2001

4.0
–
–
–

–

4.0

93.5
–
(20.4)
(8.0)

8.5

73.6

2.0
(0.3)
–
–

–

1.7

1.6
–
–
–

–

1.6

4.0
–
–
–

–

4.0

43.4 
–
4.4
(8.0)

–

39.8

1.6
–
–
–

–

1.6

The cumulative amount of goodwill resulting from acquisitions undertaken before April 1998, which has been written off to reserves, 
is £28.9m (May 2001: £37.4m).

a

Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) to 
net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Total operating profit/(loss)
Depreciation
Goodwill amortisation
Share of operating profit in joint ventures
Share of operating profit in associates
Cash spend on exceptional items
Movement on pension prepayment
Other items not involving the movement of cash
(Increase)/decrease in stocks
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

9.1
8.9
0.7
–
(2.7)
(6.7)
(3.3)
0.2
(3.6)
5.3
(0.7)

7.2

(5.7)
2.1
–
–
–
(1.1)
–
–
(2.5)
2.1
(5.1)

(10.2)

3.4
11.0
0.7
–
(2.7)
(7.8)
(3.3)
0.2
(6.1)
7.4
(5.8)

(3.0)

27.0
10.7
0.8
(0.2)
(2.3)
(7.2)
(5.0)
0.4
(1.6)
1.1
2.7

26.4

Operating cash flows relating to acquisitions during the period were not material.

b

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

Decrease in cash in the period
Increase in short term deposits
Increase in debt and finance leases

Movement in net debt in the period
Net (debt)/cash at beginning of period

Net debt at end of period

22.9
5.4
–
–
–
(0.4)
–
–
18.8
9.8
(32.3)

24.2

December
2001
£m

(24.9)
2.9
(0.6)

(22.6)
(24.2)

(46.8)

49.9
16.1
0.8
(0.2)
(2.3)
(7.6)
(5.0)
0.4
17.2
10.9
(29.6)

50.6

May
2001
£m

(30.7)
3.3
(40.8)

(68.2)
44.0

(24.2)

50

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

51

24

Cash flow (continued)

25

Acquisitions and disposals (continued)

Cash flows
£m

Disposals
On 28th September 2001 the Group disposed of Early Learning Centre.

c

Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts

Short term deposits
Bank loans due within one year
Loan stock due within one year
Current portion of finance leases
Debt due after one year

25

Acquisitions and disposals

Acquisitions

Net assets acquired:

Tangible fixed assets (Note 12)
Debtors
Cash
Creditors

Satisfied by:
Cash
Acquisition costs
Deferred consideration
Minority interests (Note 22)

Goodwill (Note 11)

December
2001
£m

12.5
(7.6)

4.9
26.3
(11.0)
(0.1)
–
(66.9)

(46.8)

May
2001
£m

35.4
(5.6)

29.8
23.4
(6.5)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(70.5)

(24.2)

Main
Gestion de
Aeropuertos
SA
£m

Parc
Aviation
Handling
Ltd
£m

Menzies
World
Cargo
Ltd
£m

Turners
News
£m

0.1
0.3
0.1
(0.5)

–

0.6
0.1
–
–

0.7

0.7

–
0.2
–
(0.1)

0.1

0.5
0.1
–
–

0.6

0.5

0.2
–
–
–

0.2

5.8
0.8
0.5
–

7.1

6.9

–
–
–
–

–

5.1
0.4
–
(5.0)

0.5

0.5

8.6

(22.9)
(2.0)

(24.9)
2.9
(4.5)
–
0.3
3.6

(22.6)

Total
£m

0.3
0.5
0.1
(0.6)

0.3

12.0
1.4
0.5
(5.0)

8.9

On 25th July 2001 the Group acquired a 70% interest in Main Gestion de Aeropuertos SA, Spain. Further performance related payments 
of £0.2m may become payable between the date of the acquisition and August 2002.

On 10th October 2001 the Group acquired Parc Aviation Handling Limited, Dublin. 

On 3rd December 2001 the Group acquired Turners News. Deferred consideration of £0.5m is payable between the date of acquisition 
and December 2006.

On 21st December 2001 the Group acquired the remaining 20% interest in Menzies World Cargo Limited from GlobeGround (UK) Limited. 

