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John Menzies plc

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FY2002 Annual Report · John Menzies plc
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www.menziesgroup.com

John Menzies plc

108 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 3AA Scotland UK

T: + 44 131 225 8555 F: + 44 131 226 3752

Company No. 34970

E-mail: ir@menziesgroup.com

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>> 24 hours a day 365 days a year

Annual Report 2002

 
 
 
Menzies Distribution

Menzies Aviation

San Francisco
Menzies Aviation piloted its all-employee
Behavioural Risk Improvement
programme to improve still further 
the quality of its service for customers.

Sheffield
Acquisition of Turners News
contributed well above
expectation during the year. 

Prague 
Menzies Aviation’s Eastern
European locations continued
to perform well and offer
excellent growth opportunities.

Beijing
Menzies Aviation made its first
entry into mainland China in
December 2002 with a freight
forwarding joint venture.

Inverness
From this branch some of
Scotland’s most rural areas
receive newspapers and
magazines 364 days per year.

Lima
Working with local partners 
can bring benefits as evidenced
by our highly successful joint
venture in Peru.

Contents

Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive’s Review
Menzies Distribution

2
5
9
10 Menzies Aviation
Financial Review
16
20 Board of Directors
22 Corporate Information 
26 Report on Directors’ Remuneration
31 Directors’ Shareholdings

Independent Auditors’ Report

32 Directors’ Responsibilities
33
34 Group Profit and Loss Account
35 Group and Company Balance Sheets
36 Group Cash Flow Statement
37 Notes on Accounts
Five Year Summary
58
Shareholder Information
59
Pro Forma Financial Statements
60

Amsterdam
The acquisition of Fr8 in
September gave Menzies 
Aviation a significant presence 
at one of Europe’s key cargo hubs.

Sydney
The acquisition of Jardine
Aviation Services Australia
was a key step in expanding
our Australasian network.

London
Menzies Distribution’s fourth
‘Super Branch’ will open early next
year completing the rationalisation 
of ten of its UK branches into four.

Edinburgh
Menzies Distribution’s network 
of 28 branches, servicing over
21,000 customers, is controlled
from its Edinburgh headquarters.

Belfast
From two branches Menzies
Distribution provides the whole 
of Northern Ireland with its 
Sunday news deliveries.

Rio de Janeiro
Menzies Aviation has a strong 
presence in Latin America 
with 38 stations in the region.

Cancun
Menzies Aviation’s ground 
handling service helped 
thousands of holidaymakers 
enjoy the Mexican Caribbean.

THROUGH THE FIRST CLASS SERVICE PROVISION
OFFERED BY ITS TWO OPERATING DIVISIONS
MENZIES GROUP IS A WORLD CLASS SUPPORT
SERVICES GROUP…

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

1

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

I AM DELIGHTED WITH THE GROUP’S
PERFORMANCE – THE BENEFITS 
OF THE STRATEGIC RESTRUCTURE
ARE NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE.

WILLIAM THOMSON CHAIRMAN

58 planes, 
32 footballers 
and 1 king

Menzies Execair handled 58 executive 

jets in 24 hours at Glasgow Airport on 

the night of the Champions League 

final in May 2002.

Results and Dividend
This has been a challenging but rewarding
year for the Group, with operating profits from
our continuing businesses increasing by over
37%. In addition, capital investment totalling
over £34m included the completion of Menzies
Distribution’s investment in its Scottish branch
network, Menzies Aviation’s acquisition of Fr8
(making Menzies the largest independent
cargo handler in the Netherlands), and
ground-breaking IT development in MAG’s
cargo systems. 

The news and magazine distribution industry
operates in a dynamic environment which
demands proactive management in its
relationships with both publishers and retailers.
This year it has also had to contend with one
of the Office of Fair Trading’s periodic reviews.
Menzies Distribution’s response to this is
to continue to improve, to innovate, and to
develop. We believe this demonstrates our
resilience and reliability, setting the standard 
in this field and underpinning the UK’s claim 
to have the most effective wholesale news
distribution system in the world.

The aviation market is recovering from the
traumas of 2001, and although it currently
faces considerable global uncertainty the
growth prospects remain strong. There have
been high profile changes in the market, with
some major airlines struggling and others
seizing opportunities to expand based on 
a fundamentally different business strategy. 

This fits closely with Menzies Aviation’s
strategy of offering quality mixed with the
flexibility and investment needed to provide
the services which our customers rightly
demand. We have established a secure
foundation in the marketplace, and with the
management structure now in place intend 
to capitalise on this base, whether by organic
growth or acquisition.

Your Board is recommending a final dividend
of 12.6p per share. This maintains our full year
dividend at 18.1p.

Board
Gavin Reed retired as Chairman at our 
Annual General Meeting in May last year
having reached the age of 67, and I would 
like to pay tribute to his term of leadership
during a time of considerable change.

David Mackay takes well-earned retirement
after our AGM in May this year. His 39 years
with the Group have seen him rise from trainee
to Chief Executive. He has been a powerful
force for change and has made an outstanding
contribution to the Group, both in his twelve
years as Managing Director of Menzies
Distribution and six as Chief Executive. He 
has been the most loyal and committed of
colleagues and we will wish him well in what 
I am sure will be a productive retirement.

Patrick Macdonald joined us in January, 
and will take over from David after our AGM 

in May as part of a carefully planned handover
process. I have every confidence that he
will play a significant part in taking the Group
forward while continuing to assert the positive
values long established within the Group. 

He will be ably supported by Paul Dollman, who
joined us in October as Group Finance Director
replacing Martyn Smith, who played a key role
in achieving our current strong position.

Prospects
The Group’s strategy of expansion in aviation
alongside the long established strength of 
our distribution business is beginning to show
positive results. Our aviation business has
tremendous potential, and is taking advantage
of the changes and emerging opportunities in
its sector. Both businesses have started the
year in line with our expectations, and overall 
I believe that the Group has a strong future.

And finally, I am delighted that our work in
maintaining close contact with our investors
has been recognised when we were presented
this month with the UK PLC Award 2002 for
best investor communication.

William Thomson
Chairman

2

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

218 million magazines 
are delivered to over
21,000 customers 
every year

A strong performance in the Celebrity 

sector helped increase magazine 

sales by 4.5% (lfl) during 2002.

WE HAVE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED
THE STRENGTH OF OUR BUSINESS
MODEL AND STRATEGY IN 
DIFFICULT MARKETS.

DAVID MACKAY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Chief Executive’s Review
In my final year with the Group I am delighted
to report a strong set of results with good
contributions from both Distribution and Aviation.
This is particularly pleasing in light of the difficult
economic conditions that have prevailed.

Distribution has performed ahead of
expectations and delivered impressive profit
growth. Last year’s cover price increases, several
strong magazine sector performances, the
successful integration of Turners News and
the equally successful opening of Newbridge
and Linwood branches in Scotland have all
played their part. 

Aviation has recovered strongly, turning a first
half loss into a full year profit of £3.7m. This
represents an improvement of £6.3m against
the comparative 12 month period and has
been achieved despite a prolonged general
downturn within the aviation industry. Aviation’s
improvement has been driven by vigorous
action from the management team and 
a combination of new starts, acquisitions 
and strategic exits.

Results Summary
All 2001 comparatives are 12 month pro
forma numbers owing to the change of
financial year end to December during 2001.

Turnover from continuing operations increased
by 4.5% to £1,196.5m. Distribution was 6.5%
higher at £959.6m with the combined effect 
of the Turners acquisition and cover price
increases more than offsetting the revenue
impact of tabloid price wars. Aviation was
£7.5m lower at £236.9m as a result of exits
from loss making businesses such as our
German operation and GlobeGround UK (our
ground handling joint venture with Lufthansa).

Group operating profits from continuing
operations increased substantially, up by
37.4% to £29.0m. Distribution profits were
10.0% higher at £28.7m. Aviation made an
operating profit of £3.7m against a loss of
£2.6m last year. The improvement in Aviation’s
operating results over the last three half year
periods demonstrates the encouraging and
ongoing recovery in the Division since
September 11th, 2001:

6 months to December 2001:  £(3.9)m

6 months to June 2002:

£(0.6)m

6 months to December 2002: £4.3m

Headline profit before tax was £25.9m, £11.3m
ahead of last year, with Headline earnings per
share of 32.9p increasing by 18.7p.

Clearly, like most other companies operating 
a defined benefit pension scheme, we are not
immune from falling equity valuations and we
are currently reviewing the need to recommence
cash contributions later in the year. We have
also decided to introduce a defined contribution
scheme for new employees with effect from
April 2003.

Further details of pensions, financial
performance and cash flow are given 
within the Financial Review.

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 5

19 Heralds, 
7 Daily Records 
and 1 Horse & Hound

Menzies Distribution supports 

rural communities – here delivering

newspapers to the Colintraive Village 

Hall before using the local ferry to 

deliver to customers on the Isle of Bute.

Over 2,000 pallets 
of newspapers and
magazines processed 
for immediate delivery 
every day

Menzies Distribution supplies newspapers 

and magazines into the City of London 

helping commuters keep abreast 

of current events.

DURING AN EVENTFUL YEAR 
FOR THE INDUSTRY, MENZIES
DISTRIBUTION HAS AGAIN
DELIVERED AN EXCELLENT RESULT.

IAIN CALLAGHAN MANAGING DIRECTOR MENZIES DISTRIBUTION

The planned restructuring of the Division’s
Central Scotland operation with the opening 
of new branches at Newbridge and Linwood
was completed on time and on budget. The
last remaining branch (East London) in the
programme to consolidate ten branches 
into four major units remains on track for
completion in Spring 2004. The planned
customer service improvements and
operational efficiencies have been achieved.

In December the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
announced the results of its review of the
Industry Code of Practice for the supply of
newspapers. We are supportive of the OFT’s
proposals on the rights of retailers to sell-on
titles to other retailers and we shall be working
closely with all sides of the industry to ensure
that the UK network remains the best and
most progressive in the world.

Menzies Distribution

Turnover

2002
£m

959.6

Operating profit

28.7 

2001
£m

900.9

26.1

Menzies Distribution has had another
successful year driven by cover price
increases, encouraging magazine sales, a
strong first year contribution from the Turners
business and operational benefits from the
Scottish branch restructuring programme.

Sales were up by 6.5%, with newspapers up
3.7% and magazines by 9.7%. Newspaper
revenues would have been higher but for the
tabloid price war. Stickers were over £2.0m
higher, benefiting from strong World Cup sales
in the first half, whilst low margin phone-card
revenues were also up by £2.4m. 

Operating profit was 10.0% up as the 
benefits of increased turnover were once
again augmented by strong control of costs,
operational benefits from the completed
Scottish branch rationalisation programme
and a full year’s contribution from the 
Turners acquisition which performed 
ahead of our expectations.

MENZIES DISTRIBUTION

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 9

206 bmibaby flights, 
22,660 passengers 
and 25,750 bags 
every week

Menzies Aviation continues to push 

the boundaries of traditional ground 

handling with the launch of “KISS”, a 

ground handling service specifically 

tailored to low cost airlines.

IN 2002 MENZIES AVIATION
ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF 
THE WORLD’S LEADING INDEPENDENT
PROVIDERS OF SERVICES TO THE
AVIATION MARKETPLACE.

PETER SMITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE MENZIES AVIATION

MAG has successfully completed a number 
of acquisitions. In September it acquired Fr8,
the largest independent cargo handler in the
Netherlands which handles circa 375,000
tonnes per annum. MAG also purchased
Wyng, a small UK cargo business, in May and
continued to develop its Australian business
with the purchase in September of Jardine
Airport Services Australia (JASA), a ground
handling company. Investment has also been
made in technology; in particular, in “Hermes”,
a leading edge cargo management system
that has been successfully implemented in our
Heathrow cargo terminals and is now being
rolled out elsewhere. This system is a real
service differentiator and provides a fundamental
platform for the future success and profitable
growth of our world-wide cargo network.

