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John Menzies plc

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FY2009 Annual Report · John Menzies plc
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John Menzies plc
Annual Report 2009

Including Notice of Annual General Meeting

John Menzies plc is a company with two
operating divisions, Menzies Aviation and
Menzies Distribution.

Both divisions operate in distinct business 
to business sectors where success depends 
on providing a safe, efficient and high-quality
service to customers and partners.

Cautionary statement
This Annual Report contains information which 
readers might consider to be forward-looking 
statements relating to or in respect of the financial 
condition, results, operations and businesses of 
John Menzies plc. Any such statements involve risk 
and uncertainty because they relate to future events 
and circumstances. There are many factors that 
could cause actual results or developments to differ 
materially from those expressed or implied by any 
such forward-looking statements. Nothing in this 
Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

www.johnmenziesplc.com

£35.2m

underlying profit before tax

£1,725.7m

revenue

43.8p

underlying earnings per share

Directors’ report and 
business review

Overview
02 At a glance
04 Chairman’s statement
06 Group strategy

Operating review
08 Group performance
10 Menzies Aviation
14 Menzies Distribution
18 Principal risks and uncertainties
20 Board of Directors
22 Group financial review
26 Outlook
27 Corporate social responsibility

Governance
37 Corporate governance statement
46 Report on Directors’ remuneration

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Financial statements

56 Independent auditors’ report to 

the members of John Menzies plc

58 Group income statement
59 Group statement of comprehensive income
60 Group and Company balance sheets
61 Group and Company statement of changes

in equity

62 Group and Company statement of cash flows
63 Notes to the accounts
97 Five year summary

Shareholder information

98 Notice of meeting
107 General information

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 01

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At a glance Aviation

£15.8m

underlying operating profit

£507.2m

revenue

112

locations

27

countries

Revenue per region

Americas  22.6%

A market leading formula for a great, safe and
secure service, makes Menzies Aviation one
of the world’s largest and most respected
independent ground and cargo handlers.

With 15,000 employees worldwide servicing over 500 airline
customers at 112 locations in 27 countries, we handled more than
650,000 flight turns, 71 million passengers and 1.4 million tonnes
of cargo in 2009. We aim to provide a great, safe and secure service
to all our airline clients and to their passengers.

Passenger
We offer airlines around the world a full range of passenger
handling services, including ticketing, providing a full check-in
service, baggage services and passenger lounges.

Ramp
On the ramp our specialist teams can turn a narrow bodied
aircraft around in under 30 minutes from when the plane arrives
on stand until it is pushed back on its outbound journey. We offer 
our airline clients a full service, including load control, aircraft
towing and pushback, we will empty and load the baggage holds,
provide baggage and passenger transfer and other ramp handling
services including cabin cleaning, water services and de-icing.

Cargo
Perishable and high-end goods flow daily through our global
network of 44 cargo sheds, including major cargo centres in 
the UK, Netherlands and USA. Our service provision includes
ramp transfer, load management, import and export handling,
warehousing, trucking and other track and trace services. Our 
AMI business provides airfreight services and forwarder handling.

UK  27.8%

Europe  24.5%

India 1.6%

Oceania 14.8%

For further information see page 10
or visit the Menzies Aviation website
www.menziesaviation.com.

Africa 8.7%

02 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

At a glance Distribution

A leading provider of added value
distribution and marketing services 
to the UK’s newspaper and magazine
supply chain.

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With 4,000 employees at 24 hub and 19 spoke branches
throughout the UK and Ireland, the division is a strongly cash
generative business with around 43% of the newspaper and
magazine wholesale distribution market in the UK. It has a track
record of investment in innovation and customer service delivery.

Newspaper and magazine distribution
We handle 5.5 million newspapers and 2.2 million magazines
(covering 3,000 titles) every day. Deliveries are made in the early
hours of the morning 364 days a year, to more than 25,000 retail
customers from the Northern Isles to the Isle of Wight.

Marketing services
Services to multiple and independent retailers include space 
and range planning, racking, displays and sales promotion,
category management and sales-based replenishment. Services
to publishers include supporting the launch of new titles, ongoing
sales promotion and development, and bespoke services such 
as data analysis and returns processing.

Field marketing
We provide long-term and short-notice resources for field
marketing and promotional campaigns of any size at local 
or national levels across the UK and Ireland, such as free
newspaper and magazine distribution, compliance auditing, 
event organising, point-of-sale placement, mystery shopping,
market research and face-to-face targeted promotions.

New Preston branch  4.4%

New

Maidstone branch  7.2%

Menzies Distribution
Menzies JV
Others

£28.6m

underlying operating profit

£1,218.5m

revenue

24

hub branches in UK and Ireland

25,000

retail customers

Divisional revenue

UK market share  43%

Menzies JV  6.3%

For further information see page 14
or visit the Menzies Distribution website
www.menziesdistribution.com.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 03

Chairman’s statement

The Group has emerged 
from 2009 in good shape, 
we have recommenced
dividend payments and 
I believe we are extremely 
well placed to make further
progress during 2010 and
increase shareholder value.

William Thomson
Chairman
John Menzies plc

2009 has been a year of great contrast but 
I am delighted that the Group has come
through it in a strong position.

The focus for 2009 was on debt reduction and cost control. I am pleased
that Group net debt has reduced by over £50m, demonstrating both the
extremely cash generative nature of the Group and that management
at both divisions rigorously controlled their cost bases.

Both divisions were cash generative. At Menzies Aviation a less 
capital intensive business model was introduced, restricting capital
expenditure and allowing strong cash generation without overly
inhibiting growth. Menzies Distribution has always been a highly 
cash generative business and again delivered strong free cash flows.

Menzies Aviation turned in a resilient performance in the light of
significant market weakness particularly in the cargo handling market
and to a lesser extent in the ground handling market. Management’s
ability to flex the cost base, particularly within the larger ground
handling business, helped to mitigate the lost revenue. This combined
with new contracts and the annualisation of contracts won in 2008,
allowed the division to return profits up 12%, which in a distressed
marketplace was a very commendable achievement.

Menzies Distribution had a stellar year. Cost initiatives, driven by
management incentive schemes and the full benefit of investment 
in new technologies, delivered ahead of expectations. In addition, 
over £180m of new revenues were secured following the latest round 
of publisher negotiations. These contract gains secure core revenue
streams through to 2015 and represent a splendid achievement.

Board
As previously announced, I will retire as Chairman at the AGM in May. 
I am delighted that Iain Napier has agreed to take over and have no
doubt that he has the experience and enthusiasm to drive the Group
forward over the forthcoming years.

David Coltman, our Senior Independent Director, has intimated that 
he will retire from the Board at the AGM in 2011. In preparation for 
this the Group will seek to recruit a new Non-Executive Director who 
will hopefully be able to take up post before the end of the year.

Enviromenzies

Menzies Distribution has been running initiatives with environmental benefits for
15 years – but not until 2007 were these independent strands brought into a coherent
strategy for our business and the industry. Last year, this strategy found a new expression
online in www.enviromenzies.com. The website explores the causes of global warming,
how we as a company contribute to it, and how we have and are continuing to respond
to it. Our own emissions account for around 34,300 tonnes of CO2 annually, while the
supply chain as a whole accounts for significantly more. It is designed to rally our partners
in publishing and retail to join us and if we can encourage our partners to save just 1% 
of their current carbon emissions, that saving will outstrip the size of our entire footprint.

04 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

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At the end of July, David McIntosh was appointed to the Board as
Managing Director of Menzies Distribution succeeding Ellis Watson
who left the Group to take up an appointment with FirstGroup plc.
David was previously Commercial and Marketing Director and has
worked for the John Menzies Group for 19 years. 

Revenue and profit analysis

Divisional revenue (£m)

Aviation

2009 507.2

2008 500.9

Distribution

2009 1,218.5

2008 1,166.2

Divisional underlying operating profit
(£m)

Aviation

2009 15.8

2008 14.1

Distribution

2009 28.6

2008 23.9

Dividend
To reflect the positive progress made during the year and the strong
cash flow performance, the Board has decided to make an interim
dividend of 8p for the financial year 2009. The payment will be made 
on 1 April 2010 to all shareholders on the register of members as at 
19 March 2010. This dividend is in lieu of a final dividend for 2009.

People
Our businesses rely on delivering a service, and our employees remain
our greatest asset. 2009 was difficult and employee numbers were
reduced. Despite this challenging backdrop the success achieved during
the year owes a great deal to the commitment of all our employees.
Their dedication to providing a quality, efficient service to our customers
continues, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Prospects
The outlook for both our divisions is positive. 

2009 was a year that brought about a great deal of change for Menzies
Distribution. The division has clear objectives. In 2010 the additional
new contracts will be integrated into the business. This enlarged
network offers synergy benefits which will be pursued. In addition, 
new ventures will be developed and further efficiencies, particularly
with the implementation of SAP, will be targeted.

At Menzies Aviation, the division will continue to focus on attractive
airlines in attractive markets. Management will work to address the
structural challenges within the cargo business while pursuing the
growth opportunities that exist within the ground handling market. 
The division was cash generative during the year and with a less 
cash consumptive growth model it can grow without major capital
expenditure being required.

Overall, the Board is confident that both divisions will grow selectively
using the cash generated by the businesses whilst continuing to focus 
on further debt reduction and improving our financial ratios. 

The Group has emerged from 2009 in good shape, we have recommenced
dividend payments and I believe we are extremely well placed to make
further progress during 2010 and increase shareholder value.

William Thomson
Chairman

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 05

Group strategy

John Menzies plc

The Group strategy is clear. We operate two distinct divisions both
focused on being the supplier of choice within their markets. Both
aim to do this by offering great customer service at the right price
with lean cost while adding value wherever possible.

Menzies Aviation will leverage existing customer relationships to
grow selectively. They will continue to focus on attractive airlines in
attractive markets creating product, station and regional densities.

In 2010 Menzies Distribution will integrate the new business gained
during 2009. They will continue to focus on cost and productivity
initiatives whilst exploring growth opportunities that exist with
adjacent businesses that can benefit from our unique publisher
and retailer relationships.

Our team

The executive team operate in a flat structure that is built upon strong working partnership.

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director
John Menzies plc

Craig Smyth
Managing Director 
Menzies Aviation

David McIntosh
Managing Director 
Menzies Distribution

06 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

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Menzies Aviation

2009 was an unprecedented year in the aviation industry. By maintaining a focus on the three pillars
of the Menzies Aviation strategy, we were able to examine and flex the business when needed, whilst
maintaining our great, safe and secure product for our clients.

Getting the basics right

Building strength

Growing from strength

We do this by
(cid:129) Being safe and secure

(cid:129) Providing a great service

(cid:129) Working for the right price

(cid:129) Maintaining a lean cost

(cid:129) Continually ensuring capital discipline

We do this by
(cid:129) Providing regional density

(cid:129) Providing station density

(cid:129) Providing product density

We do this by
(cid:129) Working with attractive airlines

(cid:129) Selectively working in attractive

markets

Menzies Distribution

2009 was a very successful year. New contracts were awarded, new branches opened to service
these new contracts and further efficiencies delivered. The focus is now on integrating the new
business and seeking growth opportunities. To deliver this the division is following a clear strategy
based around three pillars.

Execute

Redesign

Grow and Diversify

We do this by
(cid:129) Fully integrating new business

(cid:129) Continuing to deliver cost and

productivity benefits

(cid:129) Developing joint venture in Ireland

We do this by
(cid:129) Developing the business to meet
changing business environment

(cid:129) Increasing customer focus and
continuing to improve service

(cid:129) Implementing SAP throughout the

business driving further efficiencies

We do this by
(cid:129) Delivering new regional distribution 

contracts

(cid:129) Expanding marketing services

(cid:129) Exploring acquisition opportunities

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 07

Group performance

Net debt at the year-end was
£132.3m which was £50.3m
lower than the previous 
year-end. The key covenant
measure, net debt to EBITDA
was 2.2 times at the end of
2009 markedly down from its
peak of 3.2 times at the end of
last year. The Group’s interest
cover increased from 4.9 times
in 2008 to 6.7 times in 2009.

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director
John Menzies plc

Against a backdrop of material reduction 
in volumes at both divisions the main focus
for the Group in 2009 was cost control 
and reducing the Group’s debt. As a result,
the Group reduced net debt by over £50m
in the year and generated an increase in
underlying operating profits of 18.9%.

Menzies Aviation’s revenue increased by 1.3% to £507m, with 
Menzies Distribution’s revenue increasing by 4.5% to £1,219m. 

Aviation delivered an underlying operating profit of £15.8m (2008: £14.1m)
up 12.1% on last year. The results for the year benefited from contract
gains, the annualisation of prior year business development, lower
start-up costs, foreign exchange and continued cost control. This all
contributed in mitigating the impact of volume shortfalls. 

Distribution had an excellent year with operating profits of £28.6m
(2008: £23.9m) up 19.7% on last year. Like-for-like gross profit again fell
during the year particularly, as expected, in the magazine categories. This
was more than offset by a very strong performance on costs which, net of
inflation, were reduced by £5.7m. In addition, new revenue streams, other
income and a 53rd week of trading also helped to increase operating profits.

Corporate costs were reduced by a further £0.5m compared to last
year resulting in an underlying operating profit for the Group of £43.4m,
£6.9m of ahead last year, an increase of 18.9%. The Group underlying
profit before tax was £35.2m, an increase on 2008 of 14.7%.

Cash flow and investment 
Operating cash flow was £57.7m, an increase of £15.2m (c35%) on
2008 reflecting higher operating profits and a positive working capital
movement. The focus on debt reduction resulted in capital expenditure
of £15.1m, some £25.3m lower than the previous year. The reduction 
in capital expenditure in Aviation along with excellent working capital
control, led to Aviation having a higher cash conversion rate in the year
than Distribution. This resulted in a free cash inflow of £26.9m (or 45p
per share) in 2009 compared to a free cash outflow of £11.1m in 2008.
In addition, £16.5m was raised from the sale and refinancing of assets
which, together with a £6.8m translation gain, reduced net debt by
£50.3m to £132.3m. 

Supplier of choice in the UK

From our launch in 2003, UK & Ireland Ground Handling has gone from strength to strength.
We are now proud to hold a prominent position in the UK market. Through strong partnerships
with our airline customers, we have been able to grow from one station to ten in seven years.
easyJet are our largest customer, and our service delivery to them in the UK has allowed 
us to grow this relationship further afield, with Menzies Aviation now handling easyJet in 
26 stations throughout Europe. In the UK we now operate with a team of 2,400 people and
handle 500 flights every day at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast,
East Midlands, Luton and, opened in 2009, Bristol and Stansted. 

08 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Debt and interest
Net debt at the year-end was £132.3m which was £50.3m lower than
the previous year-end. The key covenant measure, net debt to EBITDA
was 2.2 times at the end of 2009 markedly down from its peak of 
3.2 times at the end of last year. The Group’s interest cover increased
from 4.9 times in 2008 to 6.7 times in 2009.

External interest costs of £6.4m were £1.3m or 16.9% lower than 
the previous year, reflecting lower interest rates and the lower levels 
of average net debt. The IAS 19 interest charge of £1.8m is a £4.1m
increase on the net credit of £2.3m in the previous year.

Exceptional items
Group profit before tax and basic earnings per share were affected by a
net exceptional charge of £6m. The majority of this figure £3.8m related
to redundancy costs in the Netherlands as we downsized our ground
handling operation. A further £1.0m was provided for the disposal of our
joint venture investment in Chengdu expected to complete during 2010.

Pensions
The triennial valuation of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme
as at 31 March 2009 is currently being finalised. The IAS 19 deficit has
increased from £25.6m in 2008 to £60.8m in 2009 net of deferred tax.
The Company has reached agreement with the trustees on the deficit
funding which is an additional payment of £6m per annum (£4.3m net
of tax). This will increase annually with RPI. We are looking at ways of
reducing future volatility in the scheme and in particular, ways to mitigate
the future inflation risk.

Dividend
The Board has declared an interim dividend in lieu of a final dividend, 
of 8p per share. On the basis of a more normal one-third/two-thirds
split this would represent an annualised dividend of 12p per share. 
At this level, the annualised dividend would have been covered more 
than 3.5 times by both earnings and free cash flow in 2009.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
John Menzies monitors a number of financial and operational KPIs to
help achieve key business objectives. The Group’s main financial KPIs
are highlighted on this page, and operational KPIs for Menzies Aviation
and Menzies Distribution are shown on pages 11 and 15 respectively.

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Key Performance Indicators

Revenue (£m)

2009 1,725.7

2008 1,667.1

2007 1,541.1

2006 1,450.4

2005 1,362.1

Underlying PBT (£m)

2009 35.2

2008 30.7

2007 38.0

2006 35.8

2005 39.4

Free cashflow (£m)

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

26.9

(11.1)*

14.9

3.2

23.6

Underlying EPS (pence)

2009 43.8

2008 31.3

2007 47.9

2006 46.9

2005 51.9

Full-year dividend per share (pence)

2009 8.0

2008 7.56

2007 25.6

2006 20.5

2005 19.5

*Restated.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 09

 
The division contributed 
to the cash position of the
Group with a divisional 
cash inflow of £33.2m. This
was achieved by restricting
capital expenditure, continued
improvement in working
capital management and
moving the ground handling
business to a less cash
consumptive operating 
leasing model.

Craig Smyth
Managing Director
Menzies Aviation

Revenue and profit analysis

Revenue (£m)

2009 507.2

2008 500.9

Underlying operating profit (£m)

2009 15.8

2008 14.1

Dana Hovorkova, check-in agent 
at Prague Airport.

10 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Menzies Aviation

By operating a resilient business model,
Menzies Aviation continues to provide a
great, safe and secure service, at the right
price, to customers across its global network.

Performance 
Menzies Aviation produced a resilient performance with underlying
operating profit up by 12%. This strong set of results was driven by
cost control (including pay freezes and staff reductions), new stations,
contract wins and lower start-up costs, but mitigated by the sharp
decline in volumes for cargo handling and cargo forwarding. 

The split of revenues continued its shift towards the more profitable
and flexible ground handling business which now represents 59% 
of divisional turnover with cargo handling and cargo forwarding
representing 26% and 15% respectively.

The division also contributed to the cash position of the Group with a
divisional cash inflow of £33.2m. This result was achieved by restricting
capital expenditure, continued improvement in working capital management
and moving the ground handling business to a less cash consumptive
operating leasing model.

During the year, the division was a net winner of 49 contracts. 
The net contract gains will contribute £1.5m on an annualised basis. 
A high proportion of the losses were as a result of predatory pricing 
or route cessation. Just as important as contract gains are contract
renewals, and during the year 35% of EBIT was renewed from key
airline contracts that included Alaska Airlines, Pacific Blue, Thai, Virgin
America and Continental.

In April 2010, a franchise agreement held in Peru comes to an end
reducing divisional EBIT by around £1.5m. However, we expect the
effect of this will be offset by the annualised effect of contracts gained
during 2009.

Cost savings
Divisional management reacted quickly to the underlying market
conditions and took rigorous measures to manage the cost base.
During the year, underlying headcount was reduced by some 8% 
as the workforce was flexed to match demand. Where possible, 
a pay freeze was implemented which helped to restrict labour costs.
Indirect costs were minimised, with back office functions further
centralised into regional shared service centres, which helped 
produce an additional benefit of £2m.

Enhanced technology, in particular, a biometric recognition time 
and attendance system and a new rostering tool were rolled out 
across the network during the year. These tools brought greater
standardisation to working practices and allowed further efficiencies 
to be driven from the business.

Within ground handling, hours per turn (the key productivity indicator)
were reduced by 5.2% and in cargo handling hours per tonne were
held in line with the previous year despite the volume shortfalls.

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Craig Smyth
Managing Director
Menzies Aviation

Key Performance Indicators

Ground handling – labour hours 
per turn

2009 32.5

2008 34.3*

Ground handling – on-time
performance (%)

2009 98.9

2008 99.5

Cargo handling – tonnes per FTE

2009 525.6

2008 525.6*

Aircraft damage – category A incidents
per 1,000 turns 

2009 0.07

2008 0.09

*2008 restated.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 11

 
Menzies Aviation

2

4

1

3

5

Operating Board

1 Craig Smyth
Managing Director

2 Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director

3 Graeme Jenkins
EVP Finance

4 Stephen Koller
EVP IT

5 Mervyn Walker
EVP Operations

Cargo handling
The cargo handling business experienced a very difficult year. Absolute
tonnes were down 17.8% (lfl 12.4%) as cargo volumes across the world
deteriorated. This market weakness led to over capacity, particularly 
at the world’s major airports, which encouraged predatory pricing. 
As a result of this, contract losses, primarily at London Heathrow, also
impacted the business. The division has not participated in predatory
pricing as it believes that such actions will lead to a reduction in value
that will not be recovered when the market turns.

Cargo handling at major hub airports is structurally challenged. Within
the portfolio, loss making operations at four major airports have been
identified and are now subject to a fix, close or sell process. Cargo
operations at minor airports, whilst still affected by reduced volumes,
were profitable as the dynamics of these operations differ with little
over capacity and reduced competition.

During the year, management reduced the cost base to meet the falling
demand, with five sheds being closed and capacity rationalised where
possible. Fourth quarter 2009 volumes did show signs of recovery,
albeit against weak comparators.

Cargo forwarding
AMI, the division’s freight forwarding business, was impacted by the
general malaise in the cargo market. Bookings were down 11.6% coupled
with yield pressure which saw the margin decline by 0.9% to 2.2%. 

Ground handling
The ground handling business had another good year, with eight new
stations opened during the year. Like-for-like turns were down 3.5%,
but absolute turns were up 7.6% demonstrating continued contract
gain momentum.

During the year, the ground handling business model was further
developed. Increasingly the division is utilising a turnkey lease/
maintenance solution for its ground handling equipment requirements.
Not only does this reduce cash consumption, but also leads to a
reduction in total cost of ownership through reduced maintenance costs. 

Within the ground handling network the UK business had another strong
year, strengthening its relationship with easyJet through the award 
of contracts at Stansted and Bristol. At London Heathrow, operations 
at Terminal One prospered, with the award of contracts from Air New
Zealand and Swiss. The business now has a significant presence at
Terminal One and will look to expand its customer base in the adjacent
Terminal Three, where it already has Finnair as its launch customer.

Securing existing contracts in Seattle

2009 by any measure, has been our best year at Seattle Tacoma International Airport since we
commenced operations in 2005. Securing existing major contracts is as key as securing new
contracts, and earlier this year because of the safe, secure and consistent service we were
providing to Alaska Airlines at Seattle, they agreed to extend our contract until December 2012.

We now handle circa 45,000 turns per annum at Seattle alone for Alaska Airlines, and in
October 2009 we reached another milestone. In that month Terry Trainor and his team handled
3,709 turns for Alaska Airlines and recorded only four attributable delays – an amazing on
time performance record of 99.9% for the month, and the best result since we commenced
operations in 2005.

12 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

South Africa awards

Menzies Aviation in South Africa became the proud recipient of three of Airports Company
South Africa’s prestigious Feather awards in 2009. Our Durban operation won both the Safety
Award and the Best Airside Operator Award, while our Port Elizabeth operation won the Best
Airside Operator award.

Menzies Aviation operates at eight Airports in South Africa, employing over 1,400 staff. 
Our operation at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is one of the largest in the
Menzies network. Across South Africa we carry out over 48,000 aircraft turnarounds carrying
some 7.2 million passengers, we clean 74,000 aircraft and handle over 23,000 tonnes of air 
cargo each year.

In Continental Europe, operations at Amsterdam were rationalised and
a number of unprofitable airline contracts terminated. As a result, some
300 employees left the business. Elsewhere, management are continuing
to synergise the prior year acquisitions made in Scandinavia, creating 
a strong platform for growth. In addition, the regional density created 
in Spain was expanded with operations commencing at Barcelona. 
The division now operates nine stations in Spain. 

The Americas had an excellent year winning new contracts, extending
customer relationships and building a reputation as the quality player in
the market. The contract to handle Alaska Airlines at their Seattle Tacoma
hub was renewed, along with four other stations. In addition, Virgin
America at three stations in the USA and Continental at 22 stations 
in Mexico were also renewed.

Operations in South Africa had a successful year with new contracts
secured and the region receiving a number of airline and airport awards
for customer service. In Oceania, the region’s largest contract with Pacific
Blue to handle their flights at four airports in New Zealand was renewed
and a further six new contracts were secured in Australia. Operations
at Hyderabad and Bangalore, in India, had a good year and prospects
are encouraging. 

Strategy
The division has remained true to its strategy and will continue to focus
on working with attractive airlines in attractive markets creating product,
station and regional densities. 

The strong growth seen within the ground handling business will continue
as the division pursues a rich pipeline of organic opportunities. This can
largely be achieved by using the new business model which allows the
business to grow without requiring major capital expenditure. 

Within cargo handling, the focus will be on addressing the structural
issues that exist at major cargo locations while the cost base is kept 
as tight as possible until the market recovers.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Menzies Aviation monitors a number of financial and operational KPIs
to help achieve key business objectives. The Group’s main financial KPIs
are highlighted on page 9 of this Annual Report.

Key statistics

1.4m 

tonnes of cargo handled

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71m 

passengers handled

650,000

aircraft turns

112

stations worldwide

27

countries operated in

15,000 

employees

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 13

 
2009 produced another
excellent cost and productivity
performance with like-for-like
operating costs reducing 
by £5.7m. The full benefit 
of new technologies helped 
drive savings together with 
a Productivity Improvement
Plan which incentivised
managers to find efficiencies
within their own branches. 
In addition, enhanced route
planning delivered significant
transport benefits. 