Net assets disposed:

Tangible fixed assets 
Stocks
Debtors
Corporation tax
Cash
Creditors
Deferred taxation 

Goodwill previously written off to reserves
Disposal costs
Consideration received:

Cash
Loan notes

Loss on disposal

£m

£m

18.1
25.2
5.7
1.8
3.6
(22.5)
(0.7)

31.2

8.5
2.6

(29.6)

12.7

(26.3)
(3.3)

Additional consideration may be received on a subsequent sale or flotation of the business.

On 21st December the Group sold its 49% interest in GlobeGround (UK) Limited. Consideration received was £5.8m and the investment 
and capitalised goodwill disposed of amounted to £4.4m, generating a gain of £1.4m.

26

Related party transactions
During the period the Group transacted with related parties in the normal course of business and on an arm’s length basis. Details of these
transactions are shown below:

Related party

Dolphin Logistics Ltd
Ogden & Talma Aviation Services of Peru SA
GlobeGround (UK) Ltd
Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA

Group
share-
holding
%

50
50
49
49

Sales to
related
party
£m

0.2
0.6
0.4
0.4

Amounts
owed by
related
party at
29th Dec 
2001
£m

–
0.1
0.1
0.2

Mr W R E Thomson, a director of the Company, is a director of Dolphin Logistics Ltd and has an interest in EG Thomson (Shipping) Ltd 
which owns 50% of Dolphin.

During the period the Group also incurred fees for legal services amounting to £0.2m (May 2001: £0.4m) to Maclay Murray & Spens, 
of which Mr M J Walker, a director of the Company, is a partner. 

27

Subsidiary companies
The principal subsidiaries, Menzies Distribution Ltd, Menzies Group Holdings Ltd, Menzies Aviation Group plc and Menzies Aviation Holdings
Ltd are ultimately wholly owned by the Company and operate mainly in the United Kingdom. The issued share capital of these subsidiaries 
is in the form of equity shares. 

52

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

53

Five Year Summary

Shareholder Information

Turnover
(excluding joint ventures and associates)

Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Operating profit
Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Central services
Pension credit

Continuing operations
Goodwill amortisation
Discontinued operations

Total operating profit
Exceptional items

(Loss)/profit before interest
Interest payable

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Per ordinary share
Dividends
Headline earnings
FRS 3 earnings

*53 week year

8 months to
December
2001
£m

578.8
128.8

707.6
55.9

763.5

16.5
(3.8)

12.7
(4.7)
3.3

11.3
(2.2)
(5.7)

3.4
(22.5)

(19.1)
(2.0)

(21.1)

2001
£m

844.2
137.1

981.3
306.8

12 months to April

2000*
£m

1999
£m

847.5 
67.6 

915.1 
383.0 

814.4 
42.4 

856.8 
422.5 

1998
£m

805.7 
43.0 

848.7 
694.3 

1,288.1

1,298.1

1,279.3

1,543.0

26.3
4.3

30.6
(6.9)
5.0

28.7
(1.7)
22.9

49.9
(34.8)

15.1
–

15.1

30.0 
2.2 

32.2
(7.1)
5.0

30.1
(0.4)
4.2

33.9 
2.0 

35.9
(2.6)

33.3 

30.8 
1.7 

32.5
(6.9)
4.0

29.6
–
1.2

30.8 
(15.2)

15.6 
(2.2)

13.4 

33.1 
0.9 

34.0
(7.4)
2.3

28.9
–
10.2

39.1 
(62.6) 

(23.5)
(5.1)

(28.6) 

12.1p
0.4p
(38.7)p

18.1p
62.8p
2.7p

17.1p
37.9p
48.0p

15.8p
32.3p
13.9p

15.2p
40.0p
(71.4)p

Internet
The Group operates a website which can be found at www.menziesgroup.com. This site is regularly updated to provide information about
the Group and each of its operating divisions. In particular all of the Group’s press releases and announcements can be found on the site
together with copies of the Group’s accounts.

Registrars
Any enquiries concerning your shareholding should be addressed to the Company’s Registrars:
Capita IRG plc, Attn Simon Stafford, Bourne House, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU

Tel: 020 8639 2473 Fax: 020 8639 2487
E-mail: ssd@capitairg.com

The Registrar should be notified promptly of any change in a shareholder’s address.