In terms of overall trading, there have been
strong performances from operations within
Asia Pacific, UK support services, parts of
Latin America and most of Europe. North
America passenger traffic and UK cargo 
have remained relatively depressed, in line 
with general economic conditions. Rising
insurance costs have been tightly controlled
and currency risks hedged where appropriate.

The geographic and business spread 
of MAG’s business is:

4

3

Geography

1

2

1 United Kingdom 41%
2 Rest of Europe 25% 
3 Americas 24%
4 Asia Pacific 10%

3

Sector

1

2

1 Passenger and Ramp 51%
2 Cargo Handling 41% 
3 Support Services 8%

Source: MAG 12 months turnover 
to 28th December 2002 – excluding 
exited businesses

MENZIES AVIATION

Menzies Aviation Group

2002
£m

2001
£m

Turnover

236.9

244.4

Operating profit/(loss)

3.7

(2.6)

H2 H1 H2 H1
2002  2002 2001 2001
£m

£m

£m

£m

Turnover

125.5 111.4 121.4 123.0

Operating profit/(loss) 4.3 (0.6)

(3.9) 1.3

Menzies Aviation Group (MAG) turned a loss 
of £2.6m last year into a £3.7m profit in 2002
– a creditable performance in extremely difficult
circumstances. The turnaround is testament 
to the measures taken during 2001 and 2002
to optimise the Division’s cost structure. MAG
has continued the trend reported within our
Interim Report, delivering positive progress 
in every month since March 2002.

During the year MAG has taken a proactive
approach in dealing with loss making business
units. Germany, Korea and Mecanix have been
exited (MAG’s operating profit of £3.7m includes
£0.6m of losses in respect of these businesses)
and Amsterdam, a loss maker acquired from
Ogden, has been returned to profitability. 

10

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW (continued)

4.8 million newspapers 
sorted and delivered 
every day from 
28 branches

Distribution continue to apply 

IT solutions to the supply chain. 

“Pack by Light” initiative will be 

rolled out throughout the branch 

network in 2003.

United Kingdom
Turnover from continuing UK operations was
8% higher than 2001 as a result of acquisition
(Wyng) and organic growth. Connect (baggage
and passenger/employee transfer) commenced
two new contracts at Heathrow and Execair
(executive aviation service) added four new
stations bringing the network total to 14.
Cargo traffic to and from the UK remained
relatively sluggish throughout the year and
volumes were broadly in line with the trends
reported by BAA. Towards the end of the year,
MAG successfully launched an innovative
passenger and ramp handling service geared
towards the low cost airlines.

Rest of Europe
Within Europe there were strong growth
performances from the Czech Republic,
Romania and our core activities at Amsterdam
which made its first profit since acquisition.
This was particularly pleasing compared to a
loss of over £1.0m in 2001. The Netherlands
also benefited from an initial contribution from
Fr8. Italy was profitable (before exceptional 

costs and tax). However, increasing competitive
pressures and a complex airport tariff structure
at Rome has led us to sell our share of the
business, at around book value, to the majority
shareholder after the year end. We continue 
to maintain our small presence in Spain in
readiness for forthcoming licence tenders.

North America was loss making with revenues
down some 11% as airline schedules remained
at depressed levels and cargo tonnages
tracked the trends in the US and world
economies. Until geopolitical and economic
prospects pick up the focus will be one 
of continued cost reduction. 

Asia Pacific
MAG’s Asia Pacific revenues grew by 16%.
Most of the growth came from Australia with 
a significant increase in cargo tonnes and 
the commencement of passenger and ramp
operations following the acquisition of JASA.
MAG’s associate venture in Macau continues
to operate profitably and has indirectly led 
to MAG’s first venture within mainland China, 
a small freight forwarding joint venture with
local partners. 

Americas
As a region, the Americas continue to suffer
most from the after effects of September 
11th 2001. 

Latin America and the Caribbean remained
profitable even though revenues were down
some 7% as a result of a poor holiday season
early in the year, a general scale back in
operations by US airlines and adverse
economic conditions in countries such as
Brazil and Venezuela. All countries, with the
exception of Mexico (which returned a small
loss), returned a positive result. There were
significant contract wins for our Mexican
operation in the last quarter of the year.

AS A GROUP WE ARE NOW 
VERY FOCUSED WITH TWO
COMPLEMENTARY BUSINESSES.
BOTH DO SIMPLE THINGS VERY
EFFICIENTLY AND OPERATE IN A TIME
CRITICAL LOGISTICS ENVIRONMENT.

People
I would like to take this opportunity to 
record my sincere gratitude to the very many
employees who have contributed so much,
often in testing circumstances, to deliver the
strategic path along which the company is
now set. For my part it has been a great
pleasure to work with so many committed 
and capable individuals and I wish them all 
the very best in what I firmly believe will be 
a prosperous future.

Outlook
I have been with the Menzies Group for almost
forty years, the last six as Chief Executive. Over
that time there have been many changes, 
of both people and plans. I am absolutely
convinced that our strategy has positioned the
Group effectively to deliver sustained benefits
for customers, shareholders and employees.

Distribution remains a strong and successful
operation led, I believe, by the best management
team in the industry. We have clear evidence,
particularly in the second half of 2002, that
Aviation is well placed in the sector to expand
the strong position we have achieved. 

As a Group, Menzies is now very focused,
with two complementary businesses. Both do
simple things very efficiently; operate in a time
critical logistics environment; rely on people as
their core asset; use technology very effectively;
and both are leading players in their sectors. 

Whilst the world remains an uncertain place,
Distribution is a reliable cash generative
business and there is huge potential to be
unlocked in Aviation. Menzies has a positive
future and I am proud to have participated in
creating it. Our new Executive Management
team is in place and, with Patrick Macdonald
and Paul Dollman alongside talented and
experienced Divisional teams, I have no 
doubt that Menzies’ future is in strong hands.
The emerging options are encouraging and
should provide a real agenda of opportunity.
We can look forward with confidence.

David Mackay
Chief Executive

12

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

13

1.2 million kilos 
of tulips, roses 
and other blooms
every week

As the leading independent cargo 

handler at Schiphol Airport, Menzies 

Aviation handles many consignments 

of flowers each week all destined for 

the Amsterdam flower market.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Overview
The trading results are summarised as follows:

BOTH OF OUR DIVISIONS MADE
GOOD PROGRESS DURING THE
YEAR AS THE GROUP DELIVERED
PROFITS AHEAD OF EXPECTATIONS.

PAUL DOLLMAN GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

+40% Menzies Group 

Despite difficult market conditions for both 

of our businesses continuing Group Headline

Profit Before Tax was up 40% to £25.9m.

Actual

Pro Forma
12 Months to  12 Months to 
December
2001
£m 

December
2002
£m

Turnover 
Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Total continuing

Operating profit
Distribution Services
Aviation Services

Total continuing

Central costs
Pension credit
Interest

Headline PBT * (continuing) 

Headline Earnings per share 

959.6
236.9

900.9
244.4

1,196.5

1,145.3

28.7
3.7

32.4

(7.0)
3.6
(3.1)

25.9

32.9p 

26.1
(2.6) 

23.5

(7.4)
5.0
(2.6)

18.5

14.2p

% Change

6.5 
(3.1)

4.5

10.0
++

37.9

5.4
(28.0)
(19.2)

40.0

*Headline PBT is defined as profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items.

Menzies Distribution performed very well
during 2002 showing an increase in operating
profit of 10% to £28.7m. Menzies Aviation also
performed well with a £6.3m improvement 
in the year from a loss of £2.6m to a profit of
£3.7m. Central costs of £7.0m reduced by 5.4%
from the previous year. Headline earnings per
share increased substantially from 14.2p to 32.9p
as a result of the increase in headline earnings
and a reduced effective tax rate of 21.6%.

Shareholders’ funds were £115.4m at
December 2002 compared with £116.4m at
December 2001. Principal movements were
post-exceptional profit for the year of £17.7m
offset by a taxation charge of £5.6m and
dividends of £12.1m combined with an
increase in share capital of £1.8m offset 
by currency reserve movements of £2.7m. 

The Group generated an operating cashflow of
£22.9m. Disposal of businesses, share issues
and redemption of loan notes raised a further
£10.9m. Some £34.6m was re-invested in the
business whilst dividend and tax payments
accounted for £15.4m. Net debt increased
from £46.8m to £58.2m.

In common with many companies, the financial
condition of the Company’s defined benefit
scheme is affected by the substantial world-
wide decline in the value of equities. This will
have an impact on the Group’s reported profits
for 2003. The SSAP 24 profit and loss account
credit for 2002 of £3.6m is currently estimated
to be replaced by a £1.2m pension charge 
for 2003.

Interest
The net interest charge is analysed as follows:

Actual
12 Months to
December 
2002
£m

Pro Forma
12 Months to
December 
2001
£m

Bonds
US dollar term loan
Cash/overdrafts
Joint ventures/
associates

Net interest charge

2.6
1.1
(0.5)

(0.1)

3.1

2.6
2.3
(2.3)

–

2.6

Goodwill
The increased goodwill charge for the year 
of £3.5m results from the acquisition of
Turners News in December 2001 and £10.2m
capitalised on the Aviation Services acquisitions
during 2002. Goodwill is being amortised on 
a straight line basis over 20 years.

Exceptional Items
During the year the Group incurred £4.7m 
of exceptional costs. £4.0m were in respect
of Aviation Services. Rationalising continuing
operations accounted for £1.7m, comprising
mainly property and related staff costs,
including £1.0m to cover redundancies in our
Italian associate. Exiting Aviation Services
operations in Korea, Germany and Mecanix 
(a vehicle repair and maintenance facility 
at Heathrow) resulted in non-operating
exceptional costs of £2.3m.

The remaining £0.7m related to the Group’s
THE Games business, which was discontinued
in February 2001.

In October 2002 the European Commission
concluded their investigation into the alleged
restriction of cross-border trading in Nintendo
product. A fine of c8.64m (£5.6m) was imposed
on the Group in respect of the period from
August 1995 to December 1997. The Group
was the exclusive distributor of such product 

in the UK and the Republic of Ireland at the
relevant time but exited from this business 
in February 2001. 

In December 2002 Nintendo agreed to settle
a legal action raised against them by the Group
in the amount of c7.5m (£4.9m). These amounts
were paid in February 2003. 

Taxation
The tax rate on Headline earnings for the year
was 21.6%, which is analysed as:

Tax due at UK rate
Non tax-deductible items
Unrelieved overseas losses
Overseas rate impact
Utilisation of tax losses
Adjustments in respect 
of prior periods

Headline tax rate

%

30.0
3.6
6.2
1.5
(5.0)

(14.7)

21.6

The tax rate on Headline earnings has been
materially reduced by the realisation of both
carry forward overseas tax losses and the
resolution of prior period matters with the
Inland Revenue. The overall rate was 31.6%
as neither the exceptional items of £4.7m 
nor goodwill amortisation of £3.5m attract 
tax relief. Tax paid during the year was £3.7m.
Payments are expected to increase slightly
for the 12 months to December 2003.

The Group adopted FRS 19 ‘Deferred tax’
during the year. This standard requires full
provision for deferred tax in respect of timing
differences that have originated but not reversed
by the balance sheet date. As a result of 
the restructuring programme over the last 
few years the Group was fully provided for
deferred tax at December 2001 and no prior
year adjustment to restate opening reserves
on the adoption of the new standard was
therefore required.

Earnings per Share
Headline earnings per share increased to
32.9p from 14.2p in the pro forma comparative
12 months to December 2001 whilst the fully
diluted FRS 3 earnings per share increased to
18.2p from a loss per share of 37.5p.