David McIntosh
Managing Director
Menzies Distribution

Revenue and profit analysis

Revenue (£m)

2009 1,218.5

2008 1,166.2

Underlying operating profit (£m)

2009 28.6

2008 23.9

Kristian Kotnowski, a day shift
operative working with the 
HS Packing machine at our 
Linwood branch.

14 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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Menzies Distribution

With leading-edge technology and leaner
processes Menzies Distribution in 2009
delivered on its strategy: it expanded its
geographical footprint; it extended the
range and quality of services it offers; and
continued to develop new business streams.

Performance
2009 was an excellent year for Menzies Distribution. Underlying
operating profits were up 19.7%, largely as a result of excellent cost
control, the delivery of productivity initiatives and the effect of a 53rd
week of trading. In addition, £180m of new revenues were secured in
the latest round of publisher negotiations. The majority of these contracts
started, somewhat earlier than expected, during August, following the
administration of Dawson News and the remainder will come on stream
during 2010. The 2009 full year effect of this new business was neutral
as the incremental profit was offset by start-up costs.

These contract gains are an excellent achievement and create a step
change for the division and the industry.

Sales
Market conditions during the year remained difficult but sales performed
largely as forecast. Like-for-like sales of magazines were 5.5% down.
Absolute volumes were up 2.9% reflecting the new contracts which
commenced in August.

Newspapers continued their long-term trend with like-for-like sales 
down 1.6% with only Saturday sales showing any year on year increase.
Absolute volumes were up 4.1% again reflecting the new contract gains.

Stickers had a good year outperforming expectations following a number
of successful launches. Overall like-for-like sales were up 3.6% despite
having no major football tournament during the year.

Marketplace and new business
In August, following the administration of Dawson News, the division,
at extremely short notice, took responsibility for a number of contracts
that were to migrate over time from Dawson News. This required
operating from five Dawson News branches for an initial period. Swift
action was required to ensure continuous supply was maintained to 
all the division’s new customers. This was a major operational challenge
but one that was met successfully. 

During the year, £60m of revenue was gained. This will rise to an
annualised total of £180m when all of the contracts migrate. 34% of
the new business will be serviced from the existing branch network
and the remainder of the business will be serviced by two new hub
branches opened in Maidstone and Preston together with two new
newspaper packing spokes. These new branches were delivered on
time and on budget and are producing the high levels of customer
service that is already embedded across the branch network. 

As a result of the increased footprint, further rationalisation opportunities
exist and will be pursued during 2010.

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Managing Director
Menzies Distribution

Key Performance Indicators

Newspapers delivered on time (%)

2009 97.93

2008 97.71

Magazines delivered on time (%)

2009 98.05

2008 98.64

Newspaper packing accuracy (%)

2009 99.86

2008 99.82

Magazine packing accuracy (%)

2009 99.69

2008 99.57

Newspaper returns processed on time
(%)

2009 88.02

2008 92.01

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 15

 
Menzies Distribution

2

4

6

8

1

3

5

7

9

Operating Board

1 David McIntosh
Managing Director

2 Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director

3 David Cooke
Commercial and Marketing Director

4 Jane Dyson
Marketing Services Director

5 George Kirkwood
Finance Director

6 Christina Mellon
HR Director

7 Alex Mitchell
Operations Director

8 David Morton
Strategic Development Director

9 David Spiers
IT Director

Expanding network

The marketplace has now consolidated from three major wholesalers to
two. As a result, the division now holds approximately 43% UK market
share. In recognition of this the division launched a service pledge to all
our customers. The division is committed to being the industry leader 
in terms of the service that we provide to our publisher and retailer
customers. This pledge raises the bar and the division is committed 
to delivering its pledge each day.

Cost and productivity initiatives
2009 produced another excellent cost and productivity performance
with like-for-like operating costs reducing by £5.7m. The full benefit 
of new technologies helped drive savings together with a Productivity
Improvement Plan which incentivised managers to find efficiencies
within their own branches. In addition, enhanced route planning
delivered significant transport benefits. 

The implementation of SAP continues. This major project is not without
its challenges but the division remains confident that the project goals
will be met. The financial module is operational and the project is now
focused on delivering SAP into the branch network during 2010, with
full roll out during 2011.

New revenue streams
The division continued to develop new businesses. New revenue streams
made an increased contribution to divisional profits, although their growth
was impacted by the challenging marketplace. 

D-Cipher, the retail media management business, continued to work with
its existing customers and delivered returns in line with expectations.
Accelerated growth was difficult, largely due to external market conditions
and a general reduction in promotional spend. However, the business
model remains fit for purpose and growth opportunities exist. 

The Network, a field marketing business, was hit by the closure of the
London Lite newspaper which it distributed. The distribution contract for
the London Evening Standard was secured but revenues from this new
contract do not match the London Lite loss. This part of its business has
been restructured accordingly and together with its travel and promotional
activities will pursue a number of opportunities during 2010.

Jones Yarrell Leadenhall, the corporate news distribution business,
performed in line with expectations and successfully integrated specialist
London distribution contracts which were secured after Dawson News
was placed in administration.

Before the dust had settled on the tendering process, plans were already afoot to accommodate
the expansion of our distribution network. When Dawson News went into administration, we
occupied five of their former sites in the North-West and the South-East of England, while
new sites were swiftly sourced in Preston, Maidstone, Eastbourne and Ashford. 

While the task of converting these operations to a Menzies-style operation was sizable, our
project teams set up the new businesses in record time – pushing through to ensure that 
our new customers were benefiting from our advanced technology and working practices 
and enjoying a Menzies standard of service.

16 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Service Pledge

In the context of a two wholesaler industry, our customer service levels are under more scrutiny
than ever. With this in mind, Distribution unveiled its new Service Pledge in October 2009 –
laying down a set of self-imposed standards which equal or exceed any other set of standards
within the industry. Based around the three core principles of: guaranteed universal service,
bettering industry standards, and improving accountability, the Pledge has received a positive
response from the industry and the trade press. The real test, however, will be in implementing
the Pledge. Distribution aims to not only meet, but to improve upon the commitments made 
in our Pledge and build even stronger relationships with our customers.

A new business was launched in conjunction with a German partner,
Newslog, called Menzies Travel Media to service the needs of travellers
for printed media, principally on board aircraft or within airline lounges.
This venture is still in its infancy but progress so far has been encouraging.

To drive this business segment forward, a subdivision – Menzies
Marketing Services (MMS) – has been created with four businesses
now under the MMS banner and the stewardship of one Managing
Director. Each of the businesses has a niche and it is believed that 
they can grow market share and develop into adjacent markets.

Progress continues to be made on gaining more regional press contracts.
£8m of new business was gained in 2010 and there remains a substantial
amount of business to go after.

The joint venture with Eason and Son Ltd in Ireland had a good year.
Operational stability was achieved and Menzies Distribution processes
and standards are now becoming embedded into the culture. A number
of new contracts have been secured and by delivering high levels of
customer service it is hoped that further contracts will be gained.

Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
The OFT announced in September that it was not referring the newspaper
and magazine supply chain to the Competition Commission. The division
welcomes this decision and looks forward to participating in industry
groups to help shape the industry, as all participants look to address
the challenges that exist.

Strategy
After a year that has brought a great amount of change, the division has
clear objectives. In 2010 the additional new contracts will be integrated
into the business. This enlarged network allows further synergy benefits
and these will be pursued. New ventures will be developed and further
efficiencies will be targeted. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Menzies Distribution monitors a number of financial and operational KPIs
to help achieve key business objectives. The Group’s main financial KPIs
are highlighted on page 9 of this Annual Report.

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Key statistics

2.2m 

magazines delivered daily

5.5m

newspapers delivered daily

25,000

retail customers

4,000

employees 

24

hubs in the UK and Ireland

19

spokes

43%

UK market share

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 17

 
Principal risks and uncertainties

The management of the business and the execution of strategy
are subject to a number of risks, beyond those identified in the
Group Financial Review on pages 22 to 26 and Note 16 on page 84.

External risks

Business environment

Mitigation activities

Economic risk
Risk of an adverse change in the business environment 
for each division or to the overall global recession.

(cid:129) We undertake monthly reviews of divisional and Group

results versus budget and forecast, and have a structured
three year plan in place

Trend

(cid:129) Market trends in key product categories are reviewed

monthly at both divisions

(cid:129) Ensure cost base is fit for purpose

Financing risk
Risk of inadequate financing facilities or inadequately
managing FX exposure.

(cid:129) The Group maintains a strong relationship with its banks
and is confident that it has sufficient debt headroom
available to fund the business in the medium term

(cid:129) Monthly Treasury Review Committee meetings 
are held which include reviewing hedging policy,
supplemented by weekly cash forecasts and daily
monitoring of facility headroom

(cid:129) The Group Board receives a treasury update from 
the Finance Director at each board meeting and 
annually reviews treasury policy

(cid:129) A strategy review exercise which involves a full
examination of market conditions and trends is 
held each year prior to budget setting

(cid:129) The creation of Menzies Marketing Services aims 

to develop new revenue streams

(cid:129) Menzies Distribution focuses on cost and productivity
efficiency in its core business and increasing regional
newspaper market share

Trend

Market change risk
Risk for Menzies Distribution associated with changing
consumer behaviour and digital media proliferation –
accelerating top-line decline.

Trend

Customer risk

Airline industry change
Risk of losing a customer directly as a result of changes 
in the airline sector/volume reductions/consolidations etc.

Trend

(cid:129) Providing consistent, transparent levels of customer services

(cid:129) Balanced customer portfolio

(cid:129) Maintain relationships with key accounts

(cid:129) Flexible business model

(cid:129) Regular review of costs

Publisher contract renewals
Risk associated with publisher contract renewals including
infrastructure set-up and operation.

(cid:129) Successful completion of 2009 renewals

(cid:129) Detailed operational transition planning for establishment

of new Distribution sites and new business gains

Trend

(cid:129) Planning and control of HR issues

(cid:129) Ongoing service level benchmarking

Retail aspirations and consolidation
Risk associated with retail aspirations and increase 
in retail consolidation.

Trend

(cid:129) Continue to respond actively to retailer KPIs

(cid:129) Customer survey has been refreshed and actions progressed

(cid:129) Continue to improve service levels with retailers,

introducing Service Pledge in 2009

18 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Risks are formally reviewed by each Divisional Operating Board on a quarterly basis. A formal Group-wide review
of risks is also performed six-monthly by the Group Board and Audit Committee and appropriate processes and
controls are put in place to monitor and mitigate these risks.

The key business risks identified by the Group are listed here:

Internal risks

People risk

Staff development
Risk of losing key staff as a result of not providing
sufficient people development opportunities.

Trend

Security
Risk that a serious security breach or incident occurs
within Menzies Aviation that is directly attributable to the
actions of one of our employees or the failure of related
processes and/or training.

Trend

Health and Safety
Risk of failing to provide staff with appropriate training 
and working environments and failing to comply with
relevant legislation.

Trend

Technology risk

System failure
Risk associated with collapse of global IT.

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Mitigation activities

(cid:129) The Group believes that retaining and developing 

staff is better for the business than external 
recruitment

(cid:129) Personal Development Programmes and Leadership

Development Programmes are in place

(cid:129) Working in tandem with airport authorities 

(cid:129) Rigorous checking and vetting of all employees

(cid:129) Central support is provided to all stations to ensure
consistency utilising the MORSE Intranet based 
safety monitoring system, which provides consistent,
regular reporting

(cid:129) Our team structure ensures a culture where ownership

of safety is the number one value

(cid:129) The Group Board receives detailed reports from 

each division at each board meeting. Each division 
has established and ongoing Health and Safety 
induction and training programmes and dedicated
resources available to them to ensure standards 
are continually raised

(cid:129) Regional network of dedicated safety individuals 

are also in place and the SMART programme ensures
adequate training and professional competencies 
are maintained

(cid:129) All of our data centres have adequate power and

facilities. We ensure that our systems remain up to 
date with appropriate external firewalls where required

(cid:129) There is also a tested disaster recovery plan and facility

Trend

in place if required

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 19

 
Board of Directors

William Thomson
Non-Executive Chairman
Note 3

David Coltman
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Director Note 3

Paul Dollman
Executive Director
Group Finance Director

William was appointed Chairman in 2002,
having been a Non-Executive Director
since 1987. He also chairs the Nomination
Committee. He is Chairman of E G
Thomson (Holdings) Ltd, a shipping and
logistics group with interests in Asia and
Fidelity Japanese Values plc. (Age 69).

David was appointed a Non-Executive
Director in 2001 and Senior Independent
Director in 2006. He is currently Chairman
of Eredene Capital plc and Edinburgh
Worldwide Investment Trust plc. He has
held various senior positions with airlines
in the UK and with United Airlines in
Chicago. (Age 67).

Paul was appointed as Group Finance
Director in 2002. He is also a Non-
Executive Director of Scottish Amicable
Life Association Society. A chartered
accountant, he was previously Finance
Director at William Grant & Sons Ltd, and
has also held senior financial positions
with Inveresk PLC, Maddox Group plc
and Clydesdale Retail Group. (Age 53).

Ian Harley
Non-Executive Director
Note 1

Ian Harrison
Non-Executive Director
Note 1

Dermot Jenkinson
Non-Executive Director
Notes 2, 3

Ian was appointed a Non-Executive
Director of the Company in February 2009.
He is Chairman of Rentokil Initial Pension
Trustee Limited, having previously spent
eight years on the Rentokil Initial plc Board,
and is Senior Independent Director at
Remploy Ltd. Ian was previously Finance
Director and Chief Executive Officer 
of Abbey National plc and spent nine
years on their Board. He is a chartered
accountant and Fellow and Past President
of the Institute of Bankers. (Age 59).

Ian was appointed a Non-Executive
Director in 1987. He is a Director of
Record Currency Management Ltd, an
institutional investment management
company specialising in currency
management for pension funds
worldwide. (Age 53).

Dermot was appointed to the Board 
in 1986 and held various executive
responsibilities before assuming a 
non-executive role in 1999. He is 
founder and Chairman of beCogent Ltd, 
a contact centre and related consultancy
business, and is a Director of a number
of other private companies. (Age 55).

20 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

David McIntosh
Executive Director
Menzies Distribution

Octavia Morley
Non-Executive Director
Notes 1, 2

Iain Napier
Non-Executive Director
Note 1, 2

David was appointed to the Board in
June 2009. He joined Menzies in 1989
becoming Finance Director of Menzies
Distribution in 1999. More recently as
Commercial and Marketing Director, 
he was responsible for commercial
contractual arrangements, key retail 
and publisher relationships and business
information provision. He is a chartered
accountant. (Age 47).

Octavia was appointed a Non-Executive
Director in 2006. She is currently Chief
Executive of Crew Clothing Ltd and 
has previously been Chief Executive 
of Lighterlife Ltd. Before that she was
Marketing Director and Commercial
Director at Woolworths plc, and held
positions as Managing Director,
ecommerce at Asda Stores Ltd and 
as Buying and Merchandising Director 
at Laura Ashley plc. (Age 41).

Iain was appointed Non-Executive Director
of the Company in September 2008. He
is currently Chairman of Imperial Tobacco
Group plc and McBride plc and is a Non-
Executive Director of the Molson Coors
Brewing Company and William Grant 
& Sons Ltd. He was previously Group
CEO of Taylor Woodrow plc and prior 
to this CEO of Bass Brewers and Bass
International Brewers. Iain is a chartered
management accountant. (Age 60).

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Craig Smyth
Executive Director
Menzies Aviation

John Geddes
Company Secretary

Craig was appointed to the Board in
March 2007. He was a founder executive
of the Aviation division and has worked for
Menzies Aviation for 15 years. In 2003,
he moved from being the Chief Financial
Officer into the operational and commercial
role as Vice President, Americas and was
appointed Managing Director of Menzies
Aviation in February 2004. He is a chartered
accountant. (Age 42).

John was appointed as Company Secretary
in 2006. A chartered secretary, he joined
the Group in 1997 and was previously
Company Secretary of Menzies Aviation.
His career has also included posts at
Bank of Scotland plc and Guinness plc.
(Age 41).

Notes:
1 Member of Audit Committee
2 Member of Remuneration Committee
3 Member of Nomination Committee

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 21

 
Group financial review

Shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds decreased by £23m during the year to £39.6m, as follows:

Shareholders’ funds at December 2008
Profit before tax
Taxation
Net actuarial loss
Hedge accounting reserve
Currency translation
Share-based payment

Shareholders’ funds at December 2009

£m

62.6
22.0
(6.7)
(36.1)
(0.9)
(1.7)
0.4

39.6

The main impact on shareholders funds was the net actuarial loss resulting from the IAS 19 position at December
2009. This is detailed further under the Pensions section on page 23 and Note 4 on page 71.

Cash flow 
The Group generated an operating cash flow of £57.7m in 2009 (2008: £42.5m). Some £21m was invested in 
the business whilst a number of property disposals and equipment sale and leaseback arrangements generated
proceeds of £16.5m. Tax payments accounted for £5.5m. Net debt decreased from £182.6m to £132.3m. 

Cash flow

Operating profit
Share-based payments
Depreciation 
Amortisation of intangibles
Net pension movement
Working capital
Exceptional items
Cash spend on exceptional items
Dividends from associates and joint ventures
Non-cash items

Operating cash flow

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Intangible asset additions
Sale of property, plant and equipment

Net capital expenditure
Net interest paid
Foreign currency loss
Tax paid

Free cash flow

Equity dividends paid
Additional pension payment
Acquisitions
Cash raised from asset sales and leasebacks
Other investments
Shares 

Total movement 
Opening net debt
Currency translation

Closing net debt

£m

£m

2009

£m

24.3
0.4
24.9
4.7
(1.4)
3.2
6.0
(8.1)
4.2
(0.5)

57.7

(15.1)
(4.1)
1.0

(40.4)
(2.4)
9.1

(18.2)
(7.1)
–
(5.5)

26.9

–
(1.5)
(1.6)
16.5
3.2
–

43.5
(182.6)
6.8

(132.3)

2008

£m

19.4
0.4
23.6
3.0
(1.3)
(4.0)
7.3
(9.3)
3.3
0.1

42.5

(33.7)
(7.6)
(7.7)
(4.6)

(11.1)

(15.5)
–
(11.8)
–
4.1
0.8

(33.5)
(111.3)
(37.8)

(182.6)

The above cash flow data provides more information than the statutory IFRS cash flow statement on page 62.

The cash spend on exceptional items of £8.1m includes £2m of onerous lease costs which were provided for 
in earlier years and £6.1m of rationalisation costs, mostly redundancy costs in the Netherlands.

22 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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Pensions
With effect from 1 May 2006, the main UK pension scheme changed from a final pensionable salary scheme to an
average salary scheme and employee contributions were increased. Benefits accrued to current active members
prior to 1 May 2006 are now linked to future price inflation rather than future salary increases. The Company is
currently in a consultation period with current active members with a view to capping future accrual at 1% per annum.

Income statement
Current service cost
Past service cost
Gains on curtailments and settlements

Expected return on scheme assets
Interest on pension liabilities

Net financial (charge)/return

Net charge

Balance sheet
Total market value of assets
Present value of scheme liabilities

Deficit in scheme
Related deferred tax asset

Net pension liabilities 

£m

11.9
(13.7)

2009

£m

(1.8)
(0.2)
0.4

(1.6)

(1.8)

(3.4)

211.9
(296.4)

(84.5)
23.7

(60.8)

£m

15.8
(13.5)

2008

£m

(2.3)
–
–

(2.3)

2.3

–

182.4
(218.0)

(35.6)
10.0

(25.6)

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The current service cost for 2009 decreased as a result of an ongoing reduction in the pensionable payroll. 
The service cost for 2010 is expected to reduce slightly.

During 2009, the Group contributed cash of £4.5m (2008: £3.6m) to the Fund, including an additional pension
payment of £1.5m.

The market value of invested assets increased by 16%, primarily as a result of improved equity market performance
over the year. 

However, the present value of scheme liabilities increased by some £78m over the same period. The main drivers
of this liability increase were a reduction in the discount rate on corporate bonds, from 6.4% to 5.7%, combined
with an increase in the long-term Bank of England inflation assumption used, from 3.1% to 3.5%. In addition, the
mortality assumptions used to calculate the IAS 19 position as at 31 December 2009 have been updated to match
those used by the Actuary for the triennial valuation exercise performed as at 31 March 2009. 

Following the full actuarial valuation carried out as at 31 March 2009, the Company has agreed with the Trustees 
of the Fund to contribute an additional annual cash contribution of £6m plus RPI, commencing 1 April 2010.

Non-underlying performance
The results for the year include the following one-off and/or material items, which the Group considers should 
be highlighted to provide a better understanding of the accounts:

(cid:129) the Group generated proceeds of £15.9m from a number of property and equipment sale and leaseback

arrangements, which resulted in a gain on disposal of £1.2m;

(cid:129) the Group disposed of the 50% interest in Freshport BV for a consideration of £0.6m resulting in a gain on

disposal of £0.2m;

(cid:129) an impairment charge of £1.0m reduces the carrying value of the Group’s 40% interest in Menzies Chengdu
Aviation Services Limited, which is held as an available for sale asset, to its estimated recoverable amount;

(cid:129) £1.7m was provided in respect of future obligations on leasehold properties, which became empty during 

2009 and 2008; and

(cid:129) £4.7m was provided for the costs of rationalising excess capacity comprising asset write-downs and staff

redundancy costs in the Aviation business, mainly in respect of the Netherlands.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 23

 
Group financial review

Under IFRS, previously capitalised goodwill is no longer amortised. However, these results include an impairment
charge of £1.8m, reflecting the remaining life of the current licence at Menzies Macau Aviation Services Ltd.

IFRS requires the price paid for a business to be allocated between goodwill and other intangible assets. The other
intangible assets capitalised in Aviation are amortised and this amortisation charge has been highlighted to present
a clearer trading position.

Further details are disclosed in Note 5 to the accounts.

Interest 
The net interest charge is analysed as follows:

Fixed rate sterling term loan
Fixed rate sterling loan
Floating rate sterling loan
US dollar loans
Preference shares
Cash/overdrafts 
Other finance charge/(income)
Foreign currency loss

Net interest charge

2009
£m

1.8
1.0
1.8
0.7
0.1
1.0
1.8
–

8.2

2008
£m

1.9
–
4.0
2.3
0.1
(0.6)
(2.3)
7.7

13.1

The sterling term loan is at a fixed rate of 6.23% and is repayable between 2010 and 2020.

During 2009, the Group hedged the exposure to interest rate rises by entering into £75m of interest rate swap
agreements, whereby the Group pays a fixed rate of interest and receives a variable rate of LIBOR+margin on 
the notional amount. £50m of these interest rate swaps mature in July 2011 with the remaining £25m maturing 
in June 2012.

Other finance charge/(income) is the net financial charge/(return) from the pension scheme under IAS 19. The amount
has become a net cost due to the higher interest cost on the pension liabilities.

During 2008, the Group executed cross-currency basis swaps which reduced its interest costs by £1.0m. The foreign
currency loss incurred of £7.7m was exactly matched by tax relief of £7.7m.

Taxation
The tax rate on underlying profits for the year was 26.4% compared with 39.4% in 2008 and is analysed as:

Tax due at UK rate
Non tax-deductible items
Unrelieved overseas losses
Utilisation of tax losses
Adjustment to prior years liabilities
Deferred tax asset on overseas losses
Release of deferred tax liability on undistributed reserves of associate

Underlying tax rate

Tax paid during the year was £5.5m. 

%

28.0
2.4
2.7
(2.0)
(1.7)
(1.4)
(1.6)

26.4

The tax effect of the exceptional items, described in Note 5 to the accounts, is a credit of £0.6m. 

The overall effective tax rate has reduced from 112.1% in 2008 to 30.5%. The high 2008 rate resulted from the
deferred tax adjustments described in Note 8(c).

24 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Acquisitions and disposals
In January 2009, Menzies Aviation acquired the trade and fixed assets of Kion, a ramp services business based 
at Mexico City airport, for a consideration of £0.5m, including costs of £0.1m.

During the year, the Group disposed of its 50% interest in the Aviation joint venture in the Netherlands, Freshport
BV, for a consideration of £0.6m.

Property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment totalled:

Distribution 
Aviation 

Property
£m

Plant and
equipment
£m

0.8
1.1

1.9

6.2
7.0

13.2

Total
£m

7.0
8.1

15.1

During the year, Distribution invested some £6.2m in new technology.

Aviation’s capital expenditure mainly comprised equipment to service new contracts. 

Intangible assets 
Expenditure on computer software amounted to £3.8m during 2009, of which some £3m related to SAP.

Capitalised goodwill amounts to £57.7m compared to £62.3m in 2008. This goodwill is no longer amortised but
rather is subject to an annual impairment review. 

Amortisation periods for contracts are business-stream dependent and vary from zero to 10 years. Where the
contracts are not amortised, they are subject to an annual impairment test at cash-generating unit level, generally
considered to be ‘station’ level.

Other investments
This includes cash received from loan repayments by joint ventures and the proceeds on disposal of Freshport BV.

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Working capital
Working capital movement is analysed as follows:

Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables

2009
£m

(2.7)
(2.2)
8.1

3.2

2008
£m

3.1
(9.3)
2.2

(4.0)

The overall movement in working capital is due in the main to the additional business taken on by Menzies
Distribution following the latest round of publisher negotiations. 