Share price
The current share price of John Menzies plc ordinary shares can be obtained from the Group’s website and on FT Cityline 
by dialling 0906 843 3339 (calls cost 50p per minute).

Low cost dealing service
The Group has arranged a low cost dealing service for those wishing to buy or sell shares in John Menzies plc. 
To use this service please call 0845 601 0995 and quote ref: LOW C0014.

Alternatively, write to:
Menzies Group Share Dealing Service, Stocktrade, PO Box 1076, 10 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PZ.

Payment of dividends
It is in the interests of shareholders and the Company for dividends to be paid directly into bank or building society accounts. 
Any shareholder who wishes to receive dividends in this way should contact the Company’s Registrar to obtain a dividend 
mandate form.

Dividends are paid as follows:
Ordinary shares
9% Preference shares
8.58% Preference shares

Interim
30th November
1st April
20th June

Final
30th June
1st October
20th December

The final dividend on ordinary shares will be payable to shareholders on the register at 7th June 2002.

Investor relations
For further copies of the Annual Accounts or other investor relations enquiries, please contact:
The Company Secretary, John Menzies plc, 
108 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AA

Tel: 0131 459 8181 Fax: 0131 226 3752
E-mail: cosec@menziesgroup.com

54

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

55

Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers 
to the Directors of John Menzies plc on the pro forma statements

Group Profit and Loss Account

We report on the pro forma statements set out on pages 57 to 60 which have been prepared to enable comparability of accounting periods
following the change in the financial year end. The statements have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute
statutory accounts.

Responsibilities
You have requested us to undertake a review of the basis of preparation of the pro forma statements and to report to you whether, 
in our opinion, the pro forma statements have been properly compiled on the basis stated on page 59. 

It is the responsibility solely of the Directors of John Menzies plc to prepare the pro forma statements in accordance with the basis 
set out in the Note to the proforma statements on page 59.

Basis of opinion
Our work, which involved no independent examination of any of the underlying financial information, consisted primarily of comparing 
the unadjusted financial information with the source documents, considering the nature of the adjustments made to arrive at the pro forma
statements and discussing the pro forma statements with the Directors of John Menzies plc.

Opinion
In our opinion the pro forma statements for the years ended 29th December 2001 and 30th December 2000 have, so far as the calculations
are concerned, been properly compiled on the basis described in the Note to the pro forma statements on page 59.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants
Edinburgh

18th March 2002

Turnover

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Less: share of joint ventures and associates

Group turnover

Group operating profit/(loss)
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Share of operating profit/(loss) in
Joint ventures
Associates (including discontinued)

Total operating profit/(loss)

Gain on disposal of fixed assets
Loss on disposal of businesses

Profit/(loss) on ordinary 

activities before interest

Net interest (payable)/receivable

Profit/(loss) on ordinary 

activities before taxation

Taxation

Profit/(loss) after taxation

Minority interests

Profit/(loss) for the financial period

Dividends (including non-equity)

Retained (loss)/profit for 

the financial period

Earnings per ordinary share
Headline
FRS 3

a

b
b

c

Pro Forma

Pro Forma

52 weeks to 29th December 2001

53 weeks to 30th December 2000

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note b)
£m

Notes

a

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note b)
£m

972.0
389.5

1,361.5
(51.8)

1,309.7

–
–

–
–

–

Total
£m

1,145.3
108.1

1,253.4
(76.6)

1,176.8

Total
£m

972.0
389.5

1,361.5
(51.8)

1,309.7

(3.4)
(3.9)

(0.6)
4.2

(3.7)

–
(11.3)

(15.0)

(2.6)

(17.6)

(2.9)

(20.5)

1.4

(19.1)

(12.0)

27.1
15.8

1.2
4.1

48.2

–
–

48.2

0.4

48.6

(13.9)

34.7

(0.5)

34.2

(11.8)

(8.0)
(5.6)

19.1
10.2

(0.5)
–

(14.1)

11.5
(27.5)

(30.1)

–

(30.1)

5.4

(24.7)

–

(24.7)