Cash Flow

Actual
12 months to
December 
2002
£m

£m

Pro Forma
12 months to
December 
2001
£m

£m 

(30.7)
2.0

(14.0)
1.5

Headline 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
Net interest paid
Preference dividends paid
Tax paid

Free cash flow
– continuing
– discontinued
Loan notes redeemed
Equity dividends paid
Acquisitions
Disposals
Shares 

Total movement 

Opening (net debt)/cash

Currency movement

Closing net debt

25.5
14.0
1.5
(3.6)
(5.3)
(4.9)
(4.3)

22.9

(12.5)

4.6
(3.5)
(1.8)
(3.7)

6.0
–
3.3
(9.9)
(22.1)
5.8
1.8

(15.1)

(46.8)

3.7

(58.2)

17.8
13.3
1.2
(5.0)
18.2
(11.8)
(4.2)

29.5

(28.7)

4.7
(3.9)
(1.8)
(6.5)

(6.7)
(55.0)
–
(10.1)
(16.7)
21.0
0.1

(67.4)

20.3

0.3

(46.8)

16

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

17

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

+10% Menzies Distribution 

A strong performance by the 

magazine sector helped Distribution 

increase profits by 10% during 2002.

+£6.3M Menzies Aviation 

Delivered a profit turnaround 

with a £2.6m loss in 2001 being 

turned into a profit of £3.7m in 2002.

Working Capital
Working Capital movement is analysed 
as follows:

Actual
12 months to
December 
2002
£m

Pro Forma
12 months to
December
2001
£m

0.4
0.4
(6.1)

(5.3)

(3.8)
11.1
10.9

18.2

Stocks
Debtors
Creditors

The net cash outflow in the current period 
is mainly the settlement of trade and other
creditors in the acquired businesses.

The net cash inflow in the comparative period
was mainly due to improved debtor collection
within the Ogden business acquired in
November 2000 combined with a large inflow
from Distribution creditors as a result of
different year end dates in 2000 and 2001.

Fixed Assets 
Purchases of fixed assets totalled:

Plant &
Equip-
Property ment
£m

£m

Total
£m

5.0
8.9
0.1

4.0
7.2
0.1

11.3

14.0

Distribution Services
Aviation Services
Central

1.0
1.7
–

2.7

Pensions
The Group accounted for pension costs
during the year under SSAP 24 and will
continue to do so for 2003. Additional detailed
disclosures required in the second year of the
transitional arrangements under FRS 17 are
given in Note 4. These disclosures show a net
FRS 17 deficit, after deferred tax, of £31.4m.
The deficit has arisen primarily as a result of
the turbulence in the stock market and low
interest rates, combined with a lowering of
price inflation expectations.

Most defined benefit pension funds have
deteriorated over the last few years, and
particularly over the last few months, as 
equity markets have declined world-wide. 
The financial position of the Company remains
sensitive to the financial position of its main
defined benefit pension fund. In the short-term
this market deterioration will adversely affect
the results of the Company. The longer term
impact depends on market related factors 
and is more difficult to assess. 

For many years the surplus in the fund 
has allowed the Company to take a
contributions holiday. In the absence of this
surplus the cash cost of the UK pension
scheme would have been some £4m 
per year. The recommencement of cash
contributions to cover the regular cost is
currently being assessed.

During the year Distribution Services completed
the planned restructuring of its Central Scotland
operation with the opening of new branches at
Newbridge and Linwood.

Aviation Services capital expenditure included
some £2m on developing Hermes, a new
cargo management system that will strongly
differentiate Aviation’s cargo activities from
those of its competitors. In addition some £1m
of new coaches were purchased to service the
growing Connect business at Heathrow. 

Acquisitions
The Group invested some £14m in further
acquisitions within Aviation Services during the
year. This included the acquisition of Fr8 BV,
the largest independent cargo operation at
Amsterdam airport, in September for £10.7m.

The acquisition expenditure shown in the table
includes £5.1m, paid in January 2002, to settle
the consideration on the December 2001
acquisition of the remaining 20% interest in
Menzies World Cargo Ltd from GlobeGround
(UK) Ltd.

Disposals
Disposal proceeds include the receipt in
January 2002 of the £5.8m consideration 
for the sale of the Group’s 49% interest in
GlobeGround (UK) Ltd in December 2001. 
Net disposal proceeds of £0.4m from the sale
of Mecanix were offset by £0.4m of costs on
exiting Aviation Services in Germany. Since 
the year end the Group has sold its 49%
interest in Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA 
for c8.6m (£5.9m).

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 are shown in the table below.

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.

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director

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 year, 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 £54.1m of 

unutilised committed facilities, which mature
by December 2007. The £20.0m 8.58%
cumulative redeemable preference shares 
are due for redemption in June 2003.

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%. Foreign currency bank borrowings
totalling £74.3m are at rates ranging from
1.735% to 5.46% and mature within the 
next 12 months. Other borrowings and 
cash deposits are at variable rates.

Foreign exchange exposures: the Group’s
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 12% 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 
12 months to 
December 
2002

1.502

1.592

Year end
December
2002

1.602

1.539

Average for
12 months to
December
2001

1.434

1.603

Year end
December
2001

1.448 

1.642

US$

Euro

18

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

19

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William Thomson *§ (62) 

David Mackay § (59)

Patrick Macdonald (40) 

Paul Dollman (46) 

was appointed Chairman in
May 2002, and has been a non-
executive director since 1987. 
He is Chairman of E G Thomson
(Holdings) Ltd and British Assets
Trust plc, and a director of Fidelity
Japanese Values plc and
Dobbies Garden Centres plc.

was appointed Chief Executive 
in 1997, having joined the Board
as Wholesale Managing Director
in 1984 and the Group in 1964.
He will retire from the Board in
May 2003. He is also a director
of The Malcolm Group plc.

was appointed to the Board on
1st January 2003, and will take 
on the role of Chief Executive
following David Mackay’s
retirement. Previously with 
GE Capital as Vice President
responsible for global sourcing, 
he has also held senior positions
with The Boston Consulting
Group and Unilever.

was appointed as Group Finance
Director on 1st October 2002. 
A chartered accountant, he was
Finance Director for William Grant
& Sons Ltd, and has also held
senior financial positions with
Inveresk PLC, Maddox Group 
plc and Clydesdale Retail Group. 

Iain Callaghan (55) 

Peter Smith (58) 

Dermot Jenkinson *+#§ (48) 

Ian Harrison *+# (46) 

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

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.

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, and
is Chairman of the Wren Press.

was appointed a non-executive
director in 1987 and is Chairman
of the Remuneration Committee.
He is a director of Record
Currency Management Limited.

Charles Ramsay *+# (66) 

Michael Walker *+#§ (50) 

David Coltman *# (60) 

Adair Anderson (56)

was appointed a non-executive
director in 1990. He is Chairman
of Cockburns of Leith Ltd.

was appointed a non-executive
director in 1995 and is Chairman
of the Audit Committee. He is
Chairman of solicitors Maclay
Murray & Spens and is also a
director of Securities Trust of
Scotland plc, Murray VCT 2 
plc and Murray VCT 3 plc.

was appointed a non-executive
director in 2001, and is also non-
executive Chairman of Menzies
Aviation Group. He has held
various senior positions with
airlines in the UK and with 
United Airlines in Chicago, 
and is Chairman of Edinburgh
Worldwide Investment Trust plc.  

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

Non-executive

*
+ Member of Audit Committee
# Member of Remuneration Committee
§ Member of Nominations Committee

20

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

THE FINANCIAL REPORT 
THIS YEAR REFLECTS 
THE COMPLETION OF THE
STRATEGIC RESTRUCTURING
OF THE GROUP OVER THE
PAST FIVE YEARS. 

>>

Financial Report

Independent Auditors’ Report

22 Corporate Information 
26 Report on Directors’ Remuneration
31 Directors’ Shareholdings
32 Directors’ Responsibilities
33
34 Group Profit and Loss Account
35 Group and Company Balance Sheets
36 Group Cash Flow Statement
37 Notes on Accounts
Five Year Summary
58
Shareholder Information
59
Pro Forma Financial Statements
60

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Directors
The names of the directors at the date of this report are listed on page 20. In addition, Mr G B Reed retired on 2nd May 2002 and Mr M R Smith
resigned on 10th September 2002. Mr P B Dollman was appointed as a director on 1st October 2002 and Mr P J Macdonald on 1st January 2003.

The directors who retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting are Mr W R E Thomson, Mr I M Callaghan and Mr P S Smith who, being eligible,
offer themselves for re-election. Mr Macdonald and Mr Dollman, who have been appointed since the previous Annual General Meeting, retire and
offer themselves for election.

Each of the above directors has a service contract, as set out on page 27, with the exception of Mr Thomson who, as a non-executive director,
does not have a service contract.

Substantial Shareholdings
In addition to the directors’ interests, the Company has been notified of the following interests of 3% or more in its issued ordinary share capital at
17th March 2003:

D C Thomson & Co. Limited

Mr J M Menzies

Mr D F Ramsay

Mrs S J Speke

Mrs K P Slater

Number of
Shares

4,990,000

4,189,650

2,639,878

2,039,920

1,981,552

Percentage of
Issued Capital

8.74

7.34

4.62

3.57

3.47

policies prior to approval by the Board.
Furthermore, it keeps under review the
independence of the external auditors and 
the nature and extent of the non-audit
services which they provide. 

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.

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 six 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 as the Chairman, who 
is non-executive, fulfils this role, it has decided
not to do so at this time. This matter will be part
of a review of any alterations to the Combined
Code resulting from the Higgs Report. 

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 with written
terms of reference 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 Thomson 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 30 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 Harrison and
meets at least twice 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 four non-executive directors,
chaired by Mr Walker, 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, approves the fees for each,
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 

22

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 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 and 
up to the date of signing this report.

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. Annual 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. 

Principal Activities
The principal activities of the Group are the
wholesale distribution of newspapers and
magazines and the provision of cargo and
ground handling services at airports.

A review of the development of the business 
is contained in the Chief Executive’s Review
and the Financial Review on pages 5 to 19.

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
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, and to give full consideration to
the employment of disabled people. 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’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. 

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 its number of creditor days
outstanding at the year end was nil.

Donations
The Group made no political donations during
the year. Donations to various charitable,
community and arts organisations totalling
£137,000 were made during the year.

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 
to be held on 9th May 2003.

Auditors
Following the conversion of our auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers to a Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP) from 1st January 2003,
PricewaterhouseCoopers resigned on 31st
January 2003 and the directors appointed 
its successor, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, as auditors. A resolution to reappoint
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors 
to the Company and authorising the Board 
to set their remuneration will be proposed 
at the Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

C A Anderson
Secretary
17th March 2003

Controls over waste for unsold newspapers
and magazines are closely linked to the need
to reduce operating costs by matching so far
as possible supply with demand. By providing
quality information quickly to the publishers,
and by developing sophisticated demand
tracking systems, Menzies Distribution
continually seeks to minimise the levels of
surplus copy consistent with maintaining 
full availability of product so far as possible 
at all times within the 21,000 retail outlets
served by the Group. Menzies Distribution
manages the collection and consolidation of
unsold newspapers from retailers for recycling.
Unsold magazines, with their high grade
paper, are likewise collected, cleansed,
consolidated and delivered to recycling plants,
in an initiative commended by the Institute of
Logistics and Transport. Some 50,000 tonnes
of magazines and periodicals and 65,000
tonnes of newspapers are recycled from
Menzies customers each year.

There are thus clear business drivers which
closely align the key environmental impacts 
of the Group with control of costs, whether in
energy usage or in waste from unsold product. 

Corporate Social Responsibility 
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) factors 
play an increasing role in the attitudes of
investors, government and customers towards
businesses. Indeed, a considered approach 
to CSR is an underlying factor in any
determination to provide quality services.
However, while the directors consider that this
overall approach is prevalent throughout the
Group, they have retained the Responsible
Corporation Ltd, independent specialists 
in this field, to review this and to help them 
to maintain a reasonable and balanced CSR
profile reflecting the nature of its business.
Responsible Corporation has therefore worked
with the Group to benchmark its CSR position,
to understand its key risks and to assist it in
formulating an appropriate action plan, and
has endorsed the following comments:

Summary
The Group has in place, or is intending to
implement in the near future, appropriate
policies to cover its key CSR risks. Its
management structure and senior managers’
responsibilities naturally cover CSR factors 
as part of the Group’s determination to 
provide quality service. Its current targets
include the completion and alignment of
Group and Divisional policy frameworks, 
and their progressive implementation 
within Menzies Aviation. It expects to 
make substantial progress in this in 2003.