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 25

 
Group financial review

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.

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

US$
Euro

Average
for year to
Dec
2009

1.562
1.121

Year end
31 Dec
2009

1.615
1.126

Average
for year to
Dec
2008

1.866
1.264

Year end
31 Dec
2008

1.438
1.034

Further disclosure in respect of the above is included in Note 16 to the Accounts.

Going concern 
At 31 December 2009, the Group had committed borrowing facilities of £197m, with an expiry profile of:

£20m
£75m
£24.8m (US$40m)
£50m
£27.2m

June 2010
November 2011
November 2011
January 2013
March 2020

Under the terms of these facilities, the financial covenants are tested semi-annually. The Group has complied 
fully with the financial covenant tests. 

The Group updates trading forecasts covering a forward 15 month period on a regular basis, which together with
the supporting assumptions are reviewed by the Board. The current forecast shows that the Group is able to operate
within both its committed banking facilities and related financial covenants during this period and the Directors
believe that the assumptions underpinning this forecast are both prudent and reasonable. 

The Directors therefore believe, on the basis of current financial projections and facilities available, that the Company
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Outlook
Menzies Aviation
At Menzies Aviation, the year has started well. Both cargo and ground handling volumes have seen like-for-like
growth in the early weeks of 2010, albeit against weak comparatives in the previous year.

Menzies Distribution
At Menzies Distribution, sales in the year so far are well up on last year as a result of the impact of contract gains.
Overall trading in the early weeks of 2010 was broadly in line with last year. The focus for the year remains on cost
control, the implementation of the new SAP system and the development of additional revenue streams.

Group
Overall, the Group is planning selectively to grow both divisions using the cash generated by the businesses
whilst continuing to focus on debt reduction and further improve our financial ratios. We have recommenced
dividend payments which we will look to grow progressively. The Board is looking forward with confidence 
and expects the Group to make further progress in 2010.

26 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Corporate social responsibility

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We believe that our business conduct, policies and guidelines which
we have in place concerning ethics, sound business practices and
wider governance issues will not only enhance our standing in the
community, but also provide a better business for all our stakeholders.

The Company recognises that being a socially responsible
company adds to and enhances the Company’s overall
value, both short and long term. The impact our business
activities have on the environment and communities 
in which we operate are important to us, and to our
stakeholders. We therefore have systems in place to
identify, analyse and manage key risks arising from our
operations, and develop better business methods. The
policies and guidelines we have in place set standards
concerning ethics, sound business practices and wider
governance issues.

The Board expects the Group to conduct its operations
based on sound ethical practices which are open and
free from discrimination and harassment, and will
promote a positive representation of the Group to
stakeholders. The Group has adopted and disseminated
appropriate policies and procedures, including clear
guidelines on matters such as competition law, bribery
and whistle-blowing, and the Board has tasked each
Divisional Managing Director to be responsible for the
implementation of all of these policies in their divisions. 

John Menzies plc is included in the FTSE4Good index
for socially responsible investment. We chose to
participate in this index because the index measures
the performance of companies that meet globally
recognised responsibility standards. 

Developing business pillars – becoming ‘SMART’
Both Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution have
developed new CSR models as an integral part of their
business development strategies. These are designed to
standardise and improve business practices throughout
their division.

against these standards will be monitored through 
self-certification, as well as independent audit. It
covers subjects including Safety, Security and Quality,
Corporate Governance, Human Resource, Operational
Training, Planning and Procedures and Finance. 

Menzies Distribution’s three business development
pillars are focused on the delivery of the strategy
outlined on page 7. Corporate Social Responsibility 
has been identified as crucial to the achievement 
of this strategy and processes are being developed 
to ensure the business remains fit for purpose as 
it increases efficiency in its existing businesses, 
and develops new revenue streams.

Both divisions new CSR strategies are gradually being
implemented, with initial phases introduced in 2009,
and the roll-out continuing in 2010.

Board responsibility and management framework
It is important that both of our divisions maintain an
open and productive dialogue with all of our employees,
customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, and the
Board has tasked each Divisional Managing Director
with ensuring that these occur. The two Divisional
Managing Directors are therefore responsible for CSR
within their divisions. This responsibility also specifically
includes Health and Safety and Employee welfare.
Significant CSR issues arising in or affecting any of 
our businesses are raised and discussed at each Group
Board meeting. The Group Board and the Divisional
Operating Boards have systems in place, including
access to adequate information, to identify and assess
CSR risks, and to ensure that these risks, and exposure
to them, are managed appropriately. 

Menzies Aviation have begun introducing SMART
(Standard Menzies Audit & Reporting Tool), initially 
to the ground handling operations. SMART has been
designed to concisely and clearly provide the minimum
standard expected in a Menzies operation. Compliance

Each Divisional Managing Director is also responsible for
ensuring that high levels of health and safety are upheld
throughout the supply chain; conduct their operations on
a lawful, sound and ethical basis; and minimise potential
reputational and operational risk to the Group.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 27

 
Corporate social responsibility

A description of the Company’s internal control system
for management, particularly of financial risks, is in the
Corporate Governance statement on pages 37 to 45.
An analysis of the key business risks facing the Group
appears in the Business Review on page 18. 

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY

Good health and safety practices are integral both to
employee welfare and to the success of the Group. Each
Divisional Managing Director is responsible to the Board
for health and safety in their division. We continually
review our procedures and our training in order to
develop and adopt methods of working which reduce
the likelihood of accidents occurring. Both divisions
operate in a time-critical environment with any delay
increasing costs and causing disruption for ourselves
and our customers. 

Reports on health and safety performance are the first
operating item at all meetings of the Group Board and
at Divisional Operating Board meetings. They include
injury statistics and trends as well as lessons learned,
training performance, contacts with regulators and
legislative changes. The Group’s health and safety policy
statement, which is published on our website, focuses
on establishing a suitable environment, providing proper
training, communication and consultation with employees. 

MENZIES AVIATION 
During 2009, Menzies Aviation continued to build on
the positive results it had achieved during 2008. The
structure of Health, Safety and Security management
within aviation has evolved to match the operational
business needs and further strengthen the focus on
establishing operational standards and policies. This 
is being achieved through the development of the
SMART programme that has been designed to provide
a framework of minimum standards that all business
operations must strive to achieve. 

The monthly Incident Review Board (IRB) chaired by
the Divisional Managing Director has further matured
and continues to bring a strong senior management
focus on incident investigation and the development of
preventative measures. Communicating the ‘safety &
security’ message has continued with regular publication
of safety alerts, posters/stickers, operational audits and
employee participation through local safety committees
as well as a monthly safety performance newsletter.

Health and Safety is a central component of the SMART
standards tool. The MORSE incident/accident reporting
tool has further matured and the enhanced version 
was successfully implemented and is now providing 
a significantly higher standard of reporting, qualitatively
and quantitatively, shifting the emphasis to prevention
rather than cure. Furthermore, additional enhancements
have been made to allow for the reporting of security
breaches, environmental incidents and mandatory
operating reports, including new causal codes that
enable us to identify root cause and performance 
data more accurately in comparison to previous years.

Menzies Aviation continues to take a proactive position
with representation on industry groups such as the
International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airside
Safety Group. Representation at these groups continues
to underpin a strong message to the industry and
regulators that Menzies Aviation is proactive in their
commitment to safety. IATA has developed a standard
Industry Ground Safety Audit Programme (ISAGO) that
will standardise the audit process for ground service
providers. Menzies Aviation has been actively engaged
in the consultative development of this programme and
formation of the audit standards, which will provide an
internationally recognised industry benchmark. 

Menzies Operating Responsibly Safely and
Effectively (MORSE)
Menzies Aviation’s safety management programme is
called MORSE. The MORSE safety management system
and network safety team provide a dedicated resource
within each region to support the field organisation and
ensure we maintain a strong safety compliance focus.
SMART is an integral part of the safety management
system and the network team work together to set
policy, agree standard operational procedures and
communicate regular safety awareness information 
to the field organisation. The priority continues to be
standardising safety and other business critical processes. 

MORSE incorporates an intranet-based network reporting
and investigation system for the recording of all incidents,
including near misses, to UK standards and is continually
updated and refreshed to promote its safety and
security awareness message. 

28 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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A new safety and security business plan tool was
introduced in Menzies Aviation in 2009 that now 
forms part of the annual budget planning process. 
This initiative requires each business unit to consider
what specific and measurable preventative actions or
measures they will take during the following year to
reduce safety and security incidents. These individual
safety and security plans were approved by regional
management and will be reviewed by the Incident
Review Board on a quarterly basis and during audits
and form a key part of the strategy and work programme
within each region during 2010. 

MENZIES DISTRIBUTION
During 2009, Operating Board responsibility for Health
and Safety was assumed by the Menzies Distribution
Director of Human Resources. The department has also
appointed an additional member of staff to ensure greater
visibility and presence at a branch level, and to provide
a much more proactive stance. In 2009, the division
instigated a substance misuse policy, and training
sessions were held for all staff.

MORSE and the safety strategy
The most common injuries in this business are those
sustained from manual handling, slips and trips, and
moving objects. Best practice is shared between the
divisions, and Menzies Distribution uses a variation of
Menzies Aviation’s MORSE programme. The division
has just completed its first three year safety strategy,
designed to encompass all staff in the division. The
strategy was aimed at targeting Health and Safety
training at all levels within the organisation, specific 
to the tasks and responsibilities held by the individual:

(cid:129) Directors’ responsibility and duty training: 

this was designed and undertaken by an external
facilitator to update and inform all Distribution
Directors of their health and safety responsibilities. 
It is intended that Directors appointed in 2009 will
undergo this training early in 2010;

(cid:129) Competence and Senior Management: 
training to IOSH qualification level in risk
management;

(cid:129) Supervisors Stepping Up programme: 

135 staff members have now completed this 
four day training programme; and

(cid:129) Introduction of Electronic Reporting Tool: 
a new tool is currently being selected to 
complement the existing MORSE programme.

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This approach has proved successful and will be extended
over the next three years.

The division continued to evolve its vehicle movement
practices, separating workplace vehicle movements
from people movements. Our route-map practices 
were previously highly commended by the Freight
Transport Association and the Health & Safety Executive
(HSE) and remain a case study on the HSE website,
highlighting Menzies Distribution’s safe systems of
work as the blueprint for good working practices. 

All staff receive health and safety training relevant to
the tasks they perform. CD-based training materials are
also available, including our driver training programme
which covers safety as well as advanced driving skills
to maximise fuel savings.

Integration of new business
For our customers it was business as usual as their
supplier changed to Menzies Distribution, but the
instant addition of two new hub sites and 180 new staff
following the new business gain from Dawson News
presented a challenging opportunity for the Distribution
Health and Safety team. Health and Safety were integral
to plans for our new sites. Each new site required
immediate risk assessments which were undertaken
as soon as our staff gained access to the new premises.
Initial alterations for safety were instigated to ensure
our high standards were maintained. 

As well as ensuring the premises were as safe as 
we could make them, it was important that all new
staff received appropriate training. A road-show and
induction classes were set up for all staff moving to
Menzies and mop-up programmes were arranged for
those who missed the initial sessions. 

Once initial operations had commenced the Menzies
team then instigated its normal health and safety
strategy, with managers put onto risk management 
and risk assessment courses, supervisors receiving an
accelerated ‘Stepping up’ module on health and safety,
and manual handling training given to shop-floor staff.
With the new premises now operating the ‘Menzies
Way’ they, along with our existing premises, will continue
to keep health and safety central in all activities.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 29

 
Corporate social responsibility

2. INJURY AND INCIDENT REPORTING

3. EMPLOYEES

Whilst both divisions utilise key performance measures
to monitor trends and to improve our performance in
this area, they operate in very different sectors, and 
so statistics for each division are analysed individually.

In respect of Menzies Aviation’s overseas operations,
there is no comparable UK RIDDOR, as each country
where it operates has different reporting requirements.
However, under the MORSE incident reporting system,
all injuries are reported under standard categories
depending on seriousness, where category A would be
for the most serious incidents. Category A level is not
the same as UK RIDDOR, but it includes major/serious
incidents involving fatality, serious harm, dangerous
occurrence or aircraft damage, including significant
near misses.

Menzies Aviation – UK figures

2009
2008
2007
2006

UK injuries 
reportable 
under RIDDOR

Equivalent
rate per
100 FTE
employees

61
79
52
29

1.7
2.1
1.5
1.2

Menzies Aviation – Worldwide figures

Worldwide 
Category A equivalent

Aircraft damage
per 1,000 turns

Per
100 FTE
employees

Menzies 
Aviation

IAHA
published 
benchmark

0.33
0.24
0.34
0.27

0.07
0.09
0.10
0.10

0.11
0.15
0.17
0.16

Number

107
100
107
76

2009
2008
2007
2006

Of the 107 incidents, 50 involved aircraft damage and
57 involved personal injury.

Menzies Distribution

2009
2008
2007
2006

UK injuries 
reportable 
under RIDDOR

Equivalent
rate per
100 FTE
employees

40
51
42
62

0.10
0.12
1.16
1.62

Diversity
The Group recognises the value in a diverse employment
base. The principles are recognised through published
employment policies which are designed to attract,
retain and motivate quality staff. Full consideration is
given to age discrimination laws and the employment of
disabled people and our policies and practices encourage
recruitment and promotion based on merit, irrespective
of factors such as age, gender, race, religious beliefs 
or sexual orientation.

Attracting the right people
Both of our divisions recognise that the recruitment
process is only the first stage in our relationship 
with our employees, and selecting the right people 
is essential in delivering an efficient, cost-effective
product to our customers. Both divisions believe in
approaching as wide a population as possible in their
recruitment efforts, and so in 2009 utilised a variety 
of recruitment methods. Applications are considered
purely on merit, and psychometric assessments are
also used in Menzies Aviation to assist in selection 
for management roles. 

In 2010, both divisions intend to develop further their
recruitment processes to maximise the use of web-
based applications, with Menzies Aviation introducing 
a tailored graded recruitment internet landing site.

Investors in people
Menzies Distribution has set a target of achieving
Investor in People (IIP) recognition, and an active dialogue
commenced with IIP in 2009. The division will continue
to work towards IIP recognition in 2010.

Reward
The Group recognises that its continuing success
depends on the quality and motivation of its employees.
It aims to ensure that its remuneration practices are
competitive, enabling it to attract, retain and motivate
executives and employees who have the experience,
skills and talents to operate and develop its businesses
to their maximum potential. 

30 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

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Incentives
We provide a variety of reward and pension arrangements
as part of our employee retention and incentivisation
programme. Employees are able to develop a direct
interest in the financial performance of the Group through
its savings-related share option scheme, which is open
to all UK employees, of whom over 1,000 are members.
Over 850 UK employees took up their invitation and
subscribed to the 2009 sharesave scheme in which
almost 500,000 shares are now held under option. 

For staff in the UK, the Group offers many benefits,
such as a childcare scheme which allows staff to opt 
to receive part of their pay in tax-free childcare vouchers.
Other benefits offered to staff, dependent on grade
and location, include: private medical care, subsidised
staff restaurant, gym membership, life insurance and 
a company car or car allowance.

Developing and training our employees
Training is an integral part of our offering to employees 
– not only for health, safety and security purposes, 
but also in developing talent within the business. 
All employees, in both Menzies Aviation and Menzies
Distribution receive an induction programme particular
to the work they will be undertaking. Health, safety 
and security training continues for everyone throughout
the employees time in the Company, supplemented by
management and leadership courses where an employee
is promoted. As part of its international standardisation
under the SMART programme, Menzies Aviation has
been developing 74 standard training modules to be
available to employees. These modules will meet ISAGO
standards, and a worldwide roll-out on an airport by
airport basis will commence with Ramp operatives 
in the spring of 2010.

All Directors and managers, from the Executive Directors
downwards, undergo a formal annual review where
feedback is given on the previous year’s performance
and goals for the upcoming year are agreed. Individual
Personal Development Plans are established, and
leadership talent reviews are held to identify those
suitable for potential promotion. Other staff also receive
continual feedback from their branch or local managers.

Leadership development initiatives remain important in
Menzies Aviation and 2009 saw the continuation of the
‘Leading from the Front’ programme, which provides
supervisory level employees with basic leadership skills.
The programme is delivered locally helping to ensure

local buy-in to the ‘Menzies Way’ principles. All new
employees are given induction training designed to
ensure that they can fulfil their tasks safely and securely. 

Menzies Distribution completed the second year of its
‘Stepping Up’ four day leadership course for supervisors
and a total of over 135 employees have now participated.
This course will continue in 2010 with an estimated
further 60 supervisors attending. It is supplemented by
‘Release the Potential’ aimed at first level managers,
helping employees understand themselves better and
improve the way they relate to other people with the
intention of improving business performance. NVQ
training has continued to be provided in our branches to
staff and Tachograph training sessions have been held
in co-operation with the Freight Transport Association,
sharing best practice.

All of the Group’s commercial vehicle drivers are 
given driver training. Each division has resources made
available to it to ensure the training needs of its staff
carrying out particular functions and tasks are fully met.
Managers are also encouraged to foster a work-based
culture based on values espoused as part of a campaign
promoting and providing guidance on ethical business
practices and professional conduct concerning dealings
with all our stakeholder groups such as customers,
suppliers and of course employees.

Communication and consultation
Menzies Distribution and Menzies Aviation management
meet regularly with employee representatives, and seek
to maintain an open and constructive dialogue. These
discussions range from national agreements to issues
at local sites.

During 2009, both divisions operated comprehensive
internal communication programmes designed to
ensure that all employees throughout the Group are
kept informed about the direction and performance 
of their own division and of the rest of the Group.

Menzies Aviation continued with its regular email
bulletins of contract award information, divisional
information and corporate results updates. These 
are issued frequently and are disseminated to all staff
through regular crew room briefings at each airport.
Crew room briefings are also designed to provide an
informal environment where two way communication
can occur, and employees are encouraged to raise
issues, concerns or questions in these sessions. 

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 31

 
Corporate social responsibility

Menzies Distribution continued publication of its
successful staff magazine ‘News and Views’, issued
quarterly to all staff, and a tri-annual publication ‘Critical
Business Briefing’, for senior staff designed to capture
and discuss significant changes and developments
within the business. In an effort to improve working
relations between the various arms of our operation, and
in turn our service to customers, Menzies Distribution
conducted a business-wide survey to assess the
experiences of employees who deal with Branch 
and Head Office departments.

Recognising human rights
All our employees are important to us and the Group
operates policies designed to ensure that the highest
standards are maintained. Menzies Aviation operates in
an international environment and its Human Resources
policies include sections specifically designed to maintain
Group-wide standards. These are integral to the SMART
programme. International airports are unique operating
environments, and demand the highest international
standards in employment practice, both for the safety
and security of all our customers and for the benefit 
of our business.

Whistleblowing, anti-corruption and bribery
The Group is committed to transparent and honest
business, and recognises that robust policies and
procedures are necessary to minimise risk to the
business. As well as making its whistle-blowing policy
available on its website, in the UK staff noticeboards
contain details of the division’s whistle-bowing policy.
Staff can report any issues locally or via an independent
third party. Menzies Aviation has similar policies in place
for its operations in the rest of the world. All reports
are taken seriously and will be treated fairly and justly
by John Menzies plc, and all reasonable steps will be
taken to ensure that no person who raises a genuine
concern will be at risk of suffering any form of retaliation
as a result.

As well as working within the Group’s Corporate
Governance manual, Menzies Aviation has also made 
a divisionally focused version available on its intranet,
containing details of the Ethics and Gifts & Hospitality
policies. ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ cards are available to 
all managers on the division’s intranet detailing 
what they should or should not do in regard to 
anti-competitive practices. 

4. ENVIRONMENT

The Board acknowledges its responsibilities for ensuring
that environmental risks arising from the activities of
its businesses are properly identified, managed and
controlled, and that its businesses are compliant with
all local laws, as well as with best practice – the latter
where it is practicable. 

Environmental policy
Each of our two divisions has its own environmental
policy, which has been approved by the Divisional
Operating Boards and is integrated within existing
management structures and implemented through
normal business practices and procedures. These
environmental policies address the following areas:

(cid:129) allocating roles, responsibilities and resources;

(cid:129) complying with legislation and best practice;

(cid:129) monitoring, verification and auditing of compliance;

(cid:129) data collection, analysis and reporting;

(cid:129) risk identification, assessment and management;

(cid:129) communication and dissemination of information;

(cid:129) adopting technology and working practices that 
are modern, environmentally friendly and energy
efficient; and

(cid:129) working with customers and suppliers to address
environmental issues affecting our businesses.

At Group level, environmental issues affecting the
businesses are the responsibility of, and reported 
by, each Divisional Managing Director to the Board.
Environmental risks associated with new businesses
are always assessed as part of our due diligence
process on all acquisitions. 

Within Menzies Aviation, as part of the SMART
programme, operational management have to certify
periodically compliance with local environmental
regulations. There were no incidents last year which
posed a significant environmental risk to the Group’s
operations and systems are in place to try to prevent
their occurrence. These systems are reviewed periodically.
As well as preventing risk, the Group is committed 
to reducing its carbon footprint and impact on the
environments in which it operates.

Carbon Trust Standard
The Group is proud that at the start of 2009, Menzies
Distribution achieved the Carbon Trust Standard for the
energy efficiency work that has been undertaken in 

32 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

the division. The Carbon Trust Standard is awarded 
to organisations that measure, manage and reduce
their carbon footprint. It shows which businesses 
and organisations are taking real action on climate
change and reducing carbon emissions and the award
recognises Menzies Distribution’s efforts to date and
its commitment to further reductions. Carbon footprint
reduction continues across the Group, providing
efficiencies and reducing costs to the business and
both divisions remain committed to minimising the
impact they have on the environment.

Energy consumption
At Menzies Distribution, energy consumption during the
year amounted to 28m kWh, a decrease of 10% on 2008.
Since October 2007 all its mainland UK electricity has
been procured from fully ‘green’ renewable resources.
The division has a target of reducing electricity
consumption by over 12% from its 2008 figures by the
end of 2011, and seeks to maintain its accreditation to
Carbon Trust Standard. 

5. CARBON REDUCTION

During 2007, Menzies Distribution worked with a 
team from Heriot-Watt University and their academic
partners in the government-funded ‘green logistics’
project to establish its direct carbon footprint and 
(1) benchmark this in relation to the newspaper and
magazine supply chain overall and (2) establish how our
footprint has evolved over recent years. The exercise
proved revealing and supports the strong link between
operational effectiveness and environmental impact.
Menzies Distribution has responded to the report on
two fronts – leading within the business and leading
within the industry.

Menzies Distribution carbon footprint

2009
2008
2007

CO2 tonnes

34,300
37,500
39,000

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Menzies Aviation operates largely in shared environments
such as airport terminals, and their direct billed energy
is significantly lower than that of Menzies Distribution.
However, they work closely with airport authorities 
in minimising their energy consumption, and actively
promote efficiencies within their own premises. 

Leading within the business
Significant steps have been taken to reduce carbon
emissions within day-to-day practice. In warehouses
and offices, this has meant a campaign to discourage
unnecessary use of lighting, and collaboration with
energy wholesalers to acquire green electricity contracts. 

In 2010, the Group will continue monitoring its 
energy consumption levels in the UK as part of 
its requirements under the Carbon Reduction
Commitment. Water consumption across the 
business is low. Both divisions again have a policy 
in place to minimise usage and the impact of our
business operations to the local environments.

Menzies Distribution five year strategy
2009 was the first year of Menzies Distribution’s five
year conservation strategy, aimed at implementing its
Energy and Water policy. The strategy is divided into
three parallel streams:

(cid:129) Monitoring and targeting;

(cid:129) Good housekeeping – encompassing staff awareness,

staff training, motivation and publicity; and

(cid:129) Technical improvements – investing to improve

efficiency and reduce emissions.

Each stream has its own internal objectives and methods,
and is being implemented by a combination of external
facilitators and experts, and Menzies in-house facilities
and logistics teams and site managers.

On delivery routes, Menzies Distribution has continued
to increase fuel efficiency, thoroughly reviewing and
revising run networks with the OPTRACK system and
introducing educational programmes for drivers to
encourage better practice. 

The division has also continued to investigate and
implement transport and fuel alternatives including 
the electric Modec vehicle which now services the
London area, and the introduction of a number of 
‘Eco-Start’ sprinter vans.

Leading within the industry 
Menzies Distribution has sought ways to encourage
greener practice at its partners and associates. The
division’s carbon footprint amounts to around 34,300
tonnes; however, the newspaper and magazine supply
chain as a whole accounts for significantly more. Lobbying
others within the industry is therefore one of the most
important steps the division can take to reduce carbon
emissions overall. Menzies Distribution’s newly launched
website, www.enviromenzies.com is the platform from
which the division aims to lead this campaign. 

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 33

 
Corporate social responsibility

Menzies Aviation
Menzies Aviation provides a people-based service to its
airline customers and is a lower emitter of carbon than
Menzies Distribution. Menzies Aviation tends to operate
in shared environments such as airport terminals
where we work together with the airport authorities 
to minimise carbon emissions at each site. Efficiency 
is key in all aspects of our operations, including at our
own warehouses, where energy inefficiency is a cost
to the business. A significant proportion of our airside
ground servicing equipment fleet is electric, and our
lease arrangements ensure frequent servicing and
replacement, maximising efficiency. In addition, landside
road vehicles are regularly serviced and trucks are all
Euro IV standard, to maximise fuel efficiency per mile,
and numbers of miles travelled are kept as low as possible.