0.7
4.1

34.1

11.5
(27.5)

18.1

0.4

18.5

(8.5)

10.0

(0.5)

9.5

–

(11.8)

1,145.3
108.1

1,253.4
(76.6)

1,176.8

13.4
(3.9)

(0.6)
5.0

13.9

–
–

13.9

(2.6)

11.3

(5.3)

6.0

0.4

6.4

(12.0)

–
–

–
–

–

(16.8)
–

–
(0.8)

(17.6)

–
(11.3)

(28.9)

–

(28.9)

2.4

(26.5)

1.0

(25.5)

–

(5.6)

(25.5)

(31.1)

22.4

(24.7)

(2.3)

14.2p

60.0p

(37.5)p

13.8p

56

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

57

Group Balance Sheet

Notes on Pro Forma Accounts

Note

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments

Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Actual

Pro Forma

As at
29th 
December
2001
£m

As at
30th
December
2000
£m

26.6
113.8
55.4

195.8

11.2
137.6
38.8
(174.4)

13.2

20.7
120.2
39.4

180.3

33.5
168.7
96.8
(235.8)

63.2

Total assets less current liabilities

209.0

243.5

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Provision for liabilities and charges

Capital and reserves
Equity share capital
Non-equity share capital

Called up share capital
Reserves

Shareholders’ funds
Minority interests

d

(71.1)
(21.5)

116.4

14.1
21.4

35.5
80.9

116.4
–

116.4

(76.3)
(21.7)

145.5

14.1
21.4

35.5
103.7

139.2
6.3

145.5

Basis of preparation
Following the change in financial year end to 31st December, in addition to the shortened 8 month period, pro forma accounts have been
prepared for the 52 weeks ended 29th December 2001 and the 53 weeks ended 30th December 2000, to provide a better understanding 
of the Group’s performance on an annualised basis.

The unaudited pro forma information has been derived from the Group Annual and Interim Accounts and management accounts. The pro
formas were prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and using accounting policies consistent with those adopted
for the Group Accounts on pages 32 to 53.

a 

Segmental analysis

Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Central services
Pension credit

Continuing operations
Goodwill amortisation
Discontinued operations

b

Exceptional items

Exceptional operating expenses:

Distribution Services
Aviation Services
Aviation Services - associate
Retail restructuring
Discontinued fixed asset impairment

Total exceptional operating expense

Non-operating exceptional items:

Net profit on disposal of fixed assets
Net loss on disposal of businesses

Total non-operating exceptional items

Total exceptional items

Turnover

Pre exceptional operating
profit/(loss)

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001
£m

53 weeks
to 30th
December
2000
£m

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001
£m

53 weeks
to 30th 
December 
2000
£m

900.9 
244.4 

1,145.3 
–
–

1,145.3 
–
108.1 

1,253.4 

867.7 
104.3 

972.0 
–
–

972.0 
–
389.5 

1,361.5 

Notes

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

(vi)
(vii)

26.1 
(2.6)

23.5 
(7.4)
5.0 

21.1 
(3.3)
(3.9)

13.9 

29.1 
3.8 

32.9 
(6.6)
5.0 

31.3 
(1.0)
17.9 

48.2 

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001 
£m

53 weeks
to 30th 
December 
2000 
£m

(2.4)
(14.4)
(0.8)
– 
– 

(17.6)

– 
(11.3)

(11.3)

(28.9)

(7.4)
(1.1)
– 
(2.4)
(3.2)

(14.1)

11.5 
(27.5)

(16.0)

(30.1)

(i)

2001: Rationalisation costs - £0.5m and additional provision in respect of an investment in an internet magazine subscription service - £1.9m.
2000: Cost of restructuring Distribution Services operations comprising asset write downs, property costs and related staff costs - £4.9m.

Provision in respect of the aforementioned internet investment - £2.5m.

(ii) 2001: Costs of rationalising excess capacity, comprising asset write downs, property costs and related staff costs - £9.0m. 

Costs of integrating Ogden Ground Services - £3.6m and costs in respect of an abortive acquisition - £1.8m.

2000: Costs in respect of an abortive acquisition - £0.6m.

Share of London Cargo Centre restructuring costs - £0.5m.