The continuing priority given to appropriate
cost management ensures that the business
and environmental drivers work in the same
direction. The Group’s UK CO2 emissions
cannot be considered as having a high
environmental impact, and the Group has 
also taken a leading role in the recycling 
of unsold newspapers and magazines.

Key CSR Factors
Given the nature of the Group’s business, there
are three main areas which it needs to ensure
are covered by CSR policies since they relate
to risks to reputation and consequently to
revenues. Other policies are of secondary
importance relatively for the Group at this stage.

The Group’s position on these key areas 
is as follows:

Health and Safety
Menzies Distribution has suitable policies in
place, together with systems for implementation
and feedback, supplemented by training and
awareness at all staff levels. 

Because of its rapid growth both organically
and through a series of acquisitions of
companies in diverse geographical locations
and with their own national and company
cultures, Menzies Aviation’s formal policies
and procedures are in process of being 
unified and will be issued throughout the
business during 2003. Menzies Aviation
recognises that implementation through 
the alignment of current working practices 
to best practice is critical, and in addition 
to a general drive to improve Health and
Safety standards in all stations is running pilot
Behavioural Risk Improvement schemes with
a view to more general adoption and particularly
in some parts of the USA and Europe.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Policies are being developed for issue and
implementation during 2003. 

Environment
The key environmental impacts of the Group
are through energy usage, principally fuel and
electricity consumption, in addition to waste
from returned unsold copies of newspapers
and magazines specific to Menzies Distribution.

Estimates of CO2 emissions indicate that 
the Menzies Group cannot be considered 
as having a high environmental impact. Other
environmental impacts within the Group are
low due to the nature of the business. As 
the normal budgetary controls and business
efficiency targets act to constrain and
progressively improve the environmental
impact of the Company’s operations, there 
is no added value in maintaining derived 
CO2 emissions targets. 

The need to reduce CO2 emissions is
addressed by optimising delivery schedules 
in order to keep costs down to a minimum.
Delivery schedule optimisation is a key
business driver for Menzies Aviation’s trucking
and coaching services, and particularly for 
Menzies Distribution, which has grasped 
the initiative in this area as evidenced by the
award received last year from The European
Institute of Transport Management. 

24

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 25

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee determines the
remuneration of the executive directors on
behalf of the Board and shareholders. It has
formal Terms of Reference set by the Board,
and its members are all non-executive
directors as identified on page 20 under the
chairmanship of Mr Harrison. The Company
Secretary is secretary of the Committee.

Prior to his appointment as Chairman in May
2002, Mr Thomson was also a member of the
Committee, which was chaired by Mr Reed
until his retirement at that time.

The Chairman of the Committee accounts to
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting
for the decisions of the Committee.

The Chief Executive attends meetings as
appropriate, as does Mr J S Warnock, Director
of Group Personnel, who has been appointed
by the Committee to provide information to
assist it in its deliberations. 

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

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.

Basic Salary and Benefits
The Group’s policy for the current and future
years is that directors’ salaries should be
maintained at competitive levels for comparable
positions, and that additional reward for success
be built in to the remuneration package
through incentives designed to share with
directors any increasing profitability of the
Group and increased wealth generated for
shareholders. The principal benefits-in-kind 
are the provision of a car (or car allowance)
and private medical and health insurance. 

Performance Related Bonuses
The executive directors participate in a bonus
scheme which is linked to the achievement 
of financial performance targets set by the
Remuneration Committee at the start of each
financial year. The maximum potential payment
is limited to 50% of basic salary for the Chief
Executive and to 40% for the other executive
directors. Bonus payments are subject to 
the approval of the Committee and are non-
pensionable. The bonus noted on page 28 
for Mr Dollman includes £50,000 payable in
March 2003 as part of his recruitment.

Share Options
Share options are granted to each executive
director normally on an annual basis at a level
of one times salary. All grants are discretionary,
and awards may be varied depending on
specific circumstances. Mr Dollman, who 
was appointed a director on 1st October
2002, was granted options at three times
salary, reflecting market conditions at the 
time of his recruitment.

Prior to September 2000, share options 
were not subject to any performance hurdle.
Given the Group’s shareholding profile, it was
considered that the interests of directors and
shareholders were already adequately aligned.
The Group does not grant ‘super options’. 

Options granted since the adoption of the
current share option scheme in September
2000 have been subject to a performance
hurdle and lapse if this is not achieved. 
The Committee considers that any
performance hurdles should be kept as 
simple as possible, and should be closely
aligned to shareholder interest, and that
currently the use of an earnings per share 
ratio to determine performance best meets
these combined requirements.

All options granted in November 2000 were
subject to the condition that the growth in 
the Group’s published headline earnings per
share for the three years to April 2003 be at
least equal to 6% over the rise in the Retail
Price Index for that period. All other options
granted since November 2000 require the
Group to exceed the three-year growth target
approved by the Board in February 2002.

In addition the Group operates a savings-
related share option scheme which all UK
employees, including executive directors, 
are entitled to join. Under this scheme, options
are granted over the Company’s shares at 
a discount of 20% from the prevailing market
price at the time of grant to eligible employees
to a value based on savings of up to £250 
per month over three years.

Service Contracts
Each of the executive directors has a service
contract with the Company, the dates of which
are listed in the table of remuneration on page 28.
These are rolling contracts, terminable by the
Company on two years’ notice for Mr Mackay
and Mr Callaghan. Following a subsequent
review by the Committee, the Group’s policy
on notice periods was changed to an initial
period of two years, reducing thereafter to 12
months’ notice, with any termination payment
restricted to the actual loss incurred by the
director up to the maximum period stated. 
Mr P S Smith, Mr Dollman and Mr Macdonald
each have service contracts on this basis. The
service contracts for Mr Mackay, who retires 
in May 2003, and for Mr Callaghan provide
for payment of two years’ salary, the latter
also restricted to an actual loss basis. 

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.

Performance Graph
The following graph compares the Company’s
total shareholder return for the five years to
December 2002 with the equivalent performance
of the FTSE SmallCap Index. It should be noted
when reviewing the comparison that, during this
period, the Group has successfully completed 
a fundamental strategic change, from a mixed 

retail/wholesale operation to one focused on
growth in the aviation services market based
on a powerful newspaper and magazine
distribution operation. It has also moved from
the FTSE 250 Retail sector to the SmallCap
Support Services sector. These changes
reduce the viability of a comparison other than
with a general index. The directors consider
that the most appropriate index to use for
comparison is the FTSE SmallCap Index.

Non-executive Directors
The remuneration of the Chairman and the
non-executive directors is determined by the
Board on the recommendation of the Chief
Executive 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. The directors
involved do not have service contracts, 
their terms and conditions being determined
by the Board on election or re-election by
shareholders, and do not participate in any of
the Group’s bonus, share or pension schemes.
Each director’s date of re-election is shown on
the table of remuneration on page 28.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
The Company maintains liability insurance for
the directors and officers of the Company and
its subsidiaries.

The sections of this Report on pages 28 to 30
have been audited.

150

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

John Menzies plc

FTSE SmallCap Index

26

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 27

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ emoluments for the year to 28th December 2002 (8 months to 29th December 2001) are:

Name
(Date of service contract or re-election)

Salary/fees
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Car
allowance
£’000

W R E Thomson (8.9.00)

D J Mackay (5.5.93)

P B Dollman (8.8.02)

I M Callaghan (13.12.96)

P S Smith (1.12.99)

D J Jenkinson (7.9.01)

I C L Harrison (2.5.02)

C A Ramsay (7.9.01)

M J Walker (2.5.02)

D A Coltman (7.9.01)

G B Reed (8.9.00)

M R Smith (12.3.99)

82

362

56

238

195

23

26

23

26

43

33

161 

–

185

73

98

80

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

9

7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Benefits
£’000

–

15

1

4

7

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

Total
December
2002
£’000

Total
December
2001
(8 months)
£’000

82

562

133

349

289

23

26

23

26

43

33

168

1,757

30

240

–

157

135

15

15

15

15

28

67

153 

870

Notes:
(1) Mr Dollman’s earnings cover the period from 1st October 2002, and Mr Reed’s and Mr M R Smith’s to 1st May and 

10th September 2002 respectively.

(2) Mr Walker’s fees are paid to Maclay Murray & Spens.

(3) Mr M R Smith purchased his company car for the net book value of £6,000 compared with the market value of £9,500.

Share options

Name

D J Mackay

P B Dollman

I M Callaghan

P S Smith

M R Smith

(left 10.9.02)

Granted
during
year

Exercised
during
year (b)

At 28th
December
2002 or date
of cessation

Exercise
price
(pence)

Date
exerciseable
from

At 29th
December
2001

25,000
25,000
30,000
123,000
3,186*
18,549
225,563
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,680*

–
–

205,166
2,680*

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
3,186*
25,000
40,897
–
–

84,224
2,549*
25,000
641*
47,619

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
67,458
2,680*

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
55,891
2,680*

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
3,186
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
3,186
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
3,186
–
–
–
–

–

2,549(f)

–
641(f)
–

25,000
25,000
30,000
123,000
–
18,549
225,563(d)
2,680*

205,166(e)
2,680*

15,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
70,300
–
25,000
54,331(d)
67,458(e)
2,680*

10,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
15,000
10,000
–
25,000
40,897(d)
55,891(e)
2,680*

84,224
–
25,000
–

47,619(d)

501
520
461
492
304
391
399
275

329
275

653
501
520
461
492
304
391
399
331
275

596
520
461
404
492
348
304
391
399
331
275

407
304
391
302
399

Expiry
date

26.2.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
6.4.08

27.1.10
19.11.10
1.6.06

7.11.12
1.6.06

24.2.04
26.2.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
6.4.08

27.1.10
19.11.10
9.4.12
1.6.06

15.10.05
28.2.06
20.2.07
9.10.07
6.4.08
17.2.09

27.1.10
19.11.10
9.4.12
1.6.06

9.9.03

27.2.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
7.4.01

28.1.03
20.11.03
1.11.05

8.11.05
1.11.05

25.2.97
27.2.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
7.4.01

28.1.03
20.11.03
10.4.05
1.11.05

16.10.98
1.3.99
21.2.00
10.10.00
7.4.01
18.2.02

28.1.03
20.11.03
10.4.05
1.11.05

10.9.02

10.9.02

9.9.03

10.9.02

9.9.03

Notes:
(a) All the above options were issued under the executive share option scheme at nil cost with the exception of those items marked * which 

have been issued under the Group’s savings-related share option scheme.

(b) The market price on the day of exercise of options was 343.5p. The shares purchased were retained by each of the directors involved.

(c) The market price for shares in John Menzies plc ranged from 321p to 351.5p during the year, and was 327.5p at 28th December 2002.

(d) These options are subject to the performance condition that growth in Headline Earnings per Share for the three years to 30th April 2003 

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

(e) These options require the Group to exceed the three-year growth target approved by the Board in February 2002, failing which the 

options will lapse. 

(f) These options lapsed during the year to 28th December 2002. 

28

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 29

REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (continued)

DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDINGS

The interests, all ordinary shares, of the directors in the share capital of the Company at 28th December 2002 and 29th December 2001 were as follows:

W R E Thomson

D J Mackay

P B Dollman

I M Callaghan

P S Smith

D J Jenkinson

I C L Harrison

C A Ramsay

M J Walker

D A Coltman

G B Reed

M R Smith

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Non-beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

Beneficial

2002

4,000

27,837

–

10,194

16,501

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

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

1,712,600
759,286

1,000

7,000

–

–

2001

2,000

24,651

–

6,884

13,315

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

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

1,712,600
759,286

1,000

–

8,650

3,000

* Joint beneficial interests 

There have been no subsequent changes to these interests as at 17th March 2003.

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 P S Smith and Mr Dollman 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. Mr M R Smith, who left on 10th September 2002, enjoyed the same terms to the date on
which he left service.