6. WASTE AND EMISSIONS

Menzies Distribution
At Menzies Distribution, packaging waste, namely
cardboard and polythene, and office paper are by-
products of our activities. We have waste compactors
installed in our 22 hub branches in the UK. Under our
contracts with newspaper and magazine publishers,
we are responsible for the collection of unsold copies
from retail outlets. Newspaper publishers outsource
the physical uplift and recycling from our premises 
via third-party agents with whom we work closely 
to integrate an efficient transition from our processes
to their collection. 

Volume
of waste
uplifted
(tonnes)

4,440 
5,317 
5,747 
5,458 

Unsold
newsprint
recycled
(tonnes)

Unsold
magazines
processed
for recycling
(tonnes)

Percentage
recycled

29.0% 103,500
16.7% 110,000
13.3% 110,000
11.2% 104,400

56,360
60,494
62,444
60,079

Year

2009
2008
2007
2006

For magazines, unsold copy from all of our branches 
is fed primarily into UPM Kymmene’s Shotton Paper
Mill for conversion into future newsprint. All unsold
magazine products which are not required for resale
are consigned for paper recycling. The division also
handles other unsold products such as collectible part-
works and sticker collections. These are sent back to
publishers for subsequent re-use. Menzies Distribution
is active in industry initiatives aimed at reducing the
volumes of such material to landfill and supporting
initiatives to increase consumer awareness of the
magazine recycling opportunity.

Menzies Aviation
Menzies Aviation are committed to reducing unnecessary
consumption of resources and recycling packaging
such as polythene, rope and pallets where possible. 
Its total use of packaging materials through its AMI and
cargo businesses in the UK amounted to 708 tonnes
(2008: 705 tonnes). Where the division offers an aircraft
cleaning service, any waste we remove from an aircraft
is, wherever possible, processed via airport waste
recycling systems.

7. FLEET AND FUEL

Menzies Distribution 
The distribution fleet ranges from light commercial
vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 2.0-tonnes, up
to 26-tonne articulated commercial vehicles. Our fleet
comprises diesel-only vehicles on a leased basis. Lease
terms typically run for between three and five years,
ensuring a modern and efficient fleet. All new additions
to our fleet since January 2007 run on Euro IV engines.
In addition to lifecycle costing, future fleet structure will
reflect relative emissions efficiency, with a commitment
to reduction.

Mileage and related fuel cost is a significant overhead
in our Distribution business and a nationwide route
schedule review was undertaken during 2009. We also
have ongoing activity to address delivery route scheduling
and driver training. 

34 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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Menzies 
Distribution

Fleet
Own
Contractors

2009
new 
business

2009
existing 
business

2008

2007

54
142

433
1,060

432
1,211

454
1,173

Mileage
Own
(miles)

0.4 
million

Contractors
(miles)

1.1 
million

Fuel consumption
0.1
Own 
million
(litres)

Contractors 
(litres)

0.2
million

13.1 
million

24.8 
million

3.0
million

5.4
million

13.8 
million

29.0 
million

3.0
million

5.5
million

13.6 
million

28.9 
million

3.0
million

5.4 
million

MODEC electric truck trials 
A MODEC electric vehicle continues to operate in central
London as part of our assessment of more eco-friendly
vehicles. This was the second electric vehicle to be used
in our London operations. Menzies Distribution remains
committed to supporting low carbon operations and will
continue to explore further electric vehicles in 2010.
The vehicle supplies up to 20 retailers on any given day
and as a result two traditional vehicles were removed
from the fleet. Third-party contractors carry out two-
thirds of our delivery mileage and the same focus on
costs, regulatory compliance, vehicle suitability and
health and safety which influences the division’s direct
operations is also applied in selection and management
of such subcontractors. 

Menzies Aviation
The division operates various vehicles in connection
with its activities. Typically, these are on or off airport
activities and include bussing, trucking (cargo between
airports) and air freight couriering by AMI. Total fleet
size is small in comparison to Menzies Distribution, 
and covered approximately 4.5 million miles in 2009
(2008: 5.5 million miles).

O
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The on-airport activities involve use of specialist Ground
Support Equipment (GSE) for both our ground and cargo
handling businesses. Other than some passenger steps
and baggage or cargo carts which need to be towed, all
GSE can be driven and run on either diesel, electricity
or LPG. Other equipment including hydraulic loaders,
aircraft push back tugs, conveyor belt loaders, and
some diesel tow tractors that pull passenger steps and
carts are, wherever possible, fitted with the latest low
emission standard engines for the particular equipment
type. GSE is not designed to travel long distances so
the mileage is low.

The division also operates a small fleet of single-deck
passenger buses that transport airport workers daily 
to and from car parks in and around Heathrow Airport
in London and a UK trucking operation which transports
cargo between airports, mainly in the UK and Ireland.
The vehicle fleet undergoes a six-weekly maintenance
check to ensure optimum engine efficiency. The division
also has trucking operations in the USA, South Africa
and Sweden, most of which are provided through
subcontractors.

8. SUPPLY CHAIN

Our relationship with our customers and suppliers is
important to us – without them, we would simply not
exist. Both our businesses rely on long-term working
relationships as one of the core pillars of their business
strategy – for Menzies Distribution this can be a lifelong
arrangement with a newsagent, and for Menzies Aviation
agreements covering many years at many airports.

Airports and airlines operate on an international platform
and expect all their suppliers to operate to acceptable
standards worldwide. Menzies Aviation shares this
commitment to high standards and works with its airline
and airport partners to ensure that we all maintain and
deliver commitments to high standards throughout the
supply chain, at all our locations worldwide. 

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 35

 
Corporate social responsibility

Menzies Distribution customer survey
At the end of each year Menzies Distribution commissions
an independent customer survey, covering all aspects of
its relationship with its retail customers. Improvements
to our customer contact centres are just one of the
outcomes to previous years surveys. These are now
providing a better level of service than previously
provided at a branch level. The overall score for 2009
has just been published and is 5.87. Our survey scores
in this area are traditionally between 5 and 6.

Menzies Distribution customer survey

Year

2009
2008
2007

Score

5.87
5.79
5.09

Menzies Distribution Service Pledge
Another key area which Menzies Distribution had
undertaken to improve further was its relationship with
its customers, and in 2009 it published ‘Our Service
Pledge’. The booklet, circulated to all its customers, laid
out in plain language the minimum levels of performance
that they can expect from the division, building on three
key principles – guaranteed universal service; better
than industry standard; and a complaints resolution
process. Initial feedback is that the Service Pledge 
has been well received within the industry.

Menzies Aviation relationship building
Menzies Aviation has at the core of its strategy the
establishment of long-term agreements with attractive
airlines in attractive markets. Working closely with our
airline and airport customers and our ground equipment
suppliers provides long-term, reliable partnerships.
Menzies Aviation also has frequent audits of its services,
processes, procedures and policies at its airports by its
airline customers to ensure that their high standards
are maintained. 

Supplier payment policy
The Group does not operate a standard code in respect
of payments to suppliers. Each 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 are made in accordance with the
agreed terms, provided that the supplier has performed
in accordance with all relevant terms and conditions. 

At the year-end, the amount owed to trade creditors by
the Group was equivalent to 37.9 days (2008: 37.4 days)
of purchases from suppliers.

Political donations
It is the Company’s policy not to make political donations
and no political donations were made during the year
(2008: £nil).

9. INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITIES

National Library of Scotland
In memory of John M. Menzies, our former Life President
and a past Trustee of the National Library of Scotland,
the Board made a donation of £50,000 to the National
Library of Scotland 2009 fundraising. The Library,
Scotland’s largest reference library, contains a world-
class collection and is one of the major research libraries
in Europe. Its collection ranges from rare historical
documents to online journals and specialises in Scotland’s
knowledge, history and culture. The donation went
towards the redevelopment of the reception and 
public areas, improving visitor access to the Library,
and providing a fitting tribute to John M. Menzies. 

The Charities Fund
In light of the financial position of the Group and the
external economic environment the Group made 
no charitable donations during the year. However, 
to reflect the improved trading position a budget 
of £50,000 has been set for 2010.

The John M. Menzies Community Fund
Donations requests received from employees are
supported through the John M. Menzies Community
Fund. The Group employs more than 19,000 people 
in 27 countries all around the world, many of whom
participate in various forms of charitable, voluntary 
and other community-related work. We are supportive
of these initiatives, and encourage and support these
through the work of our Community Investment team.
The John M. Menzies Community Fund makes individual
cash awards of up to £350 per employee, or £700 per
team of employees, undertaking a charitable or community
project. Such awards are made in consultation with 
the Managing Directors of each business. During 2009,
some 24 applications were supported by this Fund to 
a total of £6,925.

36 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Corporate governance statement

The Board is committed to maintaining high standards
of corporate governance. The Company has applied
throughout the year under review all the provisions of
the Combined Code of Corporate Governance 2008
(the Code), other than the provisions concerning
committee independence explained below.

The Board
Composition
The Board currently consists of 10 Directors, seven 
of whom are Non-Executive (including the Chairman)
and three Executive. The role of the Chairman is
distinct from other positions, is clearly defined and 
is Non-Executive. 

The Company does not have a Chief Executive, 
instead it has an Executive Managing Director for
Menzies Aviation, an Executive Managing Director for
Menzies Distribution and an Executive Group Finance
Director. Each Executive Director has clearly defined
duties and responsibilities to the Board. Non-Executive
Directors are appointed for an initial term of three years,
and under the Articles one-third of the Directors are
required to retire from office at every Annual General
Meeting (AGM) and offer themselves for re-election.

Appointments and retirals
Ian Harley was appointed as an independent 
Non-Executive Director in February 2009 and Iain
Robertson retired following the AGM in May 2009. 
In July 2009, David McIntosh was appointed as an
Executive Director and Managing Director of Menzies
Distribution, replacing Ellis Watson who resigned from
the Board to take up another appointment. 

William Thomson, Chairman of the Company, will 
retire from the Board following the AGM in May 2010,
and will be replaced as Chairman by Iain Napier. The
Board will then have nine Directors including three
independent Non-Executive Directors, which is in
excess of the minimum recommended by Corporate
Governance guidelines for a company of our size, and
ensures that the Board is well balanced and able to meet
the challenges and opportunities that face the business. 

Having been appointed since the last AGM and in
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association,
David McIntosh will stand for election at the Company’s
AGM in May 2010. The Company’s Articles require that
a third of the Directors, or a number nearest to a third,
must retire by rotation. The Combined Code also requires
Non-executive Directors serving for more than nine
years to offer themselves up for annual re-election. 
The Directors who therefore retire and, being eligible,

offer themselves for re-election at the AGM are 
Dermot Jenkinson, Ian Harrison, David Coltman 
and Craig Smyth.

Dermot Jenkinson contributes from his breadth 
of knowledge gained both from his experiences in 
the Company and through a wide range of executive
management roles, whilst Ian Harrison provides
counsel and support to the Board and brings particular
skills relating to pension investment and currency
management. The latter two Directors also represent
the interests of the Menzies family, who collectively
are our major shareholder. 

David Coltman has substantial industry knowledge 
and expertise in the Aviation Sector, whilst Craig Smyth
has successfully managed Menzies Aviation through a
period of unprecedented turmoil in the aviation sector,
and has positioned the business well to benefit from
an upturn in that sector. David McIntosh, standing for
election at the AGM, has significant industrial knowledge
and expertise within the newspaper and magazine
distribution sector, having joined Menzies in 1989,
working as both Finance Director and Commercial 
& Marketing Director before assuming the position 
of Managing Director at Menzies Distribution. 

All Directors standing for re-election have undergone 
a formal performance evaluation and the performance
of each continues to be effective and demonstrates
commitment to their role, including commitment of
time for Board and Committee meetings in addition 
to their other duties. The Board recommends to
shareholders the re-election of Dermot Jenkinson, 
Ian Harrison, David Coltman and Craig Smyth, and 
the election of David McIntosh.

Independence
Currently, three of the Non-Executive Directors, 
Iain Napier, Ian Harley and Octavia Morley, are
independent under the terms of the Code, where 
the number required for smaller companies is two. 

David Coltman joined the Board in 2001 and has 
been Senior Independent Director since May 2006. 
To provide continuity and stability to the Board over the
period where Iain Napier assumes Chairmanship, the
Board has agreed that David Coltman should continue
to serve as a Director and Senior Independent Director
for one further year. David has indicated, and the Board
have accepted, that he will then step down from the
Board at the AGM in 2011. The Board believes that 
he will continue to demonstrate independent thought
and opinion through this period and provide a valuable
counsel to both the Chairman and the other Directors. 

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Corporate governance statement

Dermot Jenkinson and Ian Harrison are not independent
under the terms of the Code due to their shareholding
and length of service. However, they not only represent
the continuing involvement of the founding Menzies
family, but also contribute effectively to the Board and
the work of its Committees. They bring to the Board a
breadth of skills and experience from their knowledge
of the Company and from their backgrounds in business
and general management.

At least two of the members on each of the Audit and
Remuneration Committees are independent (being a
majority) including the Chairman of these Committees.
The Nomination Committee only has one independent
member and in this respect it is not fully compliant
with the Code. 

Succession planning and Board recruitment
The Board is aware that it is essential to have a suitable
succession plan in place for when any members of the
Board either move on or retire, and therefore formally
reviews succession plans each year. With regard to 
the replacement of any Executive Directors, the Board
has tasked the Nomination Committee with reviewing
potential internal candidates and nominating suitable
external candidates as and when such a position arises.
Alongside this, each of the Divisional Operating Boards
have a responsibility to ensure that talented individuals
within the business are nurtured and given every
opportunity to develop their skills, such that they might
become suitable candidates to join the Board. It was
through this process that David McIntosh was identified
and proposed as the Managing Director for Menzies
Distribution following the resignation of Ellis Watson.

For the Chairman, the Nomination Committee has
responsibility for ensuring that there is a suitable
candidate on the Board for a smooth transition of
Chairmanship when required. The Committee will also
engage external recruitment agencies in finding suitable
candidates for either executive or non-executive positions
where required and any candidate will be expected to
meet with each member of the executive team and the
Nomination Committee prior to any offer being made.
This process was followed to identify Iain Napier as a
suitable candidate to replace William Thomson. During
2010, the Board will follow this procedure to identify a
replacement Non-Executive Director for David Coltman.

Board and Committee meetings and attendance in 2009:

Board

Audit Remuneration
Committee

Committee

Nomination
Committee

Meetings
W Thomson
P Dollman
C Smyth
D McIntosh*
E Watson*
D Coltman
D Jenkinson
I Harrison
O Morley
I Napier
I Harley*
I Robertson*

9
9
9
9
4
5
9
9
9
9
9
8
3

3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3
3
3
3
1

5
–
–
–
–
–
2
5
–
5
4
–
–

2
2
–
–
–
–
2
2
–
–
–
–
–

*Appointments and retirals:
Ian Harley was appointed on 2 February 2009.

Iain Robertson resigned on 10 May 2009.

Ellis Watson resigned on 24 July 2009.

David McIntosh was appointed on 24 July 2009.

A description of the Board’s Committees is provided
below, along with the Chairman and membership of
each Committee. The Board met nine times in 2009
and has a formal schedule of matters specifically
reserved to it for decision. These include: strategic
plans, the approval of financial statements, acquisitions
and disposals, major non-recurring projects and major
capital expenditures. The Board 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 the Board in performing its duties. New Directors
receive an appropriate induction tailored to their needs.
All members of the Board have access to the advice
and services of the Company Secretary and may take
independent professional advice as appropriate at the
expense of the Company. Directors are also encouraged
to visit both divisional operations and to undertake
such activities and training as is appropriate or may be
required or desirable in order to carry out their duties.

Board Performance Evaluation
The Board is supportive of the principles and provisions
of the Code on Board Performance Evaluation. The
Board’s policy is to conduct rigorous performance
evaluations internally on an annual basis, using external
consultants to refresh the process every three to five
years. An independent external consultant was used in
2008 to undertake a rigorous process of performance
evaluation of the Board and its members and therefore
in 2009 an internal process was undertaken to evaluate
the contribution of each member of the Board and its
Committees and the performance of the Board and its
Committees overall. 

38 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

A questionnaire was circulated to all Directors covering
all aspects of the Board’s performance, with the results
being amalgamated and circulated by the Chairman. The
Chairman then undertook an informal discussion with
each member of the Board, reviewing performance 
and addressing any concerns they had relating to 
their performance, the Board’s performance and the
composition of the Board and its Committees. The
results of the evaluation were reported to the Board 
in December 2009 and actions have been taken to
implement the findings. 

In addition to this review, the Non-Executive Directors
held one meeting last year without the Chairman being
present, during which his performance was reviewed.
They also held two meetings with the Chairman
present at which the performance of the Executive
Directors was discussed.

The evaluation produced areas for consideration and
changes were implemented as appropriate. Overall, the
evaluation process in 2009 confirmed that the Board
and its principal Committees had functioned efficiently
during the year and that all the Directors continue to
contribute effectively and with proper commitment 
to their roles, including time commitments.

Conflict of interest
The Company’s Articles of Association permit the Board
to consider and, if it sees fit, to authorise situations
where a Director has an interest that conflicts, or may
possibly conflict, with the interests of the Company
(‘Situational Conflicts’). The Board has a formal system
in place for Directors to declare Situational Conflicts 
to be considered for authorisation by those Directors
who have no interest in the matter being considered. 
In deciding whether to authorise a Situational Conflict,
the non-conflicted Directors are required to act in the
way they consider would be most likely to promote the
success of the Company, and they may impose limits
or conditions when giving authorisation or subsequently
if they think this is appropriate. The Board believes that
the systems it has in place for reporting and considering
Situational Conflicts continue to operate effectively.

Directors’ indemnity
As permitted by the Articles of Association, the Directors
have the benefit of an indemnity which is a qualifying
third-party indemnity provision as defined by Section
234 of the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity was in
force throughout the last financial year and is currently
in force. The Company also purchased and maintained
throughout the financial year Directors’ and Officers’
liability insurance in respect of itself and its Directors.
No indemnity is provided for the Company’s auditors.

Communication with shareholders
The Board 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 the dissemination of information via the Group’s
website at www.johnmenziesplc.com, the Board seeks
to present its strategy and performance in an objective
and balanced manner.

Shareholders attending the AGM 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 Board Committees are
also available to answer questions from any shareholder
at the Meeting. Full details of proxy votes cast on each
resolution are made available to shareholders at the
Meeting and, in keeping with best practice, are made
available on the Company’s website after the Meeting. 

The Board receives reports at each of its meetings on
any meetings held with shareholders or analysts. The
Chairman and Senior Independent Director are also
available for contact with shareholders at any time.

Board Committees
The Board has established Committees with defined
terms of reference and it is the Board’s policy that 
all Non-executive Directors should contribute to 
the membership of its Committees. The Nomination,
Remuneration and Audit Committees each consist of 
at least three Non-Executive Directors. The Chairmen
of the Audit and Remuneration Committees are chosen
from Directors who are independent under the terms
of the Code. The inclusion of Dermot Jenkinson on the
Remuneration and Nomination Committees and of Ian
Harrison on the Audit Committee respectively does not
comply with the Code; however, they provide valuable
experience from their knowledge of the Group’s
operations and from their backgrounds in business. 

The Board has also delegated operational and strategy
implementation matters to the Operating Boards 
of Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution, both 
of which have two Executive Directors on them. 

Following the announcement of the retirement 
of William Thomson as Chairman at the AGM in 
May 2010, the membership of each Committee has
been reviewed and proposed amendments to the
composition of each Committee are noted below.

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Corporate governance statement

Nomination Committee
Composition:

Name 

W Thomson
D Jenkinson 
D Coltman 

Title 

Attendance

Chairman 
Member 
Member 

2/2
2/2
2/2

Proposed changes following 2010 AGM:

William Thomson will retire and be replaced by 
Iain Napier as Chairman of the Committee.

The Nomination Committee has terms of reference
modelled closely on those set out in the Code and 
its responsibilities include recommending new Board
appointments and succession planning. A copy of 
the terms of reference is available on the Company’s
website. The Board as a whole is responsible for
making new appointments to the Board on the
recommendation of the Nomination Committee and
nominating recommended candidates for election 
by shareholders on first appointment and thereafter 
for re-election at relevant intervals.

During 2009, the Committee reviewed the structure,
balance and composition of the Board and its Committees.
The Committees have been refreshed and the Nomination
Committee proposed to the Board the appointment 
of David McIntosh as Managing Director, Menzies
Distribution and the appointment of Iain Napier as
Chairman of the Board. It has also concluded that 
in the light of David Coltman retiring in May 2011 
a new Independent Non-Executive Director should 
be appointed to the Board during 2010, and has begun
a process to identify a suitable candidate.

Remuneration Committee
Composition:

Name 

I Napier*
O Morley 
D Jenkinson 
D Coltman*

Title 

Attendance

Chairman
Member 
Member 
Chairman

4/5
5/5
5/5
2/2

*Changes during year:
David Coltman retired by rotation from the Committee in May 2009.

Iain Napier was appointed Chairman of the Committee in May 2009.

Proposed changes following 2010 AGM:

On his election as Chairman of the Board at the AGM
in May 2010 Iain Napier will stand down as Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee but will remain a
member. He will be replaced as Chairman by Octavia
Morley. Ian Harley will be appointed as a member 
of the Committee.

The Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 46 to
55 details the constitution and role of the Remuneration
Committee and how the principles of the Code relating
to Directors’ remuneration have been applied.

Audit Committee
Composition:

Name 

I Harley*
I Harrison 
O Morley 
I Napier 
I Robertson*

Title 

Attendance

Chairman 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Chairman

3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3
1/1

*Changes during year: 
Iain Robertson retired from the Committee and Board in May 2009.

Ian Harley was appointed in February 2009 and became Chairman
of the Committee in May 2009.

The Audit Committee assists the Board in the execution
of its responsibilities for corporate governance and
internal control, and has adopted terms of reference
modelled on those set out in the Code. The Group
Finance Director and certain senior financial executives
as appropriate, together with representatives from the
internal and external audit teams, attend each meeting.
A copy of the terms of reference is available on the
Company’s website. The Committee has delegated
authority from the Board for ensuring adherence to 
the Code provisions and related guidance concerning
the following matters:

(cid:129) monitoring the integrity of the financial statements

and reviewing significant accounting policies,
judgements and estimates contained within them; 

(cid:129) reviewing the effectiveness of the internal control
and risk management systems, including control
over financial reporting;

(cid:129) reviewing the effectiveness of the internal audit
function, including the business risk register;

(cid:129) reviewing the Group’s policies and practices

concerning business conduct, ethics and integrity
and whistle-blowing; and

(cid:129) overseeing all aspects of the relationship with the
external auditors, including their appointment, the
audit process, the supply of non-audit services and
monitoring their effectiveness and independence.

The Committee met three times in 2009 and a full report
of its activities and of findings and recommendations
from each meeting is given to the Board. During the year,
the Committee formally reviewed and recommended
(prior to the Board) the draft annual report (including
the statements on internal control and the work of the
Committee) and associated preliminary and interim

40 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

results announcements made by the Company. This
aspect of its work focused on key accounting policies
and estimates and judgments, including significant or
unusual transactions or changes to these. In doing so
the Committee reviewed the reports of management
and the controls assurance (internal audit) provider and
took into account the views of the external auditors. 

The Committee also reviewed the Group’s internal control
structure, approved the scope of work and fees for the
controls assurance provider and debated whether the
internal audit function should be brought in-house. It
concluded that due to the complexity of the Group’s
business and the international nature of the aviation
business, the internal audit function was best served
by continuing to be outsourced to Deloitte & Touche
LLP, given their global spread and resources. Findings
from the internal audit programme (on financial and key
non-financial risks) and areas identified for improvement
are reviewed by the Committee and prioritised for action
by management. The Committee reviews follow-up
reports from management to ensure that any weaknesses
identified in internal audit reports submitted to it are fully
addressed and that improved procedures are adopted.

The Committee also reviewed the work of management
on updating the Group’s Business Risk Register, which
involved assessing key risks at Group and divisional level
according to their significance, likelihood and impact, as
well as the Company’s exposure to and management
of these risks. After taking into account reports from the
controls assurance provider, the Committee was satisfied
that management had appropriate risk management
strategies and systems in place to address the Group’s
key business risks. The Committee reviewed and put
out to tender the provision of services of the external
auditor, and recommended the appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP to the Board. It also reviewed and approved
the audit plan, as well as the findings of the external
auditors from its review of the interim announcement
and its audit of the annual financial statements. It also
assessed the effectiveness of the external auditors and
of the audit process through meetings and interviews
with management and key finance staff. As part of this,
it keeps under review the objectivity and independence
of the external auditors and the nature and extent of the
non-audit services which they provide. These services
have historically consisted mainly of acquisition-related
due diligence, where their knowledge of the Group’s
business processes and controls makes them best
placed to undertake this work cost-effectively on the
Group’s behalf. The external auditors also deal with 
the Group’s tax affairs. The Committee believes that
the level and scope of these non-audit services does
not impair the objectivity of the auditors. 

Divisional Operating Boards
The Operating Boards of both Menzies Aviation and
Menzies Distribution consist of senior executives 
from within each division, together with the Divisional
Executive Managing Director and the Group Finance
Director. The Operating Boards have responsibility for the
efficient running of their division and the implementation
of the divisional strategy as agreed by the Group Board.
They also retain responsibility for approving divisional
performance targets consistent with the strategic
objectives set by the Group Board, and monitoring
achievement. The Operating Boards also have responsibility
to make recommendations to the Group Board and to
monitor major initiatives. Each Operating Board normally
meets a minimum of four times per year.