(iii) 2001: Share of the cost of reducing excess capacity at Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA.
(iv) 2000: Cost of restructuring certain of Early Learning Centre’s operations - £2.4m.
(v) 2000: Fixed asset diminution in respect of THE - £3.2m.
(vi) 2000: On 31st January 2000 the Group sold its 37% interest in Funsoft Holding GmbH for a gain of £2.0m.

On 31st March 2000 the Group sold its 36% interest in SUOS BV for a gain of £7.0m, after writing off goodwill of £24.8m
previously charged to reserves.
Gain realised on a fixed asset investment in a subsidiary - £2.5m.

58

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

59

Notes on Pro Forma Accounts (continued)

Principal Business Addresses

b

Exceptional items (continued)
(vii) 2001: On 28th September 2001 Early Learning Centre was sold for £29.6m. The disposal generated a loss of £4.2m before writing off

John Menzies plc

goodwill of £8.5m previously charged to reserves.
On 21st December 2001 the Group, in selling its 49% interest in GlobeGround (UK) Limited for £5.8m, generated a gain of £1.4m.
2000: On 2nd May 2000 the Group sold a 20% interest in its UK air cargo subsidiaries to GlobeGround GmbH. The disposal generated 

a gain of £0.3m after writing off goodwill of £1.7m previously charged to reserves.
On 11th August 2000 THE was sold at a loss of £26.4m, after writing off goodwill of £12.5m previously charged to reserves.
Redundancy and other costs on the closure of THE Games - £1.4m.

c

Earnings per share

Operating profit
add back: goodwill amortisation
Exceptional items
Interest

Profit/(loss) before taxation
Taxation
Minority interests
Preference dividends

Earnings for the period

Earnings per ordinary share (pence)

Headline
FRS3

Headline

Post exceptional items

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001 
£m

53 weeks
to 30th
December
2000 
£m

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001 
£m

53 weeks
to 30th
December
2000 
£m

13.9 
3.3
– 
(2.6)

14.6 
(5.3)
0.4 
(1.8)

7.9 

48.2 
1.0
– 
0.4 

49.6 
(13.9)
(0.5)
(1.8)

33.4 

13.9 
–
(28.9)
(2.6)

(17.6)
(2.9)
1.4 
(1.8)

(20.9)

48.2 
–
(30.1)
0.4 

18.5 
(8.5)
(0.5)
(1.8)

7.7 

14.2 

60.0 

(37.5)

13.8 

Menzies Distribution

Menzies Aviation 

Principal Advisors

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Corporate Financial Advisers
and Joint Brokers
Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein

Joint Brokers
Bell Lawrie White

108 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AA
Tel +44 (0) 131 225 8555 Fax +44 (0) 131 226 3752
E-mail: cosec@menziesgroup.com

2 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9DJ
Tel +44 (0) 131 467 8070 Fax +44 (0) 131 469 4797

5 The Enterprise Centre, Kelvin Lane, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9PT
Tel +44 (0) 1293 583 300 Fax +44 (0) 1293 526 478

Erskine House, 68 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF

20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3P 3DB

48 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5TS

Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions)

Weighted average (excluding employee share trusts)

55.750

55.688

d

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

(Loss)/profit for the financial period
Goodwill previously written off to reserves
Dividends: ordinary shares

preference shares

New share capital issued
Currency translation

Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders’ funds
Shareholders funds’ at beginning of period

Shareholders funds’ at end of period

e

Analysis of net debt

Cash at bank and in hand (net of bank overdrafts)
Bank loans due within one year
Loan stock due within one year
Finance leases due within one year
Debt due after one year

Net (debt)/cash

60

Menzies Group Annual Report 2001

As at 29th
December
2001
£m

As at 30th 
December
2000
£m

(19.1)
8.5 
(10.2)
(1.8)
0.1 
(0.3)

(22.8)
139.2 

116.4 

9.5 
39.0
(10.0)
(1.8)
0.1 
0.8 

37.6 
101.6

139.2

As at 29th
December
2001
£m

As at 30th 
December
2000
£m

31.2 
(11.0)
(0.1)
– 
(66.9)

(46.8)

96.8 
(6.3)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(69.8)

20.3 

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