Pension details are as follows:

Accrued pension

Transfer value

Total
entitlement at
28th December
2002
£’000

Increase 
year
£’000

28th December
2002
£’000

29th December
2001
£’000

26

2

10

7

6

216

2

133

30

10

4,109

11

1,754

515

80

3,336

Nil

1,825

388

164

Age

59

46

55

58

47

Increase
excluding
members’
contributions
£’000

755

8

(82)

118

(10) 

Director

D J Mackay

P B Dollman

I M Callaghan

P S Smith

M R Smith (Note 4)

Notes:

(1) Transfer values represent the value of assets which the pension scheme would need to transfer to another pension provider on transferring the
scheme’s liability in respect of the directors’ pension benefits. They do not represent sums payable to individual directors and therefore cannot 
be added meaningfully to annual remuneration.

(2) Transfer values have been calculated in accordance with ‘Retirement Benefit Schemes (GN 11)’ published by the Institute of Actuaries and the

Faculty of Actuaries. This methodology determines the values attributable to the deferred pensions for younger members by reference mainly to
the UK All Share Index and for members nearing normal retirement date mainly to Gilt indices over 15 years. The movements in the transfer values
shown above are therefore strongly influenced by the movements in these indices. At the year-end the UK All Share Index showed a significant
reduction whereas the Gilt indices over 15 years had strengthened in relation to their 1st January 2002 values. 

(3) The pension benefits disclosed above include unfunded benefits. Unfunded transfer values at 28th December 2002 totalled £148,000.

(4) The decrease in Mr M R Smith’s accrued pension reflects the difference in benefits between 29th December 2001 and 10th September 2002.

Thereafter, his unapproved benefits were transferred out on payment of £85,000 (less tax) to him by the Company. 

Annual General Meeting
This Report will be tabled for consideration by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 9th May 2003.

By order of the Board

C A Anderson
Secretary
17th March 2003

30

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 31

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.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
in respect of the preparation of accounts

The directors are required by law to prepare
accounts for each financial year 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 year and of the profit and 
cash flows of the Group for the financial 
year 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.

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 28th December 2002
and of the profit and cash flows of the
group for the year then ended

• The financial statements have been

properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 1985 and 

• Those parts of the directors’ remuneration
report required by Part 3 of Schedule 7A 
to the Companies Act 1985 have been
properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 1985.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered
Auditors
Edinburgh
17th March 2003

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
to the members of John Menzies plc

We have audited the financial statements
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. We have also
audited the disclosures required by Part 3 
of Schedule 7A to the Companies Act 1985
contained in the directors’ remuneration 
report (‘the auditable part’). 

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. 
The directors are also responsible for
preparing the directors’ remuneration report.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial
statements and the auditable part of the
directors’ remuneration report in accordance
with relevant legal and regulatory requirements
and United Kingdom auditing standards issued
by the Auditing Practices Board. This report,
including the opinion, has been prepared for
and only for the company’s members as 
a body in accordance with Section 235 
of the Companies Act 1985 and for no other
purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion,
accept or assume responsibility for any other
purpose or to any other person to whom this
report is shown or into whose hands it may
come save where expressly agreed by our
prior consent in writing.

We report to you our opinion as to whether 
the financial statements give a true and fair
view and whether the financial statements 
and the auditable part of the directors’
remuneration report have been 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 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.
The other information comprises only the
corporate information, the unaudited part 
of the directors’ report on remuneration, the
chairman’s statement, the chief executive’s
review and the financial review. 

We review whether the corporate governance
statement reflects the company’s compliance
with the seven provisions of the Combined
Code specified for our review by the Listing
Rules of the Financial Services Authority, 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 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 and the auditable part of the
directors’ remuneration report. 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 and the auditable part of the

directors’ remuneration report 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. 

32

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 33

GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
for the 52 weeks ended 28th December 2002 (34 weeks ended 29th December 2001)

GROUP AND COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS
as at 28th December 2002 (29th December 2001)

12 months to December 2002

8 months to December 2001

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note 5)
£m

Notes

2

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note 5)
£m

Notes

£m

Group

December
2002
£m

34.6 
116.1 

Company

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

£m

26.6 
113.8 

– 
4.8 

–  
4.9 

Turnover

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operation 

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)

Loss on disposal of businesses

2

5

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest

Net interest payable

7

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation

Profit/(loss) after taxation

Minority interests

Profit/(loss) for the financial period

Dividends (including non-equity)

8

22

9

Retained profit/(loss) for the financial period

Earnings per ordinary share

10

Headline

FRS 3

Headline/FRS 3 diluted

1,196.5 
– 

1,196.5 

(13.7)
(50.0)

1,132.8 

3

(1,112.0)

20.8 
– 

20.8 

– 
4.7 

25.5 

– 

25.5 

(3.1)

22.4 

(5.6)

16.8 

(0.1)

16.7 

(12.1)

4.6 

32.9p 

32.9p 

STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
for the 52 weeks ended 28th December 2002 (34 weeks ended 29th December 2001)

Profit/(loss) for the financial period 
Currency translation 

Total recognised gains/(losses) for the financial period

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(1.4)

(0.7)
(0.7)

(1.4)

– 
(1.0)

(2.4)

(2.3)

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

Total
£m

1,196.5 
– 

1,196.5 

(13.7)
(50.0)

1,132.8

760.0 
55.9 

815.9 

(9.5)
(42.9)

763.5 

(1,113.4)

(762.8)

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 

20.1 
(0.7)

19.4 

– 
3.7 

23.1 

(2.3)

20.8 

(3.1)

17.7 

(5.6)

12.1 

(0.1)

12.0 

(12.1)

(0.1)

18.2p 
18.2p 

December
2002
£m

12.0 
(2.7)

9.3 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(10.4)

(10.4)
– 

(10.4)

– 
(0.8)

(11.2)

(11.3)

(22.5)

– 

(22.5)

1.9 

(20.6)

1.0 

(19.6)

– 

(19.6)

Total
£m

760.0 
55.9 

815.9 

(9.5)
(42.9)

763.5 

(773.2)

(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

December
2001
£m

(20.4)
(0.3)

(20.7)

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

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans and overdrafts

Other

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after 

more than one year

Loans and other borrowings

Other

Provisions 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

11
12
13

14
14
16

16
15

16
15

19
19

20
21
21
21

20

23
22

8.9 
4.1 
(3.5)
0.6 

10.2 
3.2 
(2.2)
0.6 

10.1 
32.0 
3.6 
– 

45.7 

196.4 

10.8 
48.6 
96.7 
55.7 

211.8 

(22.3)
(153.0)

36.5 

232.9 

(91.5)
(2.8)

(12.9)
(10.2)

115.5 

14.3 
5.6 
73.5 
0.6 

94.0 
21.4 

115.4 
0.1 

115.5 

–
–
–
–

– 
– 
– 
98.6 

98.6 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
3.3 
95.6 

98.9 

11.8 
36.7 
6.9 
– 

55.4 

195.8 

103.4 

103.8 

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 

– 
42.5 
130.0 
2.6 

175.1 

(15.7)
(86.0)

73.4 

– 
42.5 
95.3 
1.6 

139.4 

(10.5)
(85.0)

43.9 

176.8 

147.7 

(91.5)
– 

(66.8)
– 

0.3 
– 

85.6 

14.3 
5.6 
42.7 
1.6 

64.2 
21.4 

85.6 
– 

85.6 

– 
– 

80.9 

14.1 
4.0 
39.8 
1.6 

59.5 
21.4 

80.9 
– 

80.9 

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 17th March 2003 and signed on its behalf by:

David Mackay, Chief Executive

Paul Dollman, Group Finance Director

34

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 35

GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the 52 weeks ended 28th December 2002 (34 weeks ended 29th December 2001)

Notes

£m

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

£m

Net cash inflow from continuing operations

Net cash outflow from discontinued operations

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

24a

Dividends from joint ventures and associates 

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Interest received

Interest paid

Preference dividends paid

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

Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment

Acquisitions and disposals

Investment in joint ventures and associates

Purchase of subsidiaries

Net (overdrafts)/cash acquired with subsidiaries

25

Disposal of associate

Disposal of subsidiaries

Net cash disposed of with subsidiaries

Net cash (outflow)/inflow 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

Loan notes redeemed

Finance leases

Increase in loans

Net cash inflow from financing

Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period

24b,c

7.2 
(10.2)

(3.0)

3.3 

(4.3)

(4.3)

22.9 
– 

22.9 

4.6 

(5.3)

(3.7)

2.2 
(4.7)
(1.8)

(21.7)
0.9 

(12.5)

(20.8)

(0.2)
(7.3)
0.1 
– 
24.6 
(3.6)

(2.9)

– 
– 
(0.3)
0.9 

13.6 

(7.1)

(2.9)

(25.5)

0.6 

(24.9)

(16.3)

(9.9)

(16.9)

(37.1)

37.6 

0.5 

1.3 
(4.8)
(1.8)

(14.0)
1.5 

(0.2)
(21.5)
(0.4)
5.8 
–
–

(16.9)

1.8 
3.3 
– 
32.5 

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.

Foreign currency contracts are accounted for
as hedges and matched with the accounting
treatment of the relevant hedged item.

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.

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. 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
– over 50 years.

Short leasehold properties
– over the remaining lease term.

Plant and equipment
– over the estimated life of the asset.

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

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
The Group has adopted FRS 19 ‘Deferred
Tax’. Under FRS 19, deferred tax is provided 
in full on all timing differences which result in
an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay
more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future
date, at rates expected to apply when they
crystallise. Timing differences arise from the
inclusion of items of income and expenditure 
in taxation computations in periods different from
those in which they are included in accounts.
Deferred tax is not provided on unremitted
earnings of subsidiaries, joint ventures and
associates where there is no commitment 
to remit these earnings. Deferred tax assets
are recognised to the extent that it is regarded
as more likely than not that they will be
recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are not discounted.

The adoption of FRS 19 has not resulted 
in prior year adjustment or restatement of
previously reported figures.

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.

36

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 37

2

Segmental analysis

3

Net operating costs

Turnover

Pre-exceptional operating
profit/(loss)

Net assets

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

959.6 
236.9 

1,196.5 

– 
– 

1,196.5 
– 
– 

1,196.5 

1,053.2 
62.9 
57.5 
22.9 

1,196.5 

– 

1,196.5 

8.6 
14.1 

5.1 
35.9 

63.7 
– 

63.7 

22.9 
25.9 
4.9 
10.0 

63.7 

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 

6.0 
9.6 

3.5 
33.3 

52.4 
– 

52.4 

20.6 
21.7 
3.5 
6.6 

52.4 

28.7 
3.7 

32.4 

(7.0)
3.6 

29.0 
(3.5)
– 

25.5 

21.1 
2.3 
(0.6)
2.7 

25.5 

– 

25.5 

(0.2)
0.1 

0.6 
6.2 

6.7 
(2.0)

4.7 

(0.2)
0.9 
0.3 
3.7 

4.7 

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 

– 
– 

0.4 
3.8 

4.2 
(1.5)

2.7 

(0.4)
0.3 
0.1 
2.7 

2.7 

30.2 
137.0 

167.2 

– 
48.6 

215.8 
– 
– 

215.8 

(58.2)
(42.1)

115.5 

122.9 
26.1 
29.3 
37.5 

215.8 

– 

215.8 

0.7 
0.8 

9.4 
31.1 

42.0 
– 

42.0 

1.7 
5.7 
9.2 
25.4 

42.0 

31.5 
123.2 

154.7 

– 
45.0 

199.7 
– 
– 

199.7 

(46.8)
(36.5)

116.4 

112.2 
16.3 
29.9 
41.3 

199.7 

– 

199.7 

0.9 
0.8 

10.9 
35.9 

48.5 
– 

48.5 

1.9 
6.9 
10.7 
29.0 

48.5 

By class of business
Distribution Services

Aviation Services

Central services

Pension credit/prepayment

Continuing operations

Goodwill amortisation

Discontinued operation

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 operation – 

United Kingdom

Joint Ventures and Associates 

included above

Distribution Services

Joint ventures

Associates

Aviation Services

Joint ventures

Associates

Goodwill amortisation

Joint Ventures and Associates 

by geographical origin

United Kingdom

Continental Europe

Americas

Rest of the World

Turnover by geographical origin and destination do not materially differ.