The three Executive Directors also meet prior to each
Board meeting, with the Chairman joining them as
appropriate. The meetings provide a forum for sharing
ideas and experiences from within the Operating
Divisions. It also allows the common financial controls,
managed at Group level, to be reviewed and discussed.
The composition of the Menzies Aviation Operating
Board is shown on page 12 and the Menzies Distribution
Operating Board is shown on page 16.

Directors and their interests
Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the Company
were as follows:

Name

31 Dec
2008
(or date of
2009 appointment) 

31 Dec

G
o
v
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r
n
a
n
c
e

14,000
60,642

14,000
75,000

Beneficial
Beneficial

W Thomson
P Dollman
D McIntosh 
4,728
(appointed 24/7/09) Beneficial
Beneficial
C Smyth
54,810
Beneficial 2,098,360 2,098,360
D Jenkinson
Non-beneficial 3,570,360 3,570,360
See note 1,257,445 1,257,445
Beneficial 2,362,320 2,434,320
415,000
415,000
See note 1,257,445 1,257,445
35,000
35,000
Beneficial

11,108
54,810

Non-beneficial

I Harrison

D Coltman
I Harley 
(appointed 2/2/09)
O Morley
I Napier

Beneficial
Beneficial
Beneficial

2,000
–
5,000

–
–
5,000

Note: 
These holdings are joint beneficial interests.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 41

Corporate governance statement

In addition to the above holdings, William Thomson 
and Ian Harley, as directors of a subsidiary which is a
trustee of employee benefit trusts in which they have
no beneficial interest, have non-beneficial interests 
in 1,020,387 shares. 

give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Company. Under the law, the Directors have prepared
the Group and Parent Company financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Following the year end and prior to the commencement
of the close period, Ian Harley purchased an additional
2,000 shares. There have been no subsequent changes
to these interests as at 8 March 2010.

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 as at 8 March 2010.

Name

D C Thomson 
Mr D Ramsay
Mrs P Menzies
Legal & General 
Investment Management
Mrs S Speke
Mrs K Slater
Aberdeen Asset 
Management

Number of
ordinary shares

% ordinary
share capital

5,190,000
2,589,878
2,529,650

2,455,413
2,454,920
2,396,552

1,826,000

8.62
4.30
4.20

4.08
4.08
3.98

3.03

Annual General Meeting
Paper copies of the Notice of Meeting and explanations
of the business to be transacted at the AGM which 
will be held on 21 May 2010 at the Roxburghe Hotel,
Edinburgh, have been circulated to shareholders who
requested a paper copy. Notification of the availability
of the Notice of Meeting on the Company’s website
has been circulated to all other shareholders. The
Notice can be viewed on the Company’s website,
www.johnmenziesplc.com.

Dividends
The Directors have declared the payment of an interim
dividend in lieu of a final dividend of 8p per ordinary
share, payable on 1 April 2010 to shareholders on the
share register as at the close of business on 19 March
2010. The shares will be quoted as ex-dividend on 
17 March 2010. 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual
Report, the remuneration report and the financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and
regulations. Company law requires the Directors to
prepare financial statements for each financial year.
Under Company law the Directors must not approve the
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they

In preparing those financial statements the Directors
are required to: 

(cid:129) select suitable accounting policies in accordance with
IAS 8: Accounting Polices, Changes in Accounting
Estimates and Errors and then apply them consistently; 

(cid:129) present information, including accounting policies, in
a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable
and understandable information;

(cid:129) provide additional disclosures when compliance with
the specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to
enable users to understand the impact of particular
transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s
financial position and financial performance; and

(cid:129) state that the Group has complied with IFRSs,
subject to any material departures disclosed 
and explained in the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate
accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position
of the Company and of the Group and enable them to
ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets
of the Company and of the Group and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of
fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and
integrity of the website (www.johnmenziesplc.com).
Legislation in the UK concerning the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ statement pursuant to the Disclosure
and Transparency Rules 
Each of the Directors confirms that, to the best of 
each person’s knowledge and belief:

(cid:129) the financial statements, prepared in accordance
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position
and profit of the Group as a whole; and

(cid:129) the Directors’ report contained in the Annual 

Report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position 
of the Group as a whole, together with a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

42 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Disclosure of information to and appointment 
of auditors
During the year, the Directors reviewed the services
provided to the Company to ensure that a first class
service is received at a cost that is acceptable to the
Company. As part of this review, in July the Board
resolved to replace PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
with Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Auditors.
The Directors have confirmed that they are confident
that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditors 
are unaware. The Directors have confirmed that they
have taken all steps that ought to have been taken 
in order to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit information and to establish that the Company’s
auditors are aware of that information. A resolution to
appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors to the Company
and to authorise the Board to agree their remuneration
will be proposed at the AGM. 

Significant agreements – change of control 
The Company’s divisions, Menzies Aviation and Menzies
Distribution, have agreements in place with suppliers
and customers, some of which contain change of control
clauses giving rights to these suppliers and customers
on a takeover bid for the Company. A change of control
of the Company following a takeover bid may cause a
number of other agreements to which the Company or
its subsidiaries are party, such as banking arrangements,
property leases and licence agreements to take effect,
alter or terminate. In addition, the Directors’ service
agreements and employee share plans would be
similarly affected on a change of control.

Internal control
In accordance with the revised Turnbull Guidance, the
Directors are responsible for the Group’s system of
internal control, which covers financial, operational and
compliance controls together with risk management.
The system has been in place throughout 2009 and up
until the date of this report, except that it did not apply
to the Group’s material joint ventures.

The use of our standard accounting manual by finance
teams throughout the Group ensures that transactions
and balances are recognised and measured in accordance
with prescribed accounting policies and that information
is appropriately reviewed and reconciled as part of the
reporting process. The use of a standard reporting pack
by all entities in the Group ensures that information is
gathered and presented in a consistent way that facilitates
the production of the consolidated financial statements.

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, through 
the Board’s review of risk and the work of the Audit
Committee, have reviewed the effectiveness of the
system of internal control for the accounting period
under review and consider that it accords with guidance.
There were no material weaknesses in the Group’s
system of internal control relating to financial control
during the year. 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 division has its own Operating Board. 
A Statement of Group Policies and Procedures sets 
out the responsibilities of these Operating 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, both financial and non-financial (the
latter including environmental, social and governance
risks), are reviewed by the Board as well as at Operating
Board level on an ongoing basis, with a formal six-monthly
review of risks and controls taking place, supported by
the Group’s Controls Assurance provider.

The Divisional Operating Boards also review each
division’s 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, as well as to monitor and manage
the Group’s exposure to interest rate and currency
movements. 

Further details on how the Board manages business
risks are shown on pages 18 and 19, and stakeholder
risks in particular are detailed in the Corporate Social
Responsibility report on pages 27 to 36.

G
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Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 43

Corporate governance statement

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. Both
divisions have implemented new financial management
and reporting systems, Menzies Aviation having selected
Oracle Hyperion and Menzies Distribution SAP Financials.
These packages are allowing for far greater, quicker 
and more accurate analysis of the financial information
within the Company.

Investment appraisal
There are clearly defined investment guidelines for
capital expenditure. All such expenditure is subject to
formal authorisation procedures. An Investment Review
Committee meets as required to review investment
applications, with major proposals being considered 
by the Board. Post-investment appraisals are also
regularly conducted for all material capital projects.

Shareholder information
The following disclosures are designed to meet the
disclosure requirements under Section 992 of the
Companies Act 2006 (2006 Act) and the Company’s
existing Articles. The Company will propose by Special
Resolution that new Articles be adopted at the AGM
being held on 21 May 2010 that will bring the existing
Articles and provisions thereof in line with the 2006 Act.

Share capital and structure
The Company has two classes of shares: ordinary shares
and 9% cumulative preference shares. The Company has
an authorised share capital of £20,000,000 comprising
1,735,938 9% cumulative preference shares of £1 each
and 73,056,248 ordinary shares of 25p each as at this
date. As at 31 December 2009 the Company had
60,213,227 ordinary shares and 1,735,938 9% cumulative
preference shares in issue, representing 60,213,227 in
total voting rights. No share in the capital of the Company
may be allotted at a discount nor shall they be allotted
except as paid up both in regard to nominal amount
and premium to the minimum extent permitted by 
the 2006 Act.

Transfer of shares
There is no restriction on the transfer of shares in the
Company, other than as contained in the Company’s
Articles. The Board may, in its absolute discretion 
and without giving any reason, refuse to register the
transfer of a share (other than fully paid shares) to 
a person of whom they shall not approve provided 
that this does not prevent dealings in the shares from
taking place on an open and proper basis. The Board
may also decline to register any transfer of shares 
on which the Company has a lien and no share shall 
be transferred to any person under the age of 18 or 
to a person who is insolvent or of unsound mind.

Voting rights
Deadlines for exercising voting rights and appointing a
proxy or proxies to vote on resolutions to be passed at
the AGM on 21 May 2010 are specified in the Notice of
AGM. Every ordinary shareholder present in person at
a general meeting of the Company shall on a show of
hands have one vote and, on a poll, every shareholder
present in person at a general meeting or by Proxy,
shall have one vote for every share of which they are
the holder, and if the holders of the preference shares
have the right to vote on any resolution, one vote for
every preference share of which he is the holder. 

The holders of the preference shares shall have no
right as such to receive notice of or attend or vote at
any general meeting of the Company unless either 
(i) at the date of the notice convening the meeting the
dividend payable on such shares or a part thereof is 
six months or more in arrears; or (ii) the business of 
the meeting includes the consideration of a resolution
for reducing the capital of or winding up the company
or for altering the objects of the Company as stated 
in its Articles or for the sale of the undertaking of the
Company or any substantial part thereof or any resolution
altering or abrogating any of the special rights or
privileges attached to the preference shares. In which
circumstances the holders of the preference shares
shall have the right to vote on any such resolution.

There are no limitations on the voting rights of
shareholders of a given percentage or number of
votes. The Company is not aware of any arrangement
by which with the Company’s co-operation, financial
rights carried by shares are held by a person other than
the holder of such ordinary shares and 9% cumulative
preference shares. The Company is not aware of any
agreement between holders of securities which may
result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or 
on voting rights.

44 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Appointment of Directors
Directors may be appointed by the Company by 
an Ordinary Resolution of shareholders. The Board 
may appoint a Director either to fill a vacancy or as an
additional Director and in either case whether or not for
a fixed term. Any Director so appointed will hold office
only until the next following general meeting and will
not be taken into account in determining the Directors
who are to retire by rotation at such meeting and shall
then be eligible for reappointment. If not reappointed 
at such meeting, such a Director will vacate office at 
its conclusion. If any such person is not appointed at
such meeting, s/he shall retain office until the meeting
appoints someone in his or her place or, if s/he does
not do so, until the end of the meeting. A Director is
not required to hold shares in the capital of the Company.
Directors are provided with documentation on the
Company and its activities. An appropriate induction 
is provided for new Directors and ongoing training 
is provided as and when it may be required.

Retirement by rotation
At the first general meeting after the date of adoption
of the Articles and at each subsequent AGM of the
Company as near as possible to one-third of the Directors
must retire from office by rotation. 

Directors’ powers
The business of the Company shall be managed by the
Board which may exercise all the powers of the Company
whether relating to the management of the business
or not. The Company’s Articles detail the specific
authorities of the Directors. Copies of the Articles 
may be obtained from the Company Secretary.

G
o
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Allotment and issue of shares
The Directors are, by shareholder resolutions passed 
at the AGM of the Company on 21 May 2009, generally
and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers
of the Company to allot relevant securities up to a
maximum nominal amount of £3,212,076. The Directors
are also generally empowered to allot equity securities
within the meaning of the Act of the Company for cash
on a non-pre-emptive basis. This power is limited to: 
(a) any allotment where equity securities have been
offered to holders of equity securities in proportion 
(as nearly as may be) to their then holdings of such
securities; and (b) any other allotment of equity securities
up to an aggregate nominal value of £752,599. Such
authorities and powers expire at the Company’s AGM
being held on 21 May 2010, unless previously revoked,
varied or renewed. 

It is proposed that these authorities and powers be
renewed by shareholder resolution at the Company’s
forthcoming AGM pursuant to and within the meaning
of the 2006 Act, but without prejudice to the exercise
of any such authority prior to the date of the resolution. 

Purchase of own shares
The Company is, by shareholder resolution passed at
the AGM of the Company on 21 May 2009, authorised
to purchase up to 6,020,794 of its own ordinary shares
at a maximum price equal to 105% of the average of
the middle market quotations for such ordinary shares
of the Company as derived from the London Stock
Exchange for the five business days immediately prior
to the date of purchase, and the minimum price that
may be paid is 25p per share. The Company is also, 
by shareholder resolution passed at the AGM of the
Company on 21 May 2009, authorised to purchase 
up to 1,394,587 9% cumulative preference shares 
at a maximum price equal to 110% of the average of
the middle market quotations for such ordinary shares
of the Company as derived from the London Stock
Exchange for the five business days immediately prior
to the date of purchase, and the minimum price that
may be paid is £1 per share. 

These authorities expire at the AGM on 21 May 2010
and it is proposed that this authority and power be
renewed by shareholder resolutions at the Company’s
forthcoming AGM pursuant to and within the meaning
of the 2006 Act, but without prejudice to the exercise
of any such authority prior to the date of the resolution.

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 45

Report on Directors’ remuneration

Committee membership 
I Napier (Chairman)
D Jenkinson
O Morley
J Geddes (Secretary to the Committee)

In accordance with the Company’s policy of refreshing
Committee membership David Coltman stood down 
as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee at the
Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May and was
replaced by Iain Napier. The Company Secretary is the
secretary of the Committee. Iain Napier will become
Chairman of the Board following the AGM in 2010 and
he will be replaced as Chairman of the Committee by
Octavia Morley.

Members of the 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.

Responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee determines the remuneration of the
Chairman and the Executive Directors (Tier 1) and 
the next level of senior executives (Tier 2) on behalf 
of the Board. It has formal Terms of Reference set by 
the Board modelled on the Combined Code, which 
are displayed on the Company’s website.

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
Advice sought from Kepler Associates was used by 
the Committee during the year. In addition, legal advice
from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP was sought by the
Committee where appropriate.

Paul Dollman, Group Finance Director, and John Geddes,
Group Company Secretary, also provide internal support
and guidance to the Committee where appropriate. They
are, however, specifically excluded from any matters
concerning the details of their own remuneration.

Annual General Meeting
A resolution to approve this report on Directors’
remuneration will be tabled at the AGM. The Chairman
of the Committee will be available to answer questions
from shareholders on the report.

Remuneration policy, practice and principles
The Board recognises that its continuing success depends
on the quality and motivation of its employees. The
Group aims to ensure that its remuneration packages
are competitive, thereby enabling it to attract, retain
and motivate Executives who have the experience,
skills and talents to operate and develop each business
to its maximum potential. This total reward position is
analysed by looking across each of the different elements
of remuneration, including salary, pension, bonus, and
long-term incentives, to provide a total remuneration
offering rather than just the competitiveness of the
individual elements. 

Pay, rates of salary increases and employment conditions
within the Group are taken into account by the Committee
in determining the remuneration packages for Executive
Directors, along with current external market conditions
and package competitiveness.

Directors’ salaries are maintained at competitive levels
for comparable positions reflecting, where appropriate,
the international nature of the business. Additional
rewards for success are built into the remuneration
package through incentives designed to share with
Executive Directors the profitability of the Group and
the value generated for shareholders. 

In considering and determining suitable remuneration
packages for the Executive Directors the Committee
gives full consideration to the relevant best practice
provisions set out in the Combined Code. The Committee
also determines the extent to which all performance
targets are met. 

Committee evaluation
The Board extended its review of its own performance
to the performance of the Committee. The results from
the evaluation were circulated to the Board as a whole
in December 2009 and suitable actions have been
taken to address the issues raised. None of the issues
raised were deemed material and their implementation
will increase the flow of information to the Committee
and provide for greater consistency in establishing
executive remuneration.

Salary spread/package mix
The total remuneration package is designed to include
performance and non-performance-related elements.
Non-performance elements include salary, taxable
benefits and pension entitlements. In addition, Executive
Directors are entitled to participate in the Company’s
share matching schemes and savings-related share
option scheme. All other parts of the package are
performance related and combine a mixture of cash
and share-based incentives, described in detail below. 

46 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Distribution of remuneration (% of total)

Threshold performance

2009 54

2008

56

20

17

26

27

Stretch performance

2009 27

2008 26

20

16

53

58

■  Salary 

■  Bonus 

■  Long-Term Incentive Plans

Basis for calculations
Cash-based awards are calculated on the real cash value 
when the award is made. 

Share-based awards are calculated on the actual share price 
on the date that the award is made, not an anticipated value 
on vesting date.

Alignment of remuneration to objectives
The performance-based plans adopt a variety of
performance criteria rather than using one criterion
over all the plans. This is to align Directors’ rewards
with a broadly-based growth and development plan 
for the business. The Long-Term Incentive Plans are
designed to reward improvements within divisions 
as well as the performance of the Group against
external factors. The Committee believes that by 
using a combination of internal and external targets 
it can better align Directors’ interests with the 
interests of shareholders.

It is intended that on-target performance payouts should
be made where the Company achieves its objectives
for the period, which will be a combination of financial
performance of the Group and the divisions, cost savings,
business development and other divisional objectives.
Stretch performance will be paid where the objectives
set have been exceeded, as well as Executive Directors’
individual targets as set by the Board.

New remuneration package from 2010
The Committee held a review of the executive
remuneration package during the year. It was resolved
that a new package be set out which would reflect
current best practice.

The appropriate rules for each plan will therefore 
be amended to reflect a maximum award based on a
proportion of base salary rather than number of shares
and, where necessary, resolutions will be put to the
AGM in 2010.

The revised package which is applicable from 
1 January 2010 is as follows:

Annual bonus
The maximum annual bonus will be set at 75% of base
salary. The award will be split on the following basis: 

Cash element

15% – Key Result 
Area (KRA)

40% cash
payment

Shares element

20% ordinary
shares

The share element is subject to a three year retention
period. If an executive is dismissed or gives notice 
of resignation during the three year period the shares
are forfeited. 

10% of salary will be paid on achieving the threshold
level rising to 60% of salary for attaining stretch, with
results between threshold and stretch awarding on 
a straight-line basis.

The Key Result Area (KRA) element will only be payable
should 95% of the threshold target be met.

Long Term Incentive Plans (2005 Performance Share
Plan and 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan)
An annual award of up to one times salary can be
made in ordinary shares. Attached to the award will 
be a three year performance period with appropriate
targets attached.

G
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Targets will be based on Group performance, with
Divisional Managing Directors having 25% of their
award set on their own division’s performance.

25% of the award will be paid on achieving the
threshold level, 100% on attaining stretch, with results
between threshold and stretch awarding on a straight-
line basis. Performance conditions will be reviewed 
for each cycle of the plan.

Bonus Co-Investment Plan
Executives will be invited to invest up to 40% of 
any cash bonus into the Bonus Co-Investment Plan.
Matching shares are issued on a 1:1 basis with gross
invested bonus, and will be released on the attainment
of performance conditions following a three year
performance period. 25% of the matching shares are
paid on achieving threshold level, rising on a straight-
line basis to 100% paid at or above stretch targets.

Shareholding
The Remuneration Committee has asked each Executive
Director to build up a shareholding valued at 150% of
their base salary within five years. 

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 47

Report on Directors’ remuneration

Executive Directors’ remuneration package – 2009

Component

Base salary

n/a

n/a

Level of award

Performance target

Performance period

n/a

One year

Three years

Three years

Annual bonus

Maximum of £200,000

Bonus Co-Investment
Plan (BCIP)

Up to 50% of cash 
bonus can be invested

Matching shares ratio 2:1

2009 Performance
Share Plan

One-off award of up to 
450,000 shares valued 
at £582,750 at time 
of award

Combination of 
Individual, Group and 
Divisional targets

Matching shares are 
released where growth
in EPS exceeds growth 
in the RPI by at least 3%

25% is awarded at growth 
of 3% rising in a straight-
line basis to 100% of the 
matching shares on growth 
in excess of 8%

Rate of Return On 
Capital Employed (ROCE)
Threshold performance:
25% award for ROCE 10%
for 2011 
Stretch performance: 
100% award for ROCE 
12.5% or greater for 2011.
Vesting between threshold 
and stretch awarded on a 
straight-line basis

Basic salary and benefits
Salaries are reviewed annually, on appointment, or on change in position or responsibility. From 2010, base 
salaries will form the basis for all additional performance and non-performance related incentive awards and
therefore in conducting annual reviews of the Executive Directors’ salaries, the Committee considers the pay
awards and employment conditions across the Group, the Executive Directors’ individual performance and
experience, as well as the external competitive levels for comparable positions. 

In addition to salary, the Executive Directors may receive additional benefits covering car allowance, private
medical insurance and life cover. Craig Smyth, David McIntosh and Ellis Watson (prior to leaving the Group) 
also received a cash allowance in place of any pension entitlement above the ‘earnings cap’. Paul Dollman 
has an unfunded pension undertaking from the Company to provide in total the same level of pension as if 
the ‘earnings cap’ did not apply. David McIntosh also receives a mortgage subsidy payment shown on the
remuneration table on page 54.

The basic salaries for the Executive Directors for the year are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration table 
on page 54. Annual salary reviews take place in March each year, with any increase implemented from 1 May. 
No salary increases were awarded in 2009. 

Annual bonus scheme
The Executive Directors participate in a discretionary bonus scheme which is subject to the achievement 
of challenging Group, divisional and personal targets designed to encourage excellent performance. Bonus
payments are non-pensionable.

The 2009 bonus scheme contained performance targets that include threshold and stretch levels derived from 
a review of the historical and projected performance of the Group and its peers, together with an analysis of 
City analysts’ expectations. Bonuses at the higher end of the range are payable only for demonstrably superior
Group and individual performance and the stretch level represents upper quartile performance.

48 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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In 2009, Executive Directors were entitled to receive a bonus payment of £nil at or below threshold performance,
increasing on a straight-line basis to a maximum payment of £200,000 for stretch performance. Up to 20% of any
entitlement is dependent on the extent to which identified personal Key Result Areas (KRAs) are achieved. 

For the year 2009, bonuses were calculated as follows and are payable on 24 March 2010:

Name

P Dollman1

D McIntosh2

C Smyth

Measure

Group PBT
Distribution EBIT
New revenue
Cost reduction
Aviation EBIT
Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Divisional EBIT
New revenue
Cost reduction
Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Divisional EBIT
Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Threshold
target

£30.8m
£24.3m
£2.5m
£3.0m
£14.8m
–

£24.3m
£2.5m
£3.0m
–

£14.8m
–

Stretch 
target

Achieved

Bonus
paid

£31.8m
£25.3m
£2.7m
£4.8m
£15.8m
–

£25.3m
£2.7m
£4.8m
–

£15.8m
–

£35.2m £176,720
£28.6m
£1.4m
£8.6m
£15.8m
75%

£28.6m £102,124

£1.4m
£8.6m
72%

£15.8m £193,200

83%

1. The targets relating to P Dollman’s bonus are split one-third Group performance, one-third Menzies Aviation and one-third

Menzies Distribution.

2. D McIntosh was appointed an Executive Director in July 2009, and his figures reflect his bonus both pre- and post-appointment.

Bonus Co-Investment Plan
In 2009, Executive Directors declined a bonus in respect of the financial year 2008, and therefore were unable to
participate in the Bonus Co-Investment Plan (‘BCIP’) award. Under the BCIP, Executive Directors could be invited
to invest up to 50% of their annual bonus in shares of the Company (net of tax) which qualify for an award of up to
2:1 matching shares (based on the gross invested amount) dependent on achieving a defined performance target.
In 2010, the BCIP will be amended to reduce the matching shares from 2:1 to 1:1. 

The performance target for awards made is for real per annum Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth above the Retail
Price Index growth over a three year period, with the number of shares vesting being calculated on a straight-line
basis from a 25% award at 3% to a full award at 8% or above. Any dividends accrued on shares which vest are
paid in cash on vesting. 

For Executive Directors, the maximum number of matching shares possible is shown in table 1 on page 53. The
total plan summary is included in Note 20, on page 92. An award made in 2006 had a performance period ended
December 2008. The real per annum growth in EPS for the Company over the performance period of the award
did not meet threshold levels, and therefore the award lapsed.

Long Term Incentive Plans
2005 Performance Share Plan
Executive Directors may be awarded a number of conditional shares annually under the 2005 Performance Share
Plan (‘2005 PSP’) as determined by the Committee. The maximum number of conditional shares which may currently
be awarded to any individual under the rules of the 2005 PSP in any year is 100,000. During the year, the Committee
following external advice and a market review, resolved that, in keeping with best practice, the value of any future
awards under the 2005 PSP should be based on a percentage of salary up to a maximum of 100%. A resolution
will therefore be put before the AGM in May 2010 to amend the scheme limit from 100,000 shares to a one times
salary limit.

Shares awarded vest after three years if the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) is equal to or outperforms
the FTSE250 Index (the Index) TSR for the three year performance period. The number of shares to vest will be
based on the extent of any outperformance, with shares vesting on a straight-line basis up to 100% of the award
for performance at 30% above the Index’s TSR. Any dividends accrued on shares which vest are paid in cash on
vesting. The plan rules allow the Remuneration Committee to select and amend appropriate performance criteria
for future awards.