Goodwill amortisation is attributable to Distribution Services – £0.4m (2001: nil) and Aviation Services – £3.1m (2001: £2.2m).

Discontinued operations comprise Early Learning Centre (sold in September 2001).

Due to the timing of the acquisitions their contribution during the year was not material.

Continuing Discontinued
£m

£m

12 months to
December
2002
£m

Continuing
£m

Discontinued
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£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

During the period PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

earned the following fees:

Statutory UK audit

Overseas audit

Due diligence work:

– United Kingdom

– Rest of the World

885.3 
48.7 
162.5 
1.5 
14.0 
0.7 

1,112.7 

6.7 
18.5 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.7 

0.7 

– 
– 

885.3 
48.7 
162.5 
1.5 
14.0 
1.4 

1,113.4 

6.7 
18.5 

0.3 
0.2 

0.1 
0.1 

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

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 

595.5 
45.2 
110.4 
0.7 
11.0 
10.4 

773.2 

3.8 
20.1 

0.3 
0.2 

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 operation

The numbers above include 4,424 full time equivalent persons employed outside the UK (December 2001: 4,180).

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

150.3 
14.5 

164.8 
(2.3)

162.5 

103.2 
9.4 

112.6 
(2.2)

110.4 

12 months to
December
2002
number

8 months to
December
2001
number

4,037  
5,874  
59  

9,970 
– 

9,970 

3,867 
5,661 
65 

9,593 
1,170 

10,763 

38

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 39

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, 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

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

2.8 
(3.7)
(2.7)

(3.6)
1.3 

(2.3)

2.6 
(1.9)
(4.0)

(3.3)
1.1 

(2.2)

In respect of the Menzies Pension Fund, the Actuary prepared a valuation update as at 31st December 2001 when the market value of the scheme’s
assets was £156.0m. The actuarial value represented 166% of the value of the benefits that had accrued to members, yielding a surplus of £61.8m.
The next actuarial valuation will be prepared as at April 2004. 

Interest on the balance sheet prepayment is calculated using a market related rate of investment return of 8.25%. 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:

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. 

%

8.25 
3.0 
3.25 
2.5 

FRS 17 disclosures
The Actuary also undertook an actuarial valuation of the Menzies Pension Fund as at 31st December 2002 (2001: 29th December) 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

2002
%

2.75
3.25
2.25
5.50

2001
%

3.25 
3.25 
2.75 
5.75 

Net pension asset
The assets in the scheme and the expected rates of return as at 31st December 2002 were as follows:

Long term
rate of return
%

Value at
December
2002
£m

Long term
rate of return
%

Value at
December
2001
£m

Equities

Bonds
Cash

Total market value of assets

Present value of scheme liabilities

(Deficit)/surplus in scheme

Related deferred tax asset/(liability)

Net pension (liability)/asset

8.5
6.0
3.0

9.5
5.8
3.0

99.6 
19.7 
0.6 

119.9 
(164.7)

(44.8)
13.4 

(31.4)

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

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

115.5 
(65.4)

50.1 

73.5 
(65.4)

8.1 

134.4 
21.7 
2.2 

158.3 
(148.2)

10.1 
(3.0)

7.1 

£m

116.4 
(24.4)

92.0 

73.6 
(24.4)

49.2 

40

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 41

4

Employees (continued)

5

Exceptional items

FRS 17 disclosures
Had the Group adopted FRS 17 early, profit and loss reserves would have been adjusted as follows:

Amounts charged to profit and loss account

Current service cost

Past service costs

Total amount charged to profit and loss account

Amounts included as other finance costs

Expected return on pension scheme assets

Interest on pension liabilities

Net financial return

Amounts recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses

Actual return less expected return on assets

Experience losses on liabilities

Impact of changes in assumptions relating to the present value of scheme liabilities

Actuarial loss

Movement in the surplus/(deficit) during the year

Surplus in the Fund brought forward

Current service cost

Contributions

Past service costs

Net financial return

Actuarial loss

Deficit in the Fund carried forward

2002
£m

4.9 
– 

4.9 

£m

12.6 
(8.5)

4.1 

£m

(46.0)
(4.7)
(3.4)

(54.1)

£m

10.1 
(4.9)
– 
– 
4.1 
(54.1)

(44.8)

Movement in FRS 17 surplus/(deficit)
The increase in the net pension liability calculated under FRS 17 is principally attributable to a reduction in the market value of assets, a reduction 
in long-term AA bond yields used to discount future liabilities and a lowering of price inflation expectations.

The Fund’s assets principally comprise equities and these have been subject to significant fluctuations. During the year the FTSE-All-Share Index
used as a benchmark for the Fund’s equity investment assets fell by 25% from 2,524 to 1,894. 

FRS 17 five year history

The following disclosures will be built up over time as a five year history

Difference between actual and expected return on scheme assets

Experience losses on scheme liabilities

Amount recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses

% of scheme
assets/liabilities

38%

3%

33%

2002
£m

(46.0)
(4.7)
(54.1)

Exceptional operating expenses:
Aviation Services

Distribution Services 

Discontinued operation

Aviation Services – associate

Total exceptional operating expenses

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

Total non-operating exceptional items

Total exceptional items

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

Notes

a
b
c

d

e

(0.7)
– 
(0.7)

(1.4)
(1.0)

(2.4)

(2.3)

(2.3)

(4.7)

(9.0)
(1.4)
– 

(10.4)
(0.8)

(11.2)

(11.3)

(11.3)

(22.5)

(a) Cost of rationalising excess capacity, comprising asset write downs, property costs and related staff costs.

(b) Rationalisation costs – £0.5m and additional provision in respect of an investment in an internet magazine subscription service – £0.9m. 

(c) On 30th October the Group was fined d8.64m (£5.6m) by the European Commission for restriction of cross-border trading in Nintendo products. 

In December 2002 Nintendo agreed to settle a legal action raised against them by the Group in the amount of d7.5m (£4.9m). 

These amounts were paid in February 2003.

(d) The Group’s share of the cost of reducing excess capacity in Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA.

(e) 2002: On 28th February the Group sold Mecanix, a vehicle repair and maintenance facility at Heathrow, at a loss of £0.2m.

On 31st March the Group closed its Aviation Services operation in Korea at a cost of £1.0m.

On 1st April the Group sold its Aviation Services operation in Germany at a loss of £1.1m.

2001: On 28th September 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. 

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

6

Directors

A detailed analysis of Directors’ remuneration, together with shareholdings and options, is provided on pages 26 to 31.

42

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 43

7

Interest

8

Taxation (continued)

Receivable:

Bank deposits

Share of associates 

Payable:

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Net interest payable

8

Taxation

(a) Analysis of charge in period

Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the period

Overseas tax

Adjustments to prior periods’ liabilities

Share of joint ventures

Share of associates

Total current tax

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences

Adjustments to prior periods’ liabilities

Total deferred tax

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

(1.4)
(0.1)

(1.5)

4.6 

3.1 

(1.9)
– 

(1.9)

3.9 

2.0 

(c) Factors that may affect future tax charges
No provision has been made for deferred tax on the sale of properties where potentially taxable gains have been rolled over into replacement assets.
Such tax would become payable only if the properties were sold without it being possible to claim rollover relief, or the Group’s existing capital losses
could not be utilised. The total amount unprovided for is £1.6m. At present it is not envisaged that any tax will become payable in the foreseeable future.

Some of the Group’s overseas operations, particularly in the Netherlands, Hong Kong and Germany, have generated tax losses in the past, the future
utilisation of which is uncertain. The Group has therefore not recognised a deferred tax asset of £17.3m (2001: £13.4m) in respect of tax losses of
overseas companies.

No deferred tax asset has been provided in respect of capital losses within the Group. There are no current and binding contracts to sell any of the
Group’s assets and no sales are anticipated in the foreseeable future. The recoverability of these losses is therefore uncertain and as such, has 
not been provided in the accounts. The amount at 30% which may be recovered against future capital gains is £8.5m (2001: £8.5m).

No deferred tax is recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. As the earnings are continually
reinvested, no tax is expected to be payable on them in the foreseeable future.

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

9

Dividends

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

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

Dividends on non-equity shares:
Preference shares

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

4.5 
1.2 
(3.8)
0.2
1.6 

3.7 

1.9 
– 

1.9 

5.6 

(1.6)
1.0 
– 
0.2 
0.9 

0.5 

(0.1)
0.1 

– 

0.5 

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

3.1 
7.2 

1.8 

12.1 

3.1 
3.7 

1.2 

8.0 

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

The tax charge for the period is lower (2001: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%). The differences are explained below:

(b) Factors affecting tax charge for the period

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%)

Effects of:

Permanent differences (principally goodwill amortisation and exceptional items)

Capital allowances in excess of depreciation and other timing differences

Pension prepayment

Utilisation of tax losses

Adjustments to prior periods’ liabilities

Unrelieved overseas losses

Higher tax rates on overseas earnings

Current tax charge for period

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

17.7

5.3 

3.4 
(0.8)
(1.1)
(1.3)
(3.8)
1.6 
0.4 

3.7 

(21.1)

(6.3) 

5.7 
1.0 
(1.0)
(0.7)
– 
2.1 
(0.3) 

0.5 

44

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 45

10

Earnings per share

12

Tangible fixed assets

Group

Short
lease-

Plant
and
hold equipment
£m
£m

18.4 
– 
1.2 
13.9 
(1.0)
0.5 

33.0 

4.5 
1.9 
0.3 
0.7 
(0.6)
– 

6.8 

91.1 
6.3 
11.6 
1.8 
(18.6)
(2.0)

90.2 

39.7 
11.4 
0.3 
– 
(16.5)
(0.6)

34.3 

Long
lease-
hold
£m

14.4 
– 
– 
(13.9)
– 
– 

0.5 

0.8 
– 
– 
(0.7)
– 
– 

0.1 

Free-
hold
£m

37.8 
– 
1.5 
(1.8)
(0.2)
(0.1)

37.2 

2.9 
0.7 
– 
– 
– 
– 

3.6 

Total
£m

161.7 
6.3 
14.3 
– 
(19.8)
(1.6)

160.9 

47.9 
14.0 
0.6 
– 
(17.1)
(0.6)

44.8 

33.6 

34.9 

0.4 

13.6 

26.2 

13.9 

55.9 

51.4 

116.1 

113.8 

Company

Long
lease-
hold
£m

Short
lease-
hold
£m

Free-
hold
£m

5.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

5.6 

0.9 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1.0 

4.6 

4.7 

0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

0.1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

0.1 

0.1 

0.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

0.3 

0.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

0.2 

0.1 

0.1 

Total
£m

6.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

6.0 

1.1 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1.2 

4.8 

4.9 

Cost
At 29th December 2001

Acquisitions

Additions

Transfers

Disposals

Currency translation 

At 28th December 2002

Depreciation
At 29th December 2001

Charge for the period

Accelerated write down

Transfers

Disposals

Currency translation 

At 28th December 2002

Net book value
At 28th December 2002

At 29th December 2001

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

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

25.5 
3.5 
– 
(3.1)

25.9 
(5.6)
(0.1)
(1.8)

18.4 

32.9 
32.9 

3.4 
2.2 
– 
(2.0)

3.6 
(2.4)
0.2 
(1.2)

0.2 

0.4
0.4

55.903
55.941

55.761
55.780

25.5 
– 
(4.7)
(3.1)

17.7 
(5.6)
(0.1)
(1.8)

10.2 

3.4 
– 
(22.5)
(2.0)

(21.1)
(0.5)
1.2 
(1.2)

(21.6)

18.2 
18.2 

(38.7)
(38.7)

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 potentially dilutive i.e. where the exercise price is less than the
average market price of the shares during the period.

11

Intangible assets – goodwill

Cost
At 29th December 2001

Acquisitions (Note 25)

Currency translation

At 28th December 2002

Amortisation
At 29th December 2001
Charge for the period

At 28th December 2002

Net book value
At 28th December 2002

At 29th December 2001

Joint
ventures
£m

Associates
£m

Subsidiaries
£m

10.8 
– 
(0.8)

10.0 

0.6 
0.5 

1.1 

8.9 

10.2 

31.3
– 
(2.7)

28.6 

1.6 
1.5 

3.1 

25.5 

29.7

28.5 
10.2 
(0.7)

38.0 

1.9 
1.5 

3.4 

34.6 

26.6 

Total
£m

70.6 
10.2  
(4.2)

76.6 

4.1 
3.5 

7.6 

69.0 

66.5 

Goodwill arising on the earlier acquisition of Ogden Ground Services and Fr8 BV continues to remain provisional pending finalisation of the formal
completion accounts process, which may result in an adjustment to the consideration.

46

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 47

13

Investments

14

Debtors

Cost
At 29th December 2001

Loan notes redeemed

New investments

Share of profits after tax

Dividends received

Currency translation 

At 28th December 2002

Goodwill
At 29th December 2001

Amortisation

Currency translation 

At 28th December 2002

At 28th December 2002

At 29th December 2001

Shares
in joint
ventures
£m

1.0 
– 
– 
0.2 
(0.5)
(0.1)

0.6 

10.2 
(0.5)
(0.8)

8.9 

9.5 

11.2 

Group

Loans 
to joint

Shares
in
ventures associates
£m

£m

0.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

0.6 

– 
– 
– 

– 

0.6 

0.6 

7.0 
– 
0.2 
3.8 
(4.1)
(0.4)

6.5 

29.7 
(1.5)
(2.7)

25.5 

32.0 

36.7 

Own
shares
held
£m

3.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

3.6 

– 
– 
– 

– 

3.6 

3.6 

Other
£m

Total
£m

Other
£m

3.3 
(3.3)
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

3.3 

15.5 
(3.3)
0.2 
4.0 
(4.6)
(0.5)

11.3 

39.9 
(2.0)
(3.5)

34.4 

45.7 

55.4 

3.3 
(3.3)
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

3.3 

Company

Subsi-
diaries
£m

95.6 
– 
3.0 
– 
– 
– 

98.6 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Total
£m

98.9 
(3.3)
3.0 
– 
– 
– 

98.6 

– 
– 
– 

– 

98.6 

95.6 

98.6 

98.9  

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 Limited
a 33.3% interest in the ordinary share capital of Eurobip, a border inspection post facility at London Heathrow.

Associates
The Group holds:
a 29% interest in the ordinary share capital of MASC-Ogden Aviation Services (Macau) Limited
a 49% interest in the ordinary share capital of Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA (Note 28)
a 30% interest in the ordinary share capital of Worldwide Magazine Distribution Limited
a 26.7% interest in the ordinary share capital of TC Cox and Son (Tonbridge) Limited
a 29% interest in the ordinary share capital of Great Wall Menzies International Transportation Limited.

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 28th December 2002 the trusts held 800,238 (December 2001: 797,770) shares with a market value of £2,620,779
(December 2001: £2,772,251).

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

Amounts owed to Group companies

Due after more than one year

Accruals and deferred income

Group

Company

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

73.9 
13.9 
8.9 
– 

96.7 

48.6 
– 

48.6 

65.9 
17.2 
9.5 
– 

92.6 

45.0 
– 

45.0 

– 
4.9 
0.6 
124.5 

130.0 

– 
42.5 

42.5 

– 
– 
0.6 
94.7 

95.3 

– 
42.5 

42.5 

Group

Company

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

84.2 
49.3 
8.2 
3.9 
7.3 
0.1 
– 

85.7 
48.8 
10.7 
3.6 
6.9 
0.1 
– 

153.0 

155.8 

– 
9.9 
– 
– 
7.3 
– 
68.8 

86.0 

– 
3.5 
– 
– 
6.9 
– 
74.6 

85.0 

2.8 

4.2 

– 

– 

48

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 49

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 28th December 2002. 

Maturity profile

Borrowings due within one year:

Bank loans and overdrafts

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

Less: Cash at bank and in hand 

Net debt

Group

Company

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

22.3 
0.1 

22.4 

5.8 
62.5 
23.2 

91.5 

113.9 
55.7

58.2 

18.6 
0.1 

18.7 

6.5 
19.2 
41.2 

66.9 

85.6 
38.8

46.8 

15.7 
– 

15.7 

5.8 
62.5 
23.2 

91.5 

107.2 
2.6

104.6 

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 28th December 2002, the Group had undrawn committed facilities of £54.1m (December 2001: £34.0m) with the following expiry profile:

Less than one year
Between one and two years

Between two and five years

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

37.6 
– 
16.5 

54.1 

26.1 
7.9 
– 

34.0 

In addition to these undrawn committed facilities, the Group has undrawn uncommitted facilities totalling £2.7m (December 2001: £2.0m).

Primary financial instruments held or issued

to finance the Group’s operations:

Short term borrowings

Medium term borrowings

Long term borrowings

Cash and deposits

Derivative financial instruments held to manage

interest rate profile and currency transaction exposure:

Interest rate swap

December
2002
Book
Value
£m

December
2002
Fair
Value
£m

December
2001
Book
Value
£m

December
2001
Fair
Value
£m

22.4 
68.3 
23.2 

22.4 
68.3 
23.2 

113.9

113.9

55.7

55.7

18.7 
25.7 
41.2 

85.6

38.8

18.7 
25.7 
41.2

85.6

38.8

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

The fair value of the interest rate swap was 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 29th December 2001 that were not recognised by 29th December 2001
Gains arising in the year to 28th December 2002 that were not recognised in the year

Gains recognised in this year’s profit and loss account that arose in previous periods and were unrecognised at 29th December 2001

Unrecognised gains on hedges as at 28th December 2002

Gains
£m

0.3 
– 
(0.3)

– 

50

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 51

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 28th December 2002 is shown below.

18

Capital commitments

Contracted but not provided

3.4 

3.6 

– 

– 

Group

Company

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

Currency

Sterling
Euro

US dollar

Hong Kong dollar

Other

Floating 
rate 
financial 
assets
£m

44.5 
3.7 
4.0 
0.2 
1.7 

54.1 

Fixed
rate
financial
assets
£m

1.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1.6 

December
2002
Total
financial
assets
£m

46.1 
3.7 
4.0 
0.2 
1.7 

55.7 

Floating 
rate
financial
assets
£m

20.2 
2.9 
2.3 
0.3 
0.8 

26.5 

Fixed
rate
financial
assets
£m

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 

19

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred taxation
Provided:

Accelerated capital allowances and other timing differences

Pension prepayment

The floating rate financial assets of £54.1m (December 2001: £26.5m) are at interest rates linked to Base rates and LIBID. The fixed rate financial
assets of £1.6m (December 2001: £12.3m) are on 2 month fixed deposit at 3.8125% (December 2001: £10.0m on 3 month fixed deposit at 3.94%
and the remaining £2.3m are at interest rates based on 2 month LIBID).

Movement in period:

Profit and loss charge (Note 8)
Disposals 

Group

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

(2.5)
13.5 

11.0 

– 
(0.7)

(0.7)

(1.7)
14.6 

12.9 

1.9 
– 

1.9 

Property
related
£m

10.5
1.8 
(2.1)

10.2 

Other

At 29th December 2001

Provided during year

Utilised during year

At 28th December 2002

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
There are contingent liabilities, including those in respect of disposed and acquired businesses (including the Ogden Ground Services acquisition 
from Covanta Energy Corporation), which are not expected to give rise to any significant loss to the Group. In April 2002 Covanta Energy Corporation
filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 reorganisation in the US. In addition, in the normal course of business the Company has guaranteed certain
trading obligations of its subsidiaries.

Currency

Sterling

Euro

US dollar

Hong Kong dollar

Czech koruna

Other

Floating 
rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

4.7 
11.4 
56.1 
0.5 
4.5 
1.8 

79.0 

34.9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

34.9 

December
2002
Total
financial
liabilities
£m

39.6 
11.4 
56.1 
0.5 
4.5 
1.8 

113.9 

Floating 
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

5.0 
3.8 
41.1 
0.5 
– 
0.4 

50.8 

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

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 of £79.0m (December 2001: £50.8m) comprise bank loans, overdrafts 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 between 2007 and 2009 of £34.9m (December 2001: £34.8m) on which interest is at a fixed
rate of 7.362%.  

17

Operating lease commitments

Annual commitments in respect of leases which expire:

within one year
within two to five years

after five years

The Company had no operating lease commitments (December 2001: £nil). 

Group

Property

Other

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

1.3 
7.5 
9.5 

18.3 

1.4 
5.7 
10.7 

17.8 

1.7 
3.3 
– 

5.0 

0.4 
2.6 
– 

3.0 

52

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 53

20

Share capital

22

Minority interests

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

Allotted, called up and fully paid

57,108,336 Ordinary shares of 25p each, fully paid (2001: 56,566,105 shares)

20,000,000 8.58% Cumulative redeemable preference shares of £1 each,

fully paid, redeemable at par on 20th June 2003 (2001: 20,000,000 shares)

1,394,587 9% Cumulative preference shares of £1 each, fully paid (2001: 1,394,587 shares)

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

18.3 

20.0 
1.7 

40.0 

14.3 

20.0 
1.4 

35.7 

18.3 

20.0 
1.7 

40.0 

14.1 

20.0 
1.4 

35.5 

As a result of options being exercised, 542,231 Ordinary shares having a nominal value of £0.2m were issued during the period at a share premium 
of £1.6m.

At 28th December 2002 options granted and outstanding under the Company’s executive share option schemes amounted to 2,663,298 ordinary
shares (December 2001: 2,518,493). These options are exercisable at varying dates up to 8th November 2012 and at prices varying from 329p 
to 653p per share.

21

Reserves

At 29th December 2001
Movement during the year

Profit for the year

Dividends

At 28th December 2002

Share
premium
account
£m

4.0 
1.6 
– 
– 

5.6 

Group

Profit and
loss
account
£m

73.6 
– 
12.0 
(12.1)

73.5 

Currency
reserve
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Company

Profit and
loss
account
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

1.7 
(2.7)
– 
– 

(1.0)

1.6 
– 
– 
– 

1.6 

4.0 
1.6 
– 
– 

5.6 

39.8 
– 
15.0 
(12.1)

42.7 

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
(December 2001: £28.9m).

At beginning of period
Share of profit/(loss) after tax
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 to shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds at beginning of period

Shareholders’ funds at end of period

24

Cash flow

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

Decrease/(increase) in stocks

Decrease in debtors

Decrease in creditors

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

– 
0.1 
– 

0.1 

6.2 
(1.2)
(5.0)

– 

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

(0.1)
– 
1.8 
(2.7)

(1.0)
116.4 

115.4 

12 months 
to
December
2002
£m

Continuing
£m

Discontinued
£m

25.5 
14.0 
1.5 
– 
(4.7)
(4.9)
(3.6)
0.4 
0.4 
0.4 
(6.1)

22.9 

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)

(28.4)
8.5 
– 
(0.3)

(20.2)
136.6 

116.4 

8 months
to
December
2001
£m

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

(3.0)

Due to the timing of the acquisitions their operating cash flows during the year were not material.

b

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

Increase/(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 at beginning of period

Net debt at end of period

December
2002
£m

December
2001
£m

0.5 
17.0 
(28.9)

(11.4)
(46.8)

(58.2)

(24.9)
2.9 
(0.6)

(22.6)
(24.2)

(46.8)

54

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 55

December
2001
£m

Cash flows
£m

Currency
translation
£m

December
2002
£m

25

Acquisitions and disposals (continued)

Disposals

24

Cash flow (continued)

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

Debt due after one year

25

Acquisitions and disposals

Acquisitions

Net assets acquired:

Tangible fixed assets (Note 12)

Debtors

Overdrafts

Creditors

Satisfied by:

Cash

Acquisition costs

Goodwill (Note 11)

Wyng
Group Ltd
£m

0.1 
1.0 
– 
(1.1)

– 

1.6 
0.1 

1.7 

1.7 

On 1st May 2002 the Group acquired Wyng Group Limited.