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 49

Report on Directors’ remuneration

In 2009, no awards were made to Executive Directors under the 2005 PSP. The maximum number of shares which
could vest under the 2005 PSP to Executive Directors is shown in table 2 on page 53. The award of conditional
shares made in 2006 which had a performance period from January 2006 to December 2008 lapsed during the
period with the performance criteria not being met.

2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan
The 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan (‘2007 DPSP’) is the same in practically all respects as the 2005 PSP,
except that the performance conditions are based on the achievement of Divisional Financial Results (DFR). The
2005 PSP therefore aligns each divisional Director to the performance of the Group while the performance criteria
for the 2007 DPSP is set against future divisional profitability and is appropriate given the structure of the Group 
to incentivise each Divisional Managing Director. 

In 2009, no awards were made to Executive Directors under the 2007 DPSP. The maximum number of conditional
shares which may currently be awarded to any individual under the rules of the 2007 DPSP in any year is 100,000.
As previously stated, the Committee, following external advice and a market review, has resolved that in keeping
with best practice, the value of any future awards under the 2007 DPSP should be based on a percentage of
salary up to a maximum of 100%. A resolution will therefore be put before the AGM in May 2010 to amend the
scheme limit from 100,000 shares to a one times salary limit.

The DFR are set at threshold and stretch level. At threshold, 25% of the award will be paid to an individual, increasing
on a straight-line basis to 100% for stretch or greater achievement. As the disclosure of the DFR targets could be
considered a profits forecast and is viewed by the Committee to be both price and commercially sensitive, the
Committee has decided that it will retrospectively disclose the threshold and stretch targets for an award in its
report following the end of the performance period. The award made in 2007 had a performance period ended
December 2009, and the performance targets are disclosed below. 

DFR measure 

Aviation
Aviation operating profit 
Distribution
Distribution operating profit 
Distribution reduction in operating costs 
Distribution income from new revenue streams 

Threshold 
target 

Stretch 
target 

2009
result

£31.0m 

£36.0m 

£15.8m

£22m 
£3.0m 
£3.0m 

£26m 
£4.8m 
£6.7m 

£28.6m
£8.6m
£3.2m

The maximum number of shares which could vest under the 2007 DPSP to Executive Directors are shown in 
table 3 on page 53.

It remains the intention of the Committee that awards in any year under the 2005 PSP and the 2007 DPSP 
when combined do not exceed the limit for either scheme individually.

2009 Performance Share Plan
At the Annual General Meeting in 2009, the Company adopted a 2009 Performance Share Plan (‘2009 PSP’). This
one-off plan offered Executive Directors the opportunity to benefit from the potential success of the Company over 
a three year performance period ending December 2011, as measured by an increase in the Return On Capital
Employed (ROCE). It provided for a conditional award to be made of up to 450,000 ordinary shares with a value 
at award date of £582,750 to be made to Executive Directors. 

Threshold vesting is based on attainment of a ROCE rate of 10% for the year ended 31 December 2011, with a
stretch level for ROCE of 12.5% or more. Where ROCE is less than the threshold level at the end of the performance
period, no award will be made to participants. Achievement of the threshold level will result in 25% of the maximum
award vesting, with results equal to or greater than the stretch level achieving 100% of the maximum award. Results
greater than the threshold but less than the stretch level will be calculated on a straight-line basis.

Dividends are accrued over the performance period. At the end of the performance period, any dividends accrued
on shares which vest will be paid in cash.

An award was made following the adoption of the 2009 PSP to the Executive Directors. The number of shares
over which they have an interest in the Plan is shown in table 4 on page 53.

50 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Share options
Executive Share Option Scheme
Prior to the introduction of the above share and incentive schemes, share options were granted to each Executive
Director normally on an annual basis at a level of one times salary. All grants were discretionary, and awards could
be varied depending on specific circumstances. The number of shares held in the scheme are shown in table 5 on
page 53, and the cost to the Company is shown in Note 20 to the accounts.

The options are exercisable on a sliding scale if growth in underlying earnings per share exceeds RPI plus 3%-8%
per annum in the three years from grant, adjusted to normalise pension and tax charges. The performance conditions
attaching to these options have been met in full. 

Savings Related Share Option Scheme 
The Company operates a H.M. Revenue & Customs approved Savings Related Share Option Scheme (the SAYE
Scheme) available to all UK-based employees in the Group, including Executive Directors. The Company believes
that the SAYE Scheme is an important tool in the motivation and retention of staff. Further details of the SAYE
Scheme and the cost to the Company is shown in Note 20 to the accounts.

The interests of the Directors in the SAYE Scheme are set out in table 6 on page 54.

Service contracts
The Executive Directors have service contracts with the Company, the dates of which are listed in the Directors’
emoluments table on page 54. The Group’s practice on notice periods is that they should be for a period of 12
months notice. It is the Company’s policy that any termination payment be mitigated and restricted to the actual
loss incurred by the Director. All Executive Directors who served during the year have service contracts on this
basis. The Committee considers that the notice periods are reasonable and in the interests of shareholders having
due regard to prevailing market conditions and practice among companies of comparable size.

Non-Executive Directors
The Chairman and each of the Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment. The letters of appointment do
not contain any contractual entitlement to a termination payment and the Directors can be removed in accordance
with the Company’s Articles of Association. The Chairman and all Non-Executive Directors are subject to re-election
by shareholders at least every three years, with the exception of any Director whose appointment exceeds nine
years, in which case there is a requirement for annual re-election.

Salary
The salary mix for Non-Executive Directors comprises a basic payment, and additional payments for being Chairman
of a Committee or a Committee member, or the Senior Independent Director. It is intended to be a competitive
mix broadly in line with comparable companies. It remained unchanged during 2009.

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Basic payment
Committee Chairmanship
Committee membership
SID fee

£32,229
£6,000
£2,500
£14,061

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 51

Report on Directors’ remuneration

Performance graph
The following graph compares the Company’s total
shareholder return for the five years to December 2009
with the equivalent performance of the FTSE250 Index.
The Directors consider that, given the scale and global
spread of the Group’s activities, the most appropriate
comparison is with this index.

Payments to outgoing Directors
Ellis Watson resigned as an Executive Director during
the year. He did not receive any payments for loss of
office. It is the Company’s policy that any termination
payments that are made to a Director are mitigated
wherever possible and will not exceed their entitlement
based on their service contract.

Share price
The market price for shares in John Menzies plc ranged
from 43.5p to 360.25p during the year and was 297.75p
at 31 December 2009.

200

150

100

50

0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Menzies rebased
FTSE250 rebased

External appointments
The Board recognises the benefits to the individual and
to the Company of involvement by Executive Directors
as Non-Executive Directors on the boards of other
companies. Prior to accepting an invitation to become 
a Non-Executive Director of another company, an
Executive Director must receive approval from the
Group Chairman. This approval will not be denied
where the Chairman is confident that the appointment
will not interfere with the Director’s ability to perform
his duties for the Company nor provide a conflict of
interest. Executive Directors are entitled to retain any
fees received under these appointments. During the
year, Paul Dollman continued an external non-executive
appointment with Scottish Amicable Life Association
Society. Details of fees received are as follows:

Paul Dollman £31,800 (2008: 25,986) (Scottish
Amicable Life Association Society)

52 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Table 1 – 2005 Bonus Co-Investment Plan

P Dollman
D McIntosh
C Smyth
E Watson

Table 2 – 2005 Performance Share Plan

P Dollman
D McIntosh
C Smyth
E Watson

Table 3 – 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan

P Dollman
D McIntosh
C Smyth
E Watson

Table 4 – 2009 Performance Share Plan

P Dollman
D McIntosh
C Smyth

Table 5 – Executive Share Option Scheme

31 Dec
2008

Granted Market price
of award

during year

Lapsed
during year

37,540
4,634
48,432
14,658

–
8,698
–
–

–
133
–
–

8,162
–
8,420
14,658

31 Dec
2008

Granted Market price
of award

during year

Lapsed
during year

135,000
–
65,000
65,000

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

30,000
–
30,000
65,000

31 Dec
2008

Granted Market price
of award

during year

Lapsed
during year

–
–
70,000
70,000

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
70,000

31 Dec
2008

Granted Market price
of award

during year

Lapsed
during year

–
–
–

450,000
337,500
450,000

129.5
129.5
129.5

–
–
–

31 Dec
2009

29,378
13,332
40,012
–

31 Dec
2009

105,000
–
35,000
–

31 Dec
2009

–
–
70,000
–

31 Dec
2009

450,000
337,500
450,000

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P Dollman

C Smyth

31 Dec
2008

196,048
58,714

5,000
5,000
43,062

Granted Exercised
during

during
year

Market
price at
date of
year exercise

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Lapsed
during
year

–
–

5,000
–
–

Gain

31 Dec Exercise
price

2009

Exercisable
from

Exercisable
to

– 196,048
58,714
–

329
08/11/2005
418 07/05/2007

07/11/2012
06/05/2014

–
–
–

–
5,000
43,062

348 18/02/2002 17/02/2009
27/01/2010
391 28/01/2003
06/05/2014
418 07/05/2007

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 53

Report on Directors’ remuneration

Table 6 – Savings Related Share Option Scheme

P Dollman

C Smyth

D McIntosh

31 Dec
2008

510
67
1,684
–

2,123

510
67
1,684
–

Granted Exercised
during

during
year

Market
price at
date of
year exercise

–
–
–
910

–

–
–
–
910

–
–
–
–

–

510
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

325
–
–
–

Lapsed
during
year

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

Gain/
(loss)

31 Dec Exercise
price

2009

Exercisable
from

Exercisable
to

–
–
–
–

–

£(117)
–
–
–

510
67
1,684
910

2,123

–
67
1,684
910

348
452
285
279

452

348
452
285
279

01/12/2009
01/12/2010
01/12/2011
01/12/2012

01/06/2010
01/06/2011
01/06/2012
01/06/2013

01/12/2010

01/06/2011

01/12/2009
01/12/2010
01/12/2011
01/12/2012

01/06/2010
01/06/2011
01/06/2012
01/06/2013

Table 7 – Directors’ emoluments

Date of appointment 
(resignation)

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

2009
£’000

Salary/fees

Benefits

Bonus

2008
£’000

Incentive plans

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

2009
£’000

Total

2008
£’000

Chairman
W Thomson

21/05/2009

164

162

Executive Directors
P Dollman
C Smyth
E Watson
D McIntosh

08/08/2002
20/03/2007
(24/07/2009)
24/07/2009

Non-Executive Directors
D Jenkinson
I Harrison
D Coltman
O Morley
I Napier
I Harley
I Robertson

21/05/2009
21/05/2009
21/05/2009
21/05/2009
21/05/2009
21/05/2009
(21/05/2009)

313
300
181
188

35
35
51
35
37
34
15

311
290
308
–

34
34
52
34
10
–
38

–

14
49
29
22

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

14
51
51
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

177
193
–
102

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
96
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
68

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

164

162

–
–
171
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

504
542
210
380

35
35
51
35
37
34
15

325
341
626
–

34
34
52
34
10
–
38

1,388  1,273

114

116

472

96

68

171

2,042

1,656

Notes:
(a) For Executive Directors, this is the date of their service contract, and for Non-Executive Directors, the date of appointment 

or latest date of re-election to the Board.

(b) Provision of pension benefits under the Group’s approved pension arrangements is restricted as a consequence of the 

Finance Act 1989 (the earnings cap).

Pensions
Scheme benefits
Paul Dollman, David McIntosh and Craig Smyth are members of the Menzies Pension Fund, a defined benefit
scheme which provides pension on retirement at age 60 of up to two-thirds of pensionable earnings, or the
‘earnings cap’ if lower, together with additional benefits as detailed below. Pensionable earnings are based 
on salary excluding bonuses. Ellis Watson was a member of the defined contribution pension scheme.

54 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Directors’ report and business review

Unfunded arrangement
The pensionable salary of Paul Dollman is restricted as a consequence of the ‘earnings cap’. He has an unfunded
pension undertaking from the Company to provide in total the same level of pension as if the ‘earnings cap’ did
not apply. This entitlement is effective from his date of appointment as a Director. Craig Smyth, David McIntosh
and Ellis Watson (prior to his resignation) received a cash payment equal to 20% of their respective salaries above
the earnings cap which is included in other benefits. Pension details are as follows:

Transfer
value
Increase
of total
in accrued
accrued
pension
pension
at start during year
(net of
inflation) 
£’000

of the
period
£’000

390.0
540.5
357.2
543.9
71.5

4.5
6.0
3.5
3.9
n/a

Total
accrued
pensions
at start 
of the 
period
£’000

25.6
35.5
35.6
45.4
n/a

Transfer
value of
increases at
31 Dec
2009
(net of
inflation
and
Director’s
contri-
butions)
£’000

Transfer
value
of total
accrued 
pension at
31 Dec
2009
£’000

Total
accrued
Including pension at
31 Dec 
statutory
2009
revaluation
£’000
£’000

0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
n/a

30.2
41.6
39.2
49.4
n/a

56.7
105.6
34.9
47.9
39.75

531.5
732.1
504.9
738.0
114.0

Increase
in value of 
pension
during
the period
(net of
Director’s 
contri-
butions
£’000

118.7
191.7
137.4
183.8
39.9

Directors
contri-
butions
during
the period
£’000

22.8
–
10.3
10.3
2.6

Name

P Dollman1
P Dollman2
C Smyth
D McIntosh3
E Watson4

Age

53
53
42
46
42

Notes:
1. The funded portion of P Dollman’s benefits.

2. The unfunded portion of P Dollman’s benefits.

3. D McIntosh became a Director on 24 July 2009. The numbers are presented as though he was a director at the start and end 

of the year.

4. E Watson left the Company on 24 July 2009. The numbers presented are as though he was a Director at the start and end of 

the year. 

5. This is an increase in fund value. E Watson was a member of the Defined Contribution Fund. Employer contributions paid on 

his behalf for 31 December 2008 to 24 July 2009 were c£10,300.

(a) Accrued pension entitlements are the amounts which would be paid at normal retirement date if the Director left service as 
at 31 December 2009, with no allowances for increases in the period between leaving service and normal retirement date. 
The entitlements disclosed above include unfunded benefits.

(b) Transfer values represent the value of the assets which the pension scheme (together with the Company where appropriate)

would need to transfer to another pension provider on transferring its liability in respect of the Directors’ pension entitlements.
They do not represent sums payable to individual Directors.

(c) 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 the Gilts
Over 15 Years Index and the Index-linked Over 5 Years (5% inflation) Index.

(d) The total of the transfer values for unfunded pension entitlements as above, held on the Company’s balance sheet at 31 December
2009 for current and former Directors, calculated on an IAS 19 basis, totalled £1,139,012 (2008: £817,645), from which annual
pensions of £18,527 (2008: £17,645 p.a.) were paid to former Directors.

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By order of the Board
J F A Geddes
Company Secretary
8 March 2010

Directors’ report and business review

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 55

Independent auditors’ report 
to the members of John Menzies plc

We have audited the financial statements of John
Menzies plc for the year ended 31 December 2009
which comprise the Group Income Statement, the
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Group and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Group
and Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows, the
Group and Parent Company Statements of Changes 
in Equity and the related Notes 1 to 26. The financial
reporting framework that has been applied in their
preparation is applicable law and International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union and, as regards the Parent Company financial
statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions
of the Companies Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members,
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 
of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s
members those matters we are required to state to
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. 
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Company and the Company’s members as a body, 
for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions
we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors 
and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities
Statement set out on page 42, the Directors are
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and International Standards
on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us
to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APBs)
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to
give reasonable assurance that the financial statements
are free from material misstatement, whether caused
by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:
whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the
Group’s and the Parent Company’s circumstances and
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed;
the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates
made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of
the financial statements. 

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

(cid:129) the financial statements give a true and fair view of

the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s
affairs as at 31 December 2009 and of the Group’s
profit for the year then ended;

(cid:129) the Group financial statements have been properly
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union; 

(cid:129) the Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union and as applied 
in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 2006; and

(cid:129) the financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

56 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

(cid:129) we have not received all the information and

explanations we require for our audit; or

(cid:129) a Corporate Governance Statement has not 

been prepared by the Company

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

(cid:129) the Directors’ statement, set out on page 26, 

in relation to going concern; and

(cid:129) the part of the Corporate Governance Statement
relating to the Company’s compliance with the 
nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code
specified for our review.

Hywel Ball (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP
Statutory Auditor
Edinburgh
8 March 2010

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

(cid:129) the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be
audited has been properly prepared in accordance
with the Companies Act 2006;

(cid:129) the information given in the Directors’ Report for the
financial year for which the financial statements are
prepared is consistent with the financial statements;
and

(cid:129) the information given in the Corporate Governance

Statement set out on page 43 with respect to internal
control and risk management systems in relation to
financial reporting processes and about share capital
structures is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to
report to you if, in our opinion:

(cid:129) adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

(cid:129) the Parent Company financial statements and the
part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be
audited are not in agreement with the accounting
records and returns; or

(cid:129) certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration

specified by law are not made; or

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 57

 
Group income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009 (year ended 31 December 2008)

Before

exceptional Exceptional
and other
items
£m

and other
items
£m

Notes

Before
exceptional
and other
items
£m

2009
Total
£m

Exceptional
and other
items
£m

Revenue
Net operating costs

Operating profit
Share of post-tax results of 
joint ventures and associates

Operating profit after joint 
ventures and associates

Analysed as:
Underlying operating profit*
Non-recurring items
Intangible amortisation
Share of interest and tax on 
joint ventures and associates

Operating profit after joint 
ventures and associates

Finance income
Finance charges
Other finance (charges)/income 
– pensions

Profit before taxation
Taxation

Profit/(loss) for the year

2

3

2

2

5(a)

5(b)

7

7

4

8

1,725.7
(1,692.1)

33.6

9.8

–
(9.3)

(9.3)

(3.9)

1,725.7
(1,701.4)

1,667.1
(1,636.1)

24.3

31.0

–
(11.6)

(11.6)

5.9

5.1

(1.5)

2008
Total
£m

1,667.1
(1,647.7)

19.4

3.6

43.4

(13.2)

30.2

36.1

(13.1)

23.0

43.4
–
–

–

43.4

0.6
(7.0)

(1.8)

35.2
(9.3)

25.9

–
(6.0)
(5.1)

(2.1)

(13.2)

–
–

–

(13.2)
2.6

(10.6)

43.4
(6.0)
(5.1)

36.5
–
–

(2.1)

(0.4)

30.2

0.6
(7.0)

(1.8)

22.0
(6.7)

15.3

36.1

2.3
(10.0)

2.3

30.7
(12.1)

18.6

–
(7.3)
(4.3)

(1.5)

(13.1)

–
(7.7)

–

(20.8)
1.0

(19.8)

36.5
(7.3)
(4.3)

(1.9)

23.0

2.3
(17.7)

2.3

9.9
(11.1)

(1.2)

Attributable to equity shareholders

25.9

(10.6)

15.3

18.6

(19.8)

(1.2)

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic
Diluted

10

43.8p
43.8p

(17.9)p
(17.9)p

25.8p
25.8p

31.3p
31.3p

(33.3)p
(33.3)p

(2.0)p
(2.0)p

*Underlying operating profit is consistently presented adjusting for non-recurring exceptional items, intangible amortisation associated
with goodwill impairment on associate assets and contract amortisation, and the Group’s share of interest and tax on joint ventures
and associates to provide an appreciation of the impact of those items on operating profit.

58 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Group statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2009 (year ended 31 December 2008)

Profit/(loss) for the year

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pensions
Actuarial loss on unfunded pension arrangements
Deferred tax associated with defined benefit pensions
Losses on cash flow hedges
Income tax effect
Net exchange adjustments

Net losses recognised directly in equity

Total recognised loss for the year

Attributable to equity shareholders

Notes

4

2009
£m

15.3

(50.0)
(0.2)
14.1
(1.2)
0.3
(1.7)

(38.7)

(23.4)

2008
£m

(1.2)

(48.7)
–
13.6
–
–
4.7

(30.4)

(31.6)

(23.4)

(31.6)

The Parent Company Statement of Comprehensive Income includes a profit for the year of £63.4m (2008: £18.5m)
and a net actuarial loss on defined benefit pensions of £36.1m (2008: £35.1m).

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 59

 
Group and Company balance sheets
as at 31 December 2009 (31 December 2008)

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Derivative financial assets
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Available for sale investment
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Provisions

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Other payables
Derivative financial liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares
Share premium account
Investment in own shares
Hedge accounting reserve
Retained earnings
Capital redemption reserve

Total equity

Notes

2009
£m

11

12

13

16

19

14

13

16

16

16

15

19

16

15

16

19

19

4

20

9

24

100.5
140.8
41.8
0.1
19.9

303.1

12.0
158.9
1.4
2.5
31.5

206.3

(12.8)
(2.2)
(200.0)
(9.7)
(2.6)

(227.3)

(21.0)

282.1

(150.1)
(1.3)
(1.3)
(5.3)
–
(84.5)

(242.5)

39.6

15.1
15.8
(3.3)
(0.9)
(8.7)
21.6

39.6

Group

2008
£m

102.1
169.4
47.1
–
15.0

333.6

9.3
157.4
2.7
0.4
19.6

189.4

(58.6)
(17.1)
(195.8)
(9.9)
(2.0)

(283.4)

(94.0)

239.6

(126.0)
(0.2)
(0.9)
(6.6)
(7.7)
(35.6)

(177.0)

62.6

15.1
15.8
(3.3)
–
13.4
21.6

62.6

Company

2008
£m

2009
£m

–
31.6
292.5
0.1
19.0

343.2

–
224.7
–
2.5
10.5

237.7

(12.2)
(2.2)
(247.5)
–
–

(261.9)

(24.2)

319.0

(150.1)
–
(1.3)
–
–
(84.5)

(235.9)

83.1

15.1
15.8
–
(0.9)
31.5
21.6

83.1

–
36.8
293.4
–
10.0

340.2

–
169.6
–
0.4
2.6

172.6

(57.7)
(17.1)
(213.8)
–
–

(288.6)

(116.0)

224.2

(125.8)
–
(0.9)
–
(5.2)
(35.6)

(167.5)

56.7

15.1
15.8
–
–
4.2
21.6

56.7

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 March 2010 and signed on its behalf by:

William Thomson
Chairman

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director

60 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Group and Company statement of changes in equity
as at 31 December 2009 (31 December 2008)

Ordinary
shares
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Investment
in own
shares
£m

Hedge
accounting
reserve
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m

Group
At 31 December 2008
Profit for the year
Share-based payments
Movement in the year
Actuarial loss (net of deferred tax)
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2009

At 29 December 2007
Loss for the year
Dividends
New share capital issued
Movement in own shares
Share-based payments
Actuarial loss (net of deferred tax)
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2008

Company
At 31 December 2008
Profit for the year
Movement in the year
Actuarial loss (net of deferred tax)

At 31 December 2009

At 29 December 2007
Profit for the year
Dividends
New share capital issued
Share-based payments
Actuarial loss (net of deferred tax)

At 31 December 2008

15.1
–
–
–
–
–

15.1

15.0
–
–
0.1
–
–
–
–

15.1

15.1
–
–
–

15.1

15.0
–
–
0.1
–
–

15.1

15.8
–
–
–
–
–

15.8

15.1
–
–
0.7
–
–
–
–

15.8

15.8
–
–
–

15.8

15.1
–
–
0.7
–
–

15.8

(3.3)
–
–
–
–
–

(3.3)

(3.4)
–
–
–
0.1
–
–
–

(3.3)

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
(0.9)
–
–

(0.9)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
(0.9)
–

(0.9)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

13.4
15.3
0.4
–
(36.1)
(1.7)

(8.7)

60.1
(1.2)
(15.5)
–
–
0.4
(35.1)
4.7

13.4

4.2
63.4
–
(36.1)

31.5

36.2
18.5
(15.5)
–
0.1
(35.1)

4.2

21.6
–
–
–
–
–

21.6

21.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

21.6

21.6
–
–
–

21.6

21.6
–
–
–
–
–

21.6

Total
£m

62.6
15.3
0.4
(0.9)
(36.1)
(1.7)

39.6

108.4
(1.2)
(15.5)
0.8
0.1
0.4
(35.1)
4.7

62.6

56.7
63.4
(0.9)
(36.1)

83.1

87.9
18.5
(15.5)
0.8
0.1
(35.1)

56.7

The profit for the year for the Company of £63.4m (2008: £18.5m) is the same under both IFRS and UK GAAP.

Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 61

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Group and Company statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2009 (year ended 31 December 2008)

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest received
Interest paid
Tax (paid)/recovered

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in joint ventures and associates
Loan repaid by joint venture
Loan repaid by associate
Proceeds from disposal of investments
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Net cash acquired with subsidiaries
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Intangible asset additions
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Dividends received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from borrowings
Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders
Amounts repaid by/(provided to) subsidiaries

Net cash from financing activities

Notes

21

23

23

Increase/(decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents

23

Effects of exchange rate movements
Opening net cash and cash equivalents

Closing net cash and cash equivalents*

23

2009
£m

52.0
0.8
(7.9)
(5.5)

39.4

0.9
2.3
–
0.6
(1.6)
–
(15.1)
(4.1)
16.9
4.2

4.1

–
(54.3)
14.3
–
–

(40.0)

3.5

(0.2)
17.2

20.5

Group

2008
£m

39.2
2.2
(17.5)
(4.6)

19.3

(8.7)
0.5
0.1
12.2
(13.0)
1.2
(40.4)
(2.4)
9.1
3.3

(38.1)

0.8
(16.5)
45.9
(15.5)
–

14.7

(4.1)

0.3
21.0

17.2

Company

2008
£m

(9.9)
0.1
(9.6)
0.7

2009
£m

(7.7)
–
(7.2)
(1.3)

(16.2)

(18.7)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6.0
–

6.0

–
(54.3)
14.3
–
49.4

9.4

(0.8)

(0.2)
0.8

(0.2)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

0.8
(16.7)
45.9
(15.5)
3.9

18.4

(0.3)

0.3
0.8

0.8

*Net cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and bank overdrafts.

62 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Notes to the accounts

The consolidated accounts of the Group for the 
year ended 31 December 2009 were approved and
authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution 
of the Directors on 8 March 2010. John Menzies plc 
is a limited company incorporated in Scotland and is
listed on the London Stock Exchange.

1. Accounting policies

A summary of the more significant accounting policies,
which have been consistently applied, is set out below.

The following new standards, amendments to standards
and interpretations have been issued but are not effective
for 2009 and have not been adopted early:

IFRS 1 ‘(Amendment) Limited Exemption from
Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures’ is effective for 
periods on or after 1 July 2010.

IFRS 2 ‘(Amendment) Group Cash-settled Share-based
Payment Transactions’ is effective for periods on or
after 1 January 2010.

IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (Revised)’ is effective
for annual periods on or after 1 July 2009.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification &
Measurement’ is effective for periods on or after 
1 January 2013.

IAS 24 ‘(Revised) Related Party Disclosures’ is effective
for periods on or after 1 January 2011.

IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
(Revised)’ is effective for annual periods on or after 
1 July 2009.

IAS 32 ‘(Amendment) Classification of Right Issues’ is
effective for annual periods on or after 1 February 2010.

IAS 39 ‘(Amendment) Eligible Hedged Items’ is
effective for annual periods on or after 1 July 2009.

IFRIC 14 ‘(Amendment) Prepayments of a Minimum
Funding Requirement’ is effective for periods on or
after 1 January 2011.

IFRIC 17 ‘Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners’ 
is effective for annual periods on or after 1 July 2009.

IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of Assets from Customers’ is
effective for annual periods on or after 1 July 2009.

IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with 
Equity Instruments’ is effective for periods on or 
after 1 July 2010.

The Group has adopted the following new and amended
IFRSs as of 1 January 2009:

The adoption of IAS 1 (revised) has required the
reconciliation of movements in equity, previously
disclosed in Note 21 in the accounts for the year ended
31 December 2008, to be presented as a primary
statement entitled ‘Statement of Changes in Equity’. 
In addition, the Statement of Recognised Income 
and Expense has been replaced with the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income.

IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ required
additional disclosures as shown in Note 16.

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. In adopting IFRS 8 the
Group has concluded that the operating segments
were the same as the business segments determined
under IAS 14 ‘Segmental Reporting’. Details of these
operating segments are disclosed in Note 2.

IAS 23 ‘Borrowing Costs’. In adopting IAS 23 (revised)
the Group has amended its accounting policy and, 
from 1 January 2009, now capitalises borrowing costs
on qualifying assets. The implementation of this policy
has had no material impact on the Group’s accounts.

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006
no income statement is presented for the Company.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated accounts, which have been prepared
under the historical cost convention and in accordance
with EU Endorsed International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS), IFRIC interpretations and the
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting
under IFRS, 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.

The consolidated accounts of the Group include the
assets, liabilities and results of the Company and
subsidiary undertakings in which John Menzies plc 
has a controlling interest, using accounts drawn 
up to 31 December except where entities have 
non-coterminous year ends. In such cases, the
information is based on the accounting period of 
these entities and is adjusted for material changes 
up to 31 December. Accordingly, the information
consolidated is deemed to cover the same period 
for all entities throughout the Group.

Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 63

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Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting policies continued

Joint ventures and associates
A joint venture is an entity in which the Group holds 
an interest on a long-term basis and which is jointly
controlled by the Group and one or more other venturers
under a contractual agreement.

An associate is an undertaking, not being a subsidiary
or joint venture, over which the Group has significant
influence and can participate in the financial and operating
policy decisions of the entity.

The Group’s share of the results of joint ventures and
associates is included in the Group Income Statement
using the equity method of accounting. Investments in
joint ventures and associates are carried in the Group
Balance Sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes 
in the Group’s share of the net assets of the entity,
less any impairment in value. The carrying values of
investments in joint ventures and associates include
acquired goodwill.

Revenue
Distribution – revenue is recognised on the weekly
dispatched value of goods sold, excluding value-added tax.

Aviation – cargo revenue is recognised at the point of
departure for exports and at the point that the goods
are ready for dispatch for imports. Other ramp, passenger
and aviation-related services income is recognised at the
time the service is provided in accordance with the
terms of the contract. Revenue excludes value-added
and sales taxes, charges collected on behalf of customers
and intercompany transactions.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is 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

Plant and equipment

over the remaining 
lease term

over the estimated 
life of the asset.

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

Pensions
The operating and financing costs of pensions are
charged to the income statement in the period in which
they arise and are recognised separately. The costs of
past service benefit enhancements, settlements and
curtailments are also recognised in the period in which
they arise. The difference between actual and expected
returns on assets during the year, including changes in
actuarial assumptions, are recognised in the Statement
of Comprehensive Income.

Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the
advice of qualified actuaries.

With regard to defined contribution schemes, the income
statement charge represents contributions made.

Pension financing costs are now shown separately 
in the income statement.

Taxation
Current tax is the amount of tax payable or recoverable
in respect of the taxable profit or loss for the period.

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability
method, on temporary differences between the
carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance
sheet and its tax base. Deferred tax arising from the
initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction,
other than a business combination, that at the time of
the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable
profit or loss, is not recognised. Deferred tax liabilities
represent tax payable in future periods in respect of
taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets
represent tax recoverable in future periods in respect
of deductible temporary differences, the carry forward
of unused tax losses and the carry forward of unused
tax credits.

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates and tax
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at
the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when
the deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax
liability is settled. Deferred tax is provided on temporary
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, joint
ventures and associates, except where the timing of the

64 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled
and it is probable that the temporary difference will not
reverse in the foreseeable future. A deferred tax asset
is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that
future taxable profits will be available against which the
asset can be utilised.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in the income
statement except if it relates to an item recognised
directly in equity or in other comprehensive income, 
in which case it is recognised directly in equity or in the
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income respectively.

Intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the
excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair 
value of the Group’s share of the net assets of the
acquired subsidiary, associate or joint venture at the
date of acquisition. Goodwill acquired is recognised as
an asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually
by assessing the recoverable amount of each cash-
generating unit to which the goodwill relates. When 
the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit 
is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss 
is recognised.

Any impairment is recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of joint ventures 
and associates is included within the carrying value 
of the investment.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before 26 December
2004 (the date of transition to IFRS) has been retained
at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject to being
tested for impairment at that date.

Contracts
The fair value attributed to contracts at the point of
acquisition is determined by discounting the expected
future cash flows to be generated from that asset at
the risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital for
the Group. This amount is included in intangible assets
as ‘contracts’ and amortised over the estimated useful
life on a straight-line basis. Separate values are not
attributed to internally-generated customer relationships.

Contract amortisation is business-stream dependent.
At Distribution, contracts capitalised are not amortised
due to the very long-term nature of the business in the
UK. These contracts are, however, tested annually for
impairment using similar criteria to the goodwill test. 
At Aviation, contracts are amortised on a straight-line
basis over 10 years as this period is the minimum 
time-frame management considers when assessing
businesses for acquisition.

Development costs
Development expenditure incurred on individual projects
is carried forward only if all the criteria set out in IAS 38
‘Intangible Assets’ are met. Following the initial recognition
of development expenditure, the cost is amortised 
over the project’s estimated useful life, usually three 
to five years.

Computer software
Costs associated with developing or maintaining
computer software programs are recognised as an
expense as incurred. Costs that are directly attributable
with the production of identifiable and unique software
products controlled by the Group, and that will probably
generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one
year, are recognised as intangible assets. Direct costs
include the costs of software development employees.
Costs are amortised over their estimated useful lives,
usually three to five years.

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

Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised 
in the balance sheet at their fair value or, if lower, at 
the present value of the minimum lease payments,
each determined at the inception of the lease. The
corresponding liability to the lessor is recorded in the
balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. The lease
payments are apportioned between finance charges
(charged to the income statement) and a reduction 
of the lease obligations.

Rental payments under operating leases are charged 
to the income statement on a straight-line basis over
applicable lease periods.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting policies continued

Available for sale investments
Investments are classified as available for sale if their
carrying amount will be recovered principally through 
a sale transaction rather than through continuing use.
Available for sale investments are stated at the lower
of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell.

Trade receivables
If there is objective evidence that the Group will not be
able to collect all of the amounts due under the original
terms of an invoice, a provision on the respective trade
receivable is recognised. In such an instance, the carrying
value of the receivable is reduced, with the amount of
the loss recognised in the income statement.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise
cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an
original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts
are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the
balance sheet.

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 year, 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
income statement.

Derivative financial instruments and 
hedging activities
The Group uses forward contracts and cross-currency
swaps as derivatives to hedge the risk arising from the
retranslation of foreign currency denominated items.

The Group has derivatives which are designated as
hedges of overseas net investments in foreign entities
(net investment hedges) and derivatives which are
designated as hedges of the exchange risk arising 

from the retranslation of highly probable forecast
revenue denominated in non-local currency of some 
of our overseas operations (cash flow hedges).

In all cases, the derivative contracts entered into 
by the Group have been highly effective during the
reporting period, and are expected to continue to 
be highly effective until they expire. As a result, 
all derivatives have been recorded using hedge
accounting, which is explained below.

All derivatives are measured at fair value, which 
is calculated as the present value of all future cash
flows from the derivative discounted at prevailing
market rates.

Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of 
net investment hedges are recorded in equity, and 
are only recycled to the income statement on disposal 
of the overseas net investment.

Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of
cash flow hedges are recorded in equity until such time
as the forecast transaction occurs, at which time they
are recycled to the income statement. If, however, the
occurrence of the transaction results in a non-financial
asset or liability, then amounts recycled from equity
would be included in the cost of the non-financial asset
or liability. If the forecast transaction remains probable
but ceases to be highly probable then, from that point,
changes in fair value would be recorded in the income
statement within finance costs. Similarly, if the forecast
transaction ceases to be probable then the entire fair
value recorded in equity and future changes in fair
value would be posted to the income statement within
finance costs.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a
present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of 
a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources
embodying economic benefits will be required to settle
the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of
the amount of the obligation.

Share capital
Ordinary shares are classed as equity. Where the
Company purchases its own shares the consideration
paid including any directly attributable incremental
costs, is deducted from the equity attributable to the
Company’s equity holders until the shares are cancelled,
reissued or disposed of.

66 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Share-based payments
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at
fair value at the date of grant and recognised as an
expense over the vesting period. The amount recognised
as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of
share options that vest unless the options do not vest
as a result of a failure to satisfy market conditions. Fair
value is measured by use of a relevant pricing model.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning
the future. These estimates will, by definition, seldom
equal the related actual results particularly so given the
prevailing difficult economic conditions and the level of
uncertainty regarding their duration and severity.

The Board has considered the critical accounting
estimates and assumptions used in the accounts and
concluded that the main areas of significant risk which
may cause a material adjustment to the carrying amount
of assets and liabilities within the next financial year is
in respect of the carrying value of intangible assets and
the assumptions used to calculate pension benefits.

Impairment of long-lived assets
The Group periodically evaluates the net realisable value
of long-lived assets, including goodwill, other intangible
assets and tangible fixed assets, having regard to a
number of factors, including business plans, projected
results and discounted future cash flows.

Assets that have an indefinite useful life, such as goodwill,
are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually
for impairment or whenever events or changes in
circumstance indicate that the carrying amount may
not be recoverable.

Assets that are subject to amortisation are tested for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an
asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The
fair value is, in most cases, based on the discounted
present value of the future cash flows expected to arise
from the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill
relates, or from the individual asset or asset group.

Estimates are used in deriving these cash flows and
the discount rate. The complexity of the estimation
process and issues related to the assumptions, risks
and uncertainties inherent with the application of the
intangible and tangible fixed asset accounting policies
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements.

In particular, if different estimates of the projected future
cash flows or a different selection of an appropriate
discount rate or long-term growth rate were made,
these changes could materially alter the projected value
of the cash flows of the asset and, as a consequence,
materially different amounts would be reported in the
financial statements. These estimates are interlinked and
specific to the circumstances of each asset, so that it
is not appropriate to indicate how reported amounts
might change if different estimates were made.

Pensions
The assumptions include corporate bond yields, investment
return, price and salary inflation and mortality assumptions.
Full details of assumptions used to calculate the pension
assets and liabilities are found in Note 4.

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those material items which, by
virtue of their size or incidence, are presented separately
in the income statement to enable a full understanding
of the Group’s financial performance. These exclude
certain elements of intangible asset impairment and
amortisation, which are also presented separately in
the income statement.

Transactions which may give rise to exceptional items
include restructurings of business activities (in terms 
of rationalisation costs and onerous lease provisions)
and gains or losses on the disposal of businesses.

Dividend distributions
Final ordinary dividends are recognised as liabilities 
in the accounts in the period in which the dividends 
are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

Financial risk factors
The Group is exposed to financial risks: liquidity risk,
interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange exposures
and credit risk. These are more fully discussed in the
Business Review on page 18 and in Note 16.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

2. Segment information

For management purposes the Group is organised into two operating divisions: Distribution and Aviation. 
These two divisions are organised and managed separately based upon their key markets and each is treated 
as an operating segment and reportable segment in accordance with IFRS 8.

The operating and reportable segments were determined based on the reports reviewed by the Board which 
are used to make decisions about the allocation of resources between the two divisions.

The Distribution segment provides newspaper and magazine distribution services across the UK along with
marketing services. The Aviation segment provides cargo and passenger ground handling services across 
the world.

The Board assesses the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of adjusted segment result
before exceptional items and intangibles amortisation. Net finance income and expenditure are not allocated to
segments as this type of activity is driven by the central treasury function.

The amounts provided to the Board with respect to total assets and total liabilities are measured in a manner
consistent with that of the accounts. The assets are allocated based on the operations of the segment and 
the physical location of the asset. The liabilities are allocated based on the operations of the segment.

The Group’s interest bearing liabilities are not considered to be segment liabilities but rather are managed by 
the central treasury function.

Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s operating segments together with additional geographic
information. Transfer prices between segments are set on an arm’s length basis.

Segment results

2009

Revenue

Operating profit/(loss)
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures
Share of post-tax results of associates

Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates
Net finance expense

Profit before tax

Analysed as:
Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)*
(Loss)/gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on disposal of interest in joint venture (Note 5)
Impairment provisions (Note 5)
Onerous lease provision (Note 5)
Rationalisation costs (Note 5)
Contract amortisation (Note 11)
Share of tax on joint ventures and associates

Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates

Distribution
£m

Aviation
£m

Corporate
£m

Group
£m

1,218.5

507.2

–

1,725.7

26.7
1.3
–

28.0

28.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.6)

28.0

(1.4)
2.9
1.7

3.2

15.8
(0.5)
0.2
(2.8)
–
(4.7)
(3.3)
(1.5)

3.2

(1.0)
–
–

(1.0)

(1.0)
1.7
–
–
(1.7)
–
–
–

(1.0)

24.3
4.2
1.7

30.2
(8.2)

22.0

43.4
1.2
0.2
(2.8)
(1.7)
(4.7)
(3.3)
(2.1)

30.2

68 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

2008

Revenue

Operating profit/(loss)
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures
Share of post-tax results of associates

Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates
Net finance expense

Profit before tax

Analysed as:
Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)*
Gain on disposal of interest in joint venture
Impairment provisions (Notes 11 and 13)
Onerous lease provision (Note 5)
Rationalisation costs (Note 5)
Contract amortisation (Note 11)
Share of interest on joint ventures and associates
Share of tax on joint ventures and associates

Operating profit/(loss) after joint ventures and associates

Distribution
£m

1,166.2

Aviation
£m

500.9

Corporate
£m

Group
£m

–

1,667.1

22.7
0.1
–

22.8

23.9
–
(0.8)
–
–
–
(0.1)
(0.2)

22.8

(0.6)
2.5
1.0

2.9

14.1
8.2
(4.8)
(3.8)
(6.7)
(2.5)
(0.3)
(1.3)

2.9

(2.7)
–
–

(2.7)

(1.5)
–
–
(1.2)
–
–
–
–

(2.7)

19.4
2.6
1.0

23.0
(13.1)

9.9

36.5
8.2
(5.6)
(5.0)
(6.7)
(2.5)
(0.4)
(1.5)

23.0

*Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss) is defined as operating profit/(loss) excluding intangible amortisation as shown in Note 5(b)

and exceptional items but including the pre-tax share of results from joint ventures and associates.

2009

Segment assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities

Segment net assets/(liabilities)
Unallocated net liabilities

Net assets

2008

Segment assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities

Segment net assets/(liabilities)
Unallocated net liabilities

Net assets

Distribution
£m

Aviation
£m

Corporate
£m

184.2

267.9

5.9

(124.0)

(70.2)

(18.5)

60.3

196.4

(11.3)

Distribution
£m

167.6

Aviation
£m

317.5

Corporate
£m

3.3

(108.3)

(80.7)

(33.6)

59.3

236.8

(30.3)

Group
£m

458.0
51.4

509.4

(212.7)
(257.1)

(469.8)

245.3
(205.7)

39.6

Group
£m

488.4
34.6

523.0

(222.6)
(237.8)

(460.4)

265.8
(203.2)

62.6

Unallocated assets comprise deferred tax assets, cash and cash equivalents.

Unallocated liabilities comprise retirement benefit obligations, borrowings, current income tax liabilities and
deferred tax liabilities.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

2. Segment information continued

2009

Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Goodwill impairment (Note 13)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

2008

Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Goodwill impairment (Notes 11 & 13)
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Geographic information

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
Americas
Rest of the World

3. Net operating costs

Goods for resale and other operating charges
Employment costs (Note 4)
Intangible assets amortisation (Note 11)
Depreciation (Note 12)
Exceptional items (Note 5)

Other operating charges include:

Operating leases and hire charges – plant and machinery
Rent of properties
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

During the year, the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the 
following services from the Group’s auditors at costs as detailed below:

Audit services (2009: Ernst & Young LLP, 2008: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)

Audit of Parent Company and consolidated accounts
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Non-audit services
UK taxation
Overseas taxation
Due diligence

Distribution
£m

Aviation
£m

Corporate
£m

Group
£m

7.0
5.8
1.2
–
–

8.1
18.2
3.5
1.8
–

–
0.9
–
–
(1.7)

Distribution
£m

Aviation
£m

Corporate
£m

8.7
5.6
0.5
–
–

31.6
17.1
2.5
4.8
(0.3)

–
0.9
–
–
0.4

15.1
24.9
4.7
1.8
(1.7)

Group
£m

40.3
23.6
3.0
4.8
0.1

Revenue Segment non-current assets

2009
£m

1,369.0
112.5
126.6
117.6

2008
£m

1,316.2
128.2
116.9
105.8

1,725.7

1,667.1

2009
£m

182.9
35.3
25.8
60.3

304.3

2008
£m

181.4
46.4
32.0
61.4

321.2

2009
£m

1,302.4
363.4
4.7
24.9
6.0

2008
£m

1,269.1
344.7
3.0
23.6
7.3

1,701.4

1,647.7

17.2
26.8
(1.7)

13.5
31.4
0.1

0.2
0.3

0.3
0.3
–

0.2
0.6

–
–
0.1

70 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

4. Employees

Wages and salaries
Share-based payments
Social security costs

Pension charge

The average number of full-time equivalent persons employed during the year was:

Distribution
Aviation
Corporate

2009
£m

325.2
0.4
28.8

354.4
9.0

363.4

2009
number

3,873
13,706
20

17,599

2008
£m

306.0
0.4
28.9

335.3
9.4

344.7

2008
number

3,814
13,676
21

17,511

The numbers above include 9,913 full-time equivalent persons employed outside the UK (2008: 10,140).

The 2008 employee numbers have been restated to include part-time employees under contract with The Network
(Field Marketing & Promotions) Company Limited.

Pension schemes
With regard to the principal Group-funded defined benefit scheme in the UK (the Menzies Pension Fund), to which
the employees contribute, the charge to the income statement is assessed in accordance with independent actuarial
advice from Hymans Robertson LLP (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 income statement charge for defined contribution schemes represents the contributions payable.

The pension charge to the income statement is analysed as follows:

Menzies Pension Fund
Other schemes

2009
£m

1.6
7.4

9.0

2008
£m

2.3
7.1

9.4

Financial assumptions
The Actuary undertook a valuation of the Menzies Pension Fund as at 31 December 2009 (2008: 31 December)
under IAS 19.

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 (prior to 1 April 2006)
Rate of increase in pensions (after 1 April 2006)
Price inflation
Discount rate

2009
%

3.50
3.60
2.50
3.50
5.70

2008
%

3.60
3.35
2.50
3.10
6.40

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice from the Actuary in accordance with
published statistics and experience in the business.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

4. Employees continued

The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at 65 on the balance sheet date is:

Male
Female

2009

20.5
22.3

The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at 65, 20 years after the balance sheet date is:

Male
Female

Fair value of assets (and expected return on assets)

Equities
Bonds
Property
Other

Total value of assets
Defined benefit obligation

Recognised in balance sheet
Related deferred tax asset (Note 19)

Net pension liabilities

2009

21.8
24.3

2009

Long-term
rate of return
%

Value at

Long-term
Dec rate of return
%
£m

7.3
6.1
6.3
2.0

7.9
5.7
6.9
0.5

141.1
46.2
23.9
0.7

211.9
(296.4)

(84.5)
23.7

(60.8)

2008

18.4
21.2

2008

19.2
22.0

2008

Value at
Dec
£m

110.5
44.3
26.8
0.8

182.4
(218.0)

(35.6)
10.0

(25.6)

Sensitivity analysis
A reduction in the discount rate will increase the assessed value of the defined benefit obligation and a rise in the
discount rate will decrease the assessed value of the defined benefit obligation. The overall effect of a change in
the discount rate for the Fund of 0.1% would be an increase/decrease to the defined benefit obligation of around
1.8%/£5.3m.

The effect of changing the assumption regarding life expectancy by one year longer than the disclosed table would
be to increase the assessed value of the defined benefit obligation by around 3% to £305m.

Components of pension expense

Amounts charged to operating profit
Current service cost
Past service cost
Gains on curtailments and settlements

Total amount charged to the income statement

Amounts included in finance costs
Expected return on pension scheme assets
Interest on pension liabilities

Net financial (charge)/return

Pension expense

2009
£m

1.8
0.2
(0.4)

1.6

11.9
(13.7)

(1.8)

3.4

2008
£m

2.3
–
–

2.3

15.8
(13.5)

2.3

–

72 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Amounts recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income

Gain/(loss) on assets
(Loss)/gain on defined benefit obligation

Actuarial loss

Change in scheme assets during the year

Fair value of assets at start of year
Expected return on assets
Company contributions
Employee contributions
Assets distributed on settlements
Benefits and expenses paid
Gain/(loss) on assets

Fair value of assets at end of year

The actual return on scheme assets was a gain of £38.3m (2008: a loss of £62.3m).

Change in defined benefit obligation during the year

Defined benefit obligation at start of year
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest cost
Liabilities extinguished on settlements
Employee contributions
Benefits and expenses paid
Loss/(gain) on defined benefit obligation

Defined benefit obligation at end of year

Expected employer contributions for 2010 are estimated to be £6m.

History of experience gains and losses

Gain/(loss) on scheme assets
Percentage of scheme assets
Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit obligation
Percentage of scheme liabilities

Total value of assets
Defined benefit obligation

Recognised in balance sheet

2009
£m

26.4
12.5%
(76.4)
25.8%

211.9
(296.4)

(84.5)

2008
£m

(78.1)
42.8%
29.4
13.5%

182.4
(218.0)

(35.6)

2007
£m

(2.7)
1.0%
(0.5)
0.2%

250.2
(240.7)

9.5

2009
£m

26.4
(76.4)

(50.0)

£m

182.4
11.9
4.5
1.3
(1.5)
(13.1)
26.4

211.9

2009
£m

218.0
1.8
0.2
13.7
(1.9)
1.3
(13.1)
76.4

296.4

2006
£m

12.0
5.0%
11.4
5.0%

237.2
(231.8)

5.4

2008
£m

(78.1)
29.4

(48.7)

£m

250.2
15.8
3.6
1.4
–
(10.5)
(78.1)

182.4

2008
£m

240.7
2.3
–
13.5
–
1.4
(10.5)
(29.4)

218.0

2005
£m

19.8
9.5%
(29.4)
12.2%

208.5
(241.1)

(32.6)

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

5(a). Exceptional items

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on disposal of interest in joint venture
Impairment provisions
Onerous lease provision
Rationalisation costs

Notes

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

2009
£m

1.2
0.2
(1.0)
(1.7)
(4.7)

(6.0)

2008
£m

–
8.2
(3.8)
(5.0)
(6.7)

(7.3)

(i) The Group completed a number of property and equipment sale and leaseback arrangements, which resulted

in a gain on disposal of £1.2m.