On 6th September 2002 the Group acquired Fr8 BV.

12.5 
(7.6)

4.9 
26.3 
(11.0)
(0.1)
(66.9)

(46.8)

(0.1)
0.6 

0.5 
16.9 
(5.0)
– 
(27.5)

(15.1)

– 
– 

– 
0.1 
0.7 
– 
2.9 

3.7 

JASA
Pty Ltd
£m

Other
£m

Fair value
adjustments
£m

1.7 
0.6 
– 
(0.5)

1.8 

0.8 
0.1 

0.9 

(1.7)
(0.2)
– 
(2.0)

(3.9)

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

0.7 
– 

0.7 

0.7 

12.4 
(7.0)

5.4 
43.3 
(15.3)
(0.1)
(91.5)

(58.2)

Total
£m

6.3 
7.8 
(0.4)
(9.9)

3.8 

13.3 
0.7 

14.0 

Fr8
BV
£m

6.2 
6.4 
(0.4)
(6.3)

5.9 

10.2 
0.5 

10.7 

Net assets disposed:

Tangible fixed assets 

Debtors

Creditors 

Disposal costs

Consideration received in cash

Loss on disposal

MAG Holdings
(Germany)
GmbH
£m

Mecanix
£m

0.6 
– 
– 

0.6 

0.2 
(0.6)

0.2 

0.2 
0.7 
(0.1)

0.8 

0.4 
(0.1)

1.1 

Total
£m

0.8 
0.7 
(0.1)

1.4 

0.6 
(0.7)

1.3 

On 28th February 2002 the Group sold Mecanix, a vehicle repair and maintenance facility at London Heathrow.

On 1st April 2002 the Group sold its Aviation Services operation in Germany.

26

Related party transactions

During the year 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 Limited
Ogden & Talma Aviation Services of Peru SA

Eurobip

Group
share-
holding
%

50
50
33.3

Sales to
related
party
£m

0.2 
0.8 
– 

Purchases
from
related
party
£m

– 
– 
0.2 

Amounts
owed by
related
party at 28th
December 
2002
£m

– 
0.1 
– 

4.8 

(0.9)

3.9 

10.2 

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

During the year the Group also incurred fees for legal services amounting to £0.1m (December 2001: £0.2m) to Maclay Murray & Spens, of which 
Mr M J Walker, a director of the Company, is a partner.

On 13th September 2002 the Group acquired Jardine Airport Services Australia Pty Limited.

On 15th October 2002 the Group acquired the 19.9% minority interest in Menzies Aviation Group (Asia Pacific) Limited from Kleinwort 
Benson General Investment Company Limited for US$1m.

The fair value adjustments of £3.9m (Fr8 BV – £3.1m and JASA Pty Ltd – £0.8m) relate to the write down of fixed assets and certain working capital
adjustments to align accounting policies. The goodwill remains provisional pending finalisation of the completion accounts process.

27

Subsidiary companies

The principal subsidiaries, Menzies Distribution Limited, Menzies Group Holdings Limited, Menzies Aviation Group plc and Menzies Aviation Holdings
Limited 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.

28

Post balance sheet event

On 10th March 2003 the Group sold its 49% interest in Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA for a consideration of d8.6m (£5.9m).

56

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 57

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

12 months to
December
2002
£m

8 months to
December
2001
£m

2001
£m

12 months to April
2000*
£m

1999
£m

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

Profit/(loss) before interest

Interest payable

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Per ordinary share

Dividends

Headline earnings

FRS 3 earnings

*53 week year

936.9 
195.9 

1,132.8 
– 

1,132.8 

28.7 
3.7 

32.4 
(7.0)
3.6 

29.0 
(3.5)
– 

25.5 
(4.7)

20.8 
(3.1)

17.7 

18.1p
32.9p
18.2p

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)

844.2 
137.1 

981.3 
306.8 

847.5 
67.6 

915.1 
383.0 

814.4 
42.4 

856.8 
422.5 

1,288.1 

1,298.1 

1,279.3 

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 

17.1p
37.9p
48.0p

30.8 
1.7 

32.5 
(6.9)
4.0 

29.6 
– 
1.2 

30.8 
(15.2) 

15.6 
(2.2)

13.4 

15.8p
32.3p
13.9p

12.1p
0.4p
(38.7)p

18.1p
62.8p
2.7p

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

Interim

Final

30th November 

30th June

9% Preference shares

Interim

1st April

Final

1st October

8.58% Preference shares

Interim

20th June 

Final

20th December

The final dividend on the ordinary shares will
be payable to shareholders on the register at
6th June 2003.

Investor Relations
For further copies of the Annual Accounts or
other investor relations enquiries, please contact:

Head of Investor Relations,
John Menzies plc,
108 Princes Street, 
Edinburgh,
EH2 3AA

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

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: 0870 162 3100
Fax: 0208 639 2342
E-mail: ssd@capitaregistrars.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 8433339 (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

58

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 59

REPORT BY PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP 
to the Directors of John Menzies plc on the pro forma statements

GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

We report on the pro forma statements set out
on pages 61 to 63 which have been prepared
to enable comparability of accounting periods
following the change in the financial year end
in 2001. The statements have been prepared
for illustrative purposes only and do not
constitute statutory accounts. This report,
including the opinion, has been prepared for
and only for the company for management
purposes and for no other purpose. We do
not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume
responsibility for any other purpose or to any
other person to whom this report is shown
or into whose hands it may come save where
expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Responsibilities
You have requested us to undertake a review
of the basis of preparation of the pro forma
statements and to report to you on whether, 
in our opinion, the pro forma statements have
been properly compiled on the basis stated 
on page 62. 

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 pro forma statements 
on page 62.

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 year ended 29th December 2001 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 62.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants 
Edinburgh
17th March 2003

Actual

Pro Forma

52 weeks to 28th December 2002

52 weeks to 29th December 2001

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note b)
£m

Notes

a

Before
exceptional
items
£m

Exceptional
items
(Note b)
£m

Turnover

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

Less: share of joint ventures and associates

Group turnover

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Group operating profit/(loss)

Share of operating profit/(loss) in
Joint ventures

Associates

Total operating profit/(loss)

Loss on disposal of businesses

Profit/(loss) on ordinary 

activities before interest

Net interest payable

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 profit/(loss) for 

the financial period

a

b

Earnings per ordinary share

c

Headline

FRS 3

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

(0.7)
(0.7)

(1.4)

– 
(1.0)

(2.4)

(2.3)

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

– 

(4.7)

1,196.5 
– 

1,196.5 
(63.7)

1,132.8 

20.8 
– 

20.8 

– 
4.7 

25.5 

– 

25.5 

(3.1)

22.4 

(5.6)

16.8 

(0.1)

16.7 

(12.1)

4.6 

32.9p

Total
£m

1,196.5 
– 

1,196.5 
(63.7)

1,132.8 

20.1 
(0.7)

19.4 

– 
3.7 

23.1 

(2.3)

20.8 

(3.1)

17.7 

(5.6)

12.1 

(0.1)

12.0 

1,145.3
108.1

1,253.4
(76.6)

1,176.8

13.4
(3.9)

9.5 

(0.6)
5.0

13.9

–

13.9

(2.6)

11.3

(5.3)

6.0

0.4

6.4

Total
£m

1,145.3
108.1

1,253.4
(76.6)

1,176.8

(3.4)
(3.9)

(7.3)

(0.6)
4.2

(3.7)

(11.3)

(15.0)

(2.6)

(17.6)

(2.9)

(20.5)

1.4

(19.1)

(12.0)

–
–

–
–

–

(16.8)
–

(16.8)

–
(0.8)

(17.6)

(11.3)

(28.9)

–

(28.9)

2.4

(26.5)

1.0

(25.5)

–

(12.1)

(12.0)

(0.1)

(5.6)

(25.5)

(31.1)

14.2p

18.2p

(37.5)p

60

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 61

NOTES ON PRO FORMA ACCOUNTS

NOTES ON PRO FORMA ACCOUNTS (continued)

Basis of preparation
Following the change in financial year end to 31st December, pro forma accounts have been prepared for the 52 weeks ended 29th December 2001
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 forma was
prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and using accounting policies consistent with those adopted for the Group Accounts
on pages 34 to 57.

c

Earnings per share

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

Discontinued operation

Total exceptional operating expense

Non-operating exceptional items:

Net loss on disposal of businesses

Total non-operating exceptional items

Total exceptional items

Turnover

Pre-exceptional operating
profit/(loss)

52 weeks
to 28th
December
2002
£m

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001
£m

52 weeks
to 28th
December
2002
£m

52 weeks
to 29th 
December 
2001
£m

959.6 
236.9 

1,196.5 
–
–

1,196.5 
–
–

1,196.5 

900.9 
244.4 

1,145.3 
–
–

1,145.3 
–
108.1 

1,253.4 

Notes

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

28.7 
3.7 

32.4 
(7.0)
3.6 

29.0 
(3.5)
–

25.5 

26.1 
(2.6) 

23.5  
(7.4)
5.0  

21.1  
(3.3)
(3.9) 

13.9  

52 weeks
to 28th
December
2002 
£m

52 weeks
to 29th 
December 
2001 
£m

– 
(0.7)
(1.0) 
(0.7)

(2.4)

(2.3)

(2.3)

(4.7)

(2.4)
(14.4)
(0.8)
– 

(17.6)

(11.3)

(11.3)

(28.9)

See Note 5 in the Accounts for details of the exceptional items in the 52 weeks to 28th December 2002.

December 2001:

(i)

Rationalisation costs – £0.5m and additional provision in respect of an investment in an internet magazine subscription service – £1.9m.

(ii) 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. 

(iii) The Group’s share of the cost of reducing excess capacity at Aeroporti di Roma Handling SpA.

(iv) 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.

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

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

FRS 3

Headline

Post exceptional items

52 weeks
to 28th
December
2002 
£m

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001 
£m

52 weeks
to 28th
December
2002 
£m

52 weeks
to 29th
December
2001 
£m

25.5  
3.5 
–  
(3.1)

25.9  
(5.6)
(0.1) 
(1.8)

18.4  

13.9 
3.3
–
(2.6)

14.6
(5.3)
0.4
(1.8)

7.9 

25.5  
– 
(4.7)
(3.1)

17.7 
(5.6)
(0.1) 
(1.8)

10.2 

13.9 
–
(28.9)
(2.6) 

(17.6) 
(2.9)
1.4 
(1.8)

(20.9) 

32.9  

14.2 

18.2 

(37.5) 

Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions)

Weighted average (excluding employee share trusts)

55.903 

55.750

d

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Profit/(loss) for the financial period
Goodwill previously written off to reserves

Dividends: ordinary shares

preference shares

New share capital issued

Currency translation

Net decrease in shareholders’ funds

Shareholders’ funds at beginning of period

Shareholders’ funds at end of period

As at 28th
December
2002
£m

As at 29th 
December
2001
£m

12.0 
–  
(10.3)
(1.8)
1.8  
(2.7)

(1.0)
116.4 

115.4  

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

(22.8) 
139.2

116.4

62

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002 63

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESSES

PRINCIPAL ADVISORS

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

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

Menzies Aviation
5 The Enterprise Centre, 
Kelvin Lane, Crawley, 
West Sussex, RH10 9PT
Tel +44 (0) 1293 583300   
Fax +44 (0) 1293 526478

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Erskine House, 
68 Queen Street, 
Edinburgh, EH2 4NF

Corporate Financial Advisors 
and Joint Brokers
Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein
20 Fenchurch Street, 
London, EC3P 3DB

Joint Brokers
Bell Lawrie White
48 St Vincent Street, 
Glasgow, G2 5TS

64

Menzies Group Annual Report 2002

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