(ii) During 2009, the Group disposed of the 50% interest in Freshport BV for a consideration of £0.6m and in 2008

disposed of the 50% interest in Talma Menzies SRL for a consideration of £10.3m.

(iii) The 2009 impairment provision reduces the carrying value of the Group’s 40% interest in Menzies Chengdu

Aviation Services Limited, which is held as an available for sale asset, to its estimated recoverable amount.

During 2008, following a deterioration in the North American cargo handling market, the acquired goodwill 
in respect of Aeroground Inc was tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 and a goodwill charge of
£3.0m (approximately one-third of the original amount capitalised) was recognised. This goodwill impairment
resulted from poor post-acquisition performance exacerbated by global market conditions. The recoverable
amount of the cash-generating unit was measured based on a value in use calculation and a pre-tax discount
rate of 11.1%. The Group’s investment in associate company Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd was also
reviewed for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 and restated to reflect current trading performance. 
As a result, an impairment charge of £0.8m was recognised.

(iv) This provision is in respect of future obligations on leasehold properties, which became empty during 2009

and 2008.

(v) Costs of rationalising excess capacity comprising asset write-downs and staff redundancy costs in the 

Aviation business during 2009 and 2008.

5(b). Intangible amortisation

Goodwill impairment
Contract amortisation

Notes

(i)
(ii)

2009
£m

(1.8)
(3.3)

(5.1)

2008
£m

(1.8)
(2.5)

(4.3)

(i) As permitted under the transitional requirements of IFRS 1, the acquisition accounting of business combinations
completed prior to the transition date has not been restated. As a result, assets which were previously capitalised
as goodwill have not been reclassified as other intangible assets. Accordingly, these financial statements include
an impairment charge of £1.8m (2008: £1.8m) reflecting the remaining life of the current licence at Menzies
Macau Aviation Services Ltd.

(ii) This charge relates to contracts capitalised as intangible assets on the acquisition of businesses.

The taxation effect of the exceptional items is a net credit of £0.6m (2008: £1.1m).

74 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

6. Directors

A detailed analysis of Directors’ remuneration, together with shareholdings and options, is provided on 
pages 46 to 55.

7. Finance costs

Finance income
Bank deposits

Finance charges
Bank loans and overdrafts
Preference dividends
Foreign currency loss

Net finance costs

2009
£m

0.6

0.6

(6.9)
(0.1)
–

(7.0)

(6.4)

During 2008, the Group executed cross-currency basis swaps which reduced its interest cost by £1.0m. The
foreign currency loss incurred of £7.7m was exactly matched by tax relief of £7.7m. The tax relief comprised 
£2.2m at the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28% and a non-taxable exchange gain of £5.5m.

8. Taxation

(a) Analysis of charge in year

Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the year
Overseas tax
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities

Total current tax

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities

Retirement benefit obligations

Total deferred tax

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

(b) Current and deferred tax related to items credited directly to equity

Deferred tax on actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax on fair value movement on interest rate hedges
Current tax on net exchange adjustments

Tax credit reported in equity

2009
£m

–
3.2
(0.5)

2.7

3.8
(0.1)

3.7
0.3

4.0

6.7

2009
£m

(14.1)
(0.3)
0.2

(14.2)

2008
£m

2.3

2.3

(9.9)
(0.1)
(7.7)

(17.7)

(15.4)

2008
£m

0.8
4.8
–

5.6

4.5
–

4.5
1.0

5.5

11.1

2008
£m

(13.6)
–
(0.7)

(14.3)

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

8. Taxation continued

(c) Reconciliation between tax charge and the product of accounting profit multiplied by the Group’s
domestic tax rate for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 is as follows:

Profit before tax

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 28% 
(2008: 28.5%)
Non-deductible expenses (principally goodwill impairment and intangible 
amortisation)
Depreciation on non-qualifying assets
Unrelieved overseas losses
Profits covered by losses forward
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings
Deferred tax on undistributed reserves of associate
Joint venture and associate post-tax result (included in profit before tax)
Adjustments to prior years’ liabilities
Overseas deferred tax assets (recognised)/written-off
Increase in deferred tax liability due to the abolition of industrial buildings 
allowances
Non-taxable exchange gain
Tax-exempt gain on disposal of interest in joint venture

At the effective corporation tax rate of 30.5% (2008: 112.1%)

Notes

(i)

(ii)

2009
£m

22.0

6.2

2.2
0.1
2.1
(0.7)
0.2
(0.6)
(1.7)
(0.6)
(0.5)

–
–
–

6.7

2008
£m

9.9

2.8

2.8
0.4
3.8
(0.6)
0.8
0.1
(1.0)
–
3.9

5.4
(5.5)
(1.8)

11.1

(i)

In 2009 the Group recognised deferred tax assets in relation to losses carried forward by a subsidiary operating
in South Africa. In prior years the Group recognised deferred tax assets in relation to losses carried forward 
by, and other temporary differences available to, subsidiaries operating mainly in the Netherlands and the USA.
Trading conditions in these territories were such that it was no longer possible to say with a degree of certainty
that, in the short term, future taxable profits would be available against which the carry forward tax losses, and
other temporary differences, could be utilised. As a consequence, the Group wrote-off £3.9m of deferred tax
assets in 2008.

(ii) The phased abolition of industrial buildings allowances by the end of March 2011 was enacted in the Finance
Act 2008. As a consequence, there was a one-off increase in the Group’s deferred tax liability of £5.4m in 2008.

(d) Factors that may affect future tax charges
The Group has estimated tax losses carried forward, which arose in subsidiary companies operating in the undernoted
jurisdictions, that are available for offset against future profits of those subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets have not
been recognised in respect of these losses as they have arisen in subsidiaries where it is not probable that future
taxable profits will be available against which such assets could be utilised.

USA
Netherlands
Germany
Hungary
Norway
Sweden

Losses
£m

31.4
24.0
26.1
1.3
2.4
1.4

Expiry

Carry forward indefinitely
Not earlier than 1 January 2012
Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward indefinitely
Carry forward indefinitely

The Group has capital losses in the UK of approximately £12.8m that are available for offset against future taxable
gains arising in the UK. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these losses.

76 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

9. Dividends

Dividends on equity shares:
Ordinary – Final paid in respect of 2008, nil (2007: 18.4p) per share

– Interim paid in respect of 2009, nil (2008: 7.56p) per share

2009
£m

–
–

–

2008
£m

11.0
4.5

15.5

Dividends of £0.1m were waived by employee share trusts during 2008.

Investment in own shares
The Company’s ordinary shares are held in trust for an employee share scheme. At 31 December 2009 the trusts
held 1,020,387 (2008: 1,031,387) ordinary 25p shares with a market value of £3,038,202 (2008: £1,101,006).

10. Earnings per share

Operating profit
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates
add back: exceptional items (Note 5(a))

intangible amortisation (Note 5(b))
share of tax on joint ventures and associates

Net finance costs

Profit before taxation
Taxation
Exceptional tax

Earnings for the year

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

Underlying*
Earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (pence)

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

Underlying*

2008
£m

19.4
3.6
7.3
4.3
1.5
(5.4)

30.7
(11.1)
(1.0)

18.6

2009
£m

24.3
5.9
6.0
5.1
2.1
(8.2)

35.2
(6.7)
(2.6)

25.9

43.8
43.8

31.3
31.3

2009
£m

24.3
5.9
–
–
–
(8.2)

22.0
(6.7)
–

15.3

25.8
25.8

Basic

2008
£m

19.4
3.6
–
–
–
(13.1)

9.9
(11.1)
–

(1.2)

(2.0)
(2.0)

59.188
59.188

59.445
59.499

The weighted average number of fully paid shares in issue during the year excludes those held by the employee
share trusts. 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 year.

*Underlying earnings are presented as an additional performance measure. They are stated before exceptional items, intangible

amortisation and share of tax on joint ventures and associates.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

11. Intangible assets

Cost
At 31 December 2008
Additions
Transfer from fixed assets
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

Amortisation and impairment
At 31 December 2008
Amortisation charge
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

Net book value
At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2008

Cost
At 29 December 2007
Acquisitions
Additions
Currency translation

At 31 December 2008

Amortisation and impairment
At 29 December 2007
Amortisation charge
Impairment provision (Note 5(a))
Currency translation

At 31 December 2008

Net book value
At 31 December 2008

At 29 December 2007

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Computer
software
£m

60.0
0.1
–
(1.8)

58.3

8.1
–
–

8.1

50.2

51.9

51.9
0.2
–
(2.1)

50.0

4.4
3.3
(0.3)

7.4

42.6

47.5

6.2
3.8
2.6
–

12.6

3.5
1.4
–

4.9

7.7

2.7

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Computer
software
£m

44.1
2.3
–
13.6

60.0

0.1
–
3.0
5.0

8.1

51.9

44.0

34.2
9.6
1.0
7.1

51.9

1.4
2.5
–
0.5

4.4

47.5

32.8

4.8
–
1.4
–

6.2

3.0
0.5
–
–

3.5

2.7

1.8

Total
£m

118.1
4.1
2.6
(3.9)

120.9

16.0
4.7
(0.3)

20.4

100.5

102.1

Total
£m

83.1
11.9
2.4
20.7

118.1

4.5
3.0
3.0
5.5

16.0

102.1

78.6

78 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Goodwill acquired through business combinations and intangible assets with indefinite lives have been allocated
at acquisition to cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the business combination. The
carrying amount of the goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives have been allocated to the operating
units as per the table below.

Aviation
Netherlands Cargo
North American Cargo
Australia Cargo
UK Cargo
South Africa
Scandinavia
Ogden worldwide
Other

Distribution
Turners News
EM News Distribution (NI) Ltd
Chester Independent Wholesale News Ltd
North West Wholesale News Ltd
The Network – field marketing
Other

Total

2009

Goodwill
£m

Contracts
£m

Goodwill
£m

2008

Contracts
£m

8.3
7.8
6.0
2.6
2.9
2.9
9.2
4.3

44.0

4.8
–
–
–
–
1.4

6.2

50.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
3.1
7.1
2.7
1.4
4.2

18.5

18.5

9.0
8.7
5.3
2.6
2.5
2.9
10.3
4.3

45.6

4.8
–
–
–
–
1.5

6.3

51.9

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
3.1
7.1
2.7
1.4
4.3

18.6

18.6

The Group tests goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives annually for impairment, or more frequently if
there are indications that these might be impaired. The basis of these impairment tests including key assumptions
are set out below.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. These calculations use future
cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by management. The key assumptions for these forecasts
are those regarding revenue growth, net margin and the level of working capital required to support trading, which
management estimates based on past experience and expectations of future changes in the market.

The discount rate assumptions use an estimate of the Group’s weighted average post-tax cost of capital calculated
at 5.3% plus an adjustment for the uncertainty risk attributable to individual CGUs. The pre-tax discount rate used
is 11.1% (2008: 11.1%).

Aviation
Value in use calculations are based on Board approved plans for 2010 and 2011 extrapolated to a 10-year period as
this timeframe is more representative of the industry’s normal investment period. Short-term revenue growth rates
over the period to 2014 range from -8.9% to +10% and reflect management’s specific location expectations and
the expected recovery in cargo volumes over the period that are now being reported by IATA. Thereafter, revenue
growth rates range from 0.5% to 3.5% and are derived using the best available market information (such as Boeing’s
2009 Aviation Industry Review) adjusted for the specific risks and challenges relating to Menzies Aviation. Net
margin assumptions are based on historic experience.

Base case forecasts show significant headroom above carrying value for each CGU with the exception of the UK
and North American cargo operations. Sensitivity analysis has been undertaken for each CGU to assess the impact
of any reasonably possible change in key assumptions. With the exception of the UK and North American cargo
operations there is no reasonably possible change that would cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts.

Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 79

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Notes to the accounts

11. Intangible assets continued

In respect of the UK and North American cargo operations, management has concluded that a reasonably possible
change in a key assumption could cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts. Under the current
assumptions, the recoverable amount exceeds carrying amount by £0.1m for UK cargo and £0.6m for North American
cargo. Any decrease in the expected growth rate for UK cargo (4% average over the period to 2014, thereafter 3%)
and a decrease of 0.1% for North American cargo (3.6% average over the period to 2014, thereafter 1.2%) will result
in the respective carrying values being equal to recoverable amounts.

Distribution
Contract amortisation is business-stream dependent. At Distribution, contracts capitalised are not amortised due
to the very long-term nature of the business in the UK. These contracts are, however, tested annually for impairment
using similar criteria to the goodwill test.

Value in use calculations are based on Board approved plans for 2010 extrapolated to a 10-year period using a 
long-term growth rate of 0%. Net margin assumptions are based on historic experience.

Base case forecasts show significant headroom above carrying value for each CGU. Sensitivity analysis has been
undertaken for each CGU to assess the impact of any reasonably possible change in key assumptions. There is 
no reasonably possible change that would cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts.

12. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Company

Freehold
property
£m

Long
leasehold
property
£m

Short
leasehold
Plant and
property equipment
£m

£m

Total
£m

Freehold
Plant and
property equipment
£m

£m

Cost
At 31 December 2008
Acquisitions (Note 22)
Additions
Transfers
Disposals
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

Depreciation
At 31 December 2008
Transfers
Charge for the year
Disposals
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

Net book value
At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2008

43.1
–
–
–
(4.9)
(0.1)

38.1

8.0
–
0.8
(0.5)
–

8.3

29.8

35.1

1.1
–
–
0.1
–
0.2

1.4

–
0.2
0.1
–
(0.1)

0.2

1.2

1.1

42.8
–
1.9
(0.4)
(6.7)
(0.4)

37.2

17.6
–
2.5
(3.2)
0.2

17.1

197.1
0.4
13.2
(2.3)
(20.2)
(1.5)

284.1
0.4
15.1
(2.6)
(31.8)
(1.8)

186.7

263.4

89.1
(0.2)
21.5
(12.9)
(0.5)

114.7
–
24.9
(16.6)
(0.4)

97.0

122.6

40.8
–
–
–
(4.8)
–

36.0

4.2
–
0.8
(0.5)
–

4.5

1.2
–
–
–
(0.5)
–

0.7

1.0
–
0.1
(0.5)
–

0.6

Total
£m

42.0
–
–
–
(5.3)
–

36.7

5.2
–
0.9
(1.0)
–

5.1

20.1

25.2

89.7

108.0

140.8

169.4

31.5

36.6

0.1

0.2

31.6

36.8

80 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Group

Company

Freehold
property
£m

Long
leasehold
property
£m

Short
leasehold
Plant and
property equipment
£m

£m

Total
£m

Freehold
property
£m

Long
leasehold
Plant and
property equipment
£m

£m

42.9
–
0.3
–
(0.2)
0.1

43.1

7.1
0.9
–
–

8.0

35.1

35.8

1.7
–
0.3
–
(1.0)
0.1

1.1

0.3
0.2
(0.5)
–

–

1.1

1.4

38.5
–
1.0
0.7
(0.3)
2.9

42.8

15.4
1.9
(0.3)
0.6

17.6

171.2
0.6
38.7
(0.7)
(32.4)
19.7

254.3
0.6
40.3
–
(33.9)
22.8

197.1

284.1

84.6
20.6
(23.9)
7.8

107.4
23.6
(24.7)
8.4

89.1

114.7

40.8
–
–
–
–
–

40.8

3.3
0.9
–
–

4.2

25.2

23.1

108.0

86.6

169.4

146.9

36.6

37.5

0.6
–
–
–
(0.6)
–

–

0.2
–
(0.2)
–

–

–

0.4

1.2
–
–
–
–
–

1.2

0.9
–
0.1
–

1.0

0.2

0.3

Total
£m

42.6
–
–
–
(0.6)
–

42.0

4.4
0.9
(0.1)
–

5.2

36.8

38.2

Cost
At 29 December 2007
Acquisitions
Additions
Transfers
Disposals
Currency translation

At 31 December 2008

Depreciation
At 29 December 2007
Charge for the year
Disposals
Currency translation

At 31 December 2008

Net book value
At 31 December 2008

At 29 December 2007

13. Investments

Net book value excluding goodwill
At 31 December 2008
Share of profits after tax
Dividends received
Disposals
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

Goodwill
At 31 December 2008
Impairment provision (Note 5(b))
Currency translation

At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2008

Shares
in joint
ventures
£m

Loans
to joint
ventures
£m

Shares in
associates
£m

Group

Company

Other
£m

Total
£m

Subsidiaries
£m

24.8
4.2
(2.6)
(0.8)
(1.6)

24.0

–
–
–

–

24.0

24.8

2.4
–
–
(2.3)
–

0.1

–
–
–

–

0.1

2.4

9.2
3.5
(1.6)
(0.5)
(0.7)

9.9

10.4
(1.8)
(1.1)

7.5

17.4

19.6

0.3
–
–
–
–

0.3

–
–
–

–

0.3

0.3

36.7
7.7
(4.2)
(3.6)
(2.3)

34.3

10.4
(1.8)
(1.1)

7.5

41.8

47.1

293.4
–
–
–
(0.9)

292.5

–
–
–

–

292.5

293.4

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

13. Investments continued

The Group’s share of the results, assets and liabilities of joint ventures and associates are:

%

Profit

Assets

Liabilities

Interest Revenue after tax <1 year >1 year <1 year >1 year
£m

held

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Total
£m

Joint ventures
Freshport BV
EM News (NI) Ltd
EM News (Ireland) Limited
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling 
Services Private Ltd
Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) 
Private Ltd
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo 
Private Ltd
Associates
Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd
Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd
Swissport Menzies Handling Ute

Country of
Incorporation

Netherlands
UK
Ireland

India

India

India

–
50
50

51

49

49

0.5
55.6
27.1

0.1
1.3
–

–
8.1
1.2

–
1.7
0.5

–
(7.1)
(1.9)

–
–
(0.3)

–
2.7
(0.5)

1.3

0.1

4.5

2.9

(1.0)

3.1

1.8

8.5

4.9

(1.3)

2.6

0.9

2.8

1.0

(0.4)

–

–

–

6.4

12.1

3.4

3.6
–
6.3

Macau

29
UK 31.67
39

Spain

6.4
1.6
21.3

119.5

1.8
–
1.7

7.7

2.1
–
7.1

2.3
–
7.2

(0.8)
–
(6.0)

–
–
(2.0)

34.3

20.5

(18.5)

(2.3) 34.0

Although Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd, Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Ltd
and Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd are 51% and 49% owned, they are treated as joint ventures in the
Group accounts because the parties to each of the ventures work together with equal powers to control the entities.
Each venturer in the respective entity retains the power of veto, and overall key strategic, operational and financial
decisions require the consent of both parties.

EM News (Ireland) Limited has a statutory year end of 31 January. The Indian joint ventures have a statutory year
end of 31 March.

Available for sale investment
The Group’s 40% interest in Menzies Chengdu Aviation Services Limited, a company incorporated in China, was
reclassified as an available for sale asset during 2008. The investment is now valued at its estimated recoverable
amount of £1.4m (2008: cost of £2.7m).

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for doubtful debts

Trade receivables – net
Other receivables
Prepayments
Amounts owed by Group companies

2009
£m

121.2
(3.4)

117.8
23.6
17.5
–

158.9

Group

2008
£m

111.7
(1.8)

109.9
21.7
25.8
–

157.4

2009
£m

–
–

–
4.3
1.5
218.9

224.7

Company

2008
£m

–
–

–
4.2
1.3
164.1

169.6

The average credit period on sale of goods is 24.9 days. No interest is charged on any receivables balance.

82 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Ageing of trade receivables

2009
2008

Movement in the provision for doubtful debts

Balance at the beginning of the year
Amounts provided during the year
Amounts released during the year
Amounts utilised during the year

Balance at the end of the year

Ageing of past due and impaired receivables

30 – 60 days
60 – 90 days
over 90 days

Neither
due nor
impaired
£m

102.3
86.8

Total
£m

117.8
109.9

30 – 60
days
£m

10.9
19.3

Past due not impaired

60 – 90
days
£m

2.6
2.5

over 90
days
£m

2.0
1.3

2009
£m

1.8
2.8
(0.3)
(0.9)

3.4

2009
£m

0.2
0.4
2.8

3.4

Group

2008
£m

1.0
1.6
–
(0.8)

1.8

Group

2008
£m

0.1
0.1
1.6

1.8

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not include impaired assets.

The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

15. Trade and other payables

Due within one year
Trade payables
Other payables
Other taxes and social security costs
Amounts owed to Group companies

Due after more than one year
Other payables

2009
£m

116.6
78.9
4.5
–

200.0

Group

2008
£m

119.7
66.2
9.9
–

195.8

2009
£m

–
9.5
–
238.0

247.5

Company

2008
£m

–
11.1
–
202.7

213.8

1.3

0.2

–

–

The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments

The objectives, policies and strategies pursued by the Group in relation to financial instruments are described
within the Business Review on page 18.

Derivative financial instruments
Cash Flow Hedges

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Interest rate swaps

Foreign Currency Net Investment Hedge
Foreign exchange forward contracts

Total derivative financial instruments

Current
Non-current

2009
£m

–
(1.2)

0.3

(0.9)

0.3
(1.2)

(0.9)

Group

2008
£m

(2.2)
–

(15.4)

(17.6)

(16.7)
(0.9)

(17.6)

Company

2008
£m

(2.2)
–

(15.4)

(17.6)

(16.7)
(0.9)

(17.6)

2009
£m

–
(1.2)

0.3

(0.9)

0.3
(1.2)

(0.9)

The Group only enters into derivative financial instruments that are designated as hedging instruments.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments are calculated by reference to current market rates. The fair
value of interest rate swaps are calculated by reference to current market rates taking into account future cash flows.

Fair value hierarchy
As at 31 December 2009, the Group held the following financial instruments measured at fair value. The Group uses
the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable,
either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based
on observable market data.

Financial assets at fair value through the income statement
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged

Financial liabilities at fair value through the income statement
Foreign exchange contracts – hedged
Interest rate swaps

Total
£m

2.6

Total
£m

2.3
1.2

Assets measured at fair value

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

–

2.6

–

Liabilities measured at fair value

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

–
–

2.3
1.2

–
–

During the year ended 31 December 2009, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value
measurements, and no transfers into and out of Level 3 fair value measurements.

84 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Obligations under finance leases
Bank overdrafts
Non-amortising bank loans
Amortising term loan
Preference shares
Unsecured loan stock

Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Maturity
January 2011 – July 2013
n/a
June 2010 – January 2013
March 2020
Non-redeemable
On demand (by July 2012)

Current
Non-current

Group

2008
£m

0.3
2.4
151.7
28.7
1.4
0.1

Company

2009
£m

2008
£m

–
10.8
122.8
27.2
1.4
–

–
1.7
151.7
28.7
1.4
–

2009
£m

0.3
11.0
122.8
27.2
1.4
0.1

162.9

184.6

162.3

183.5

12.8
150.1

58.6
126.0

12.2
150.1

57.7
125.8

162.9

184.6

162.3

183.5

Other than trade receivables and payables, there are no financial assets or liabilities excluded from the above analysis.

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

The Company has issued 1,394,587 cumulative preference shares of £1 each. These shares are not redeemable
and pay an interest coupon of 9% semi-annually.

The amortising term loan is repayable between 2010 and 2020 with interest payable at a fixed rate of 6.23%.

The loan has a weighted average maturity of five years (2008: six years).

Non-amortising bank loans are drawn against unsecured, committed revolving bank credit facilities maturing between
June 2010 and January 2013.

Net debt
Derivative financial instruments
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Total borrowings
Less: cash at bank, cash in hand and short-term deposits

Financial assets and financial liabilities
Short-term borrowings
Medium-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Finance leases
Bank overdrafts

Total financial assets and financial liabilities
Less: cash at bank, cash in hand and short-term deposits

Net debt

2009
£m

0.9
162.9

163.8
31.5

132.3

Group

2008
£m

17.6
184.7

202.2
19.6

182.6

2009

2009
£m

0.9
162.3

163.2
10.5

152.7

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

Book value
£m

1.8
131.5
18.4
0.9
0.2
11.0

163.8
31.5

132.3

1.9
132.4
20.2
0.9
0.2
11.0

166.7
31.5

135.2

56.1
104.9
20.8
17.6
0.3
2.4

202.2
19.6

182.6

Company

2008
£m

17.6
183.5

201.1
2.6

198.5

2008

Fair value
£m

56.3
105.9
23.4
17.6
0.3
2.4

206.0
19.6

186.4

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments continued

The fair value of the fixed term, amortising borrowing is calculated as the present value of all future cash flows
discounted at prevailing market rates.

Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables carrying values are assumed to approximate their fair
values due to their short-term nature.

A separate table has not been prepared analysing the Company’s book values and fair values. The £0.6m difference
in book values relates to interest-bearing loans and borrowings and is deemed to be short-term in nature.

Currency

Sterling
Euro
US dollar
Net derivative liabilities

Floating
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

59.2
–
–
0.9

60.1

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

103.7
–
–
–

103.7

2009
Total
financial
liabilities
£m

162.9
–
–
0.9

163.8

At 31 December 2009, the expiry profile of undrawn 
committed facilities was as follows:
Less than one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years

2009
£m

20.0
33.9
–

53.9

Floating
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

131.4
4.4
18.6
17.6

172.0

Group

2008
£m

19.8
–
2.8

22.6

Fixed
rate
financial
liabilities
£m

30.2
–
–
–

30.2

2009
£m

20.0
33.9
–

53.9

2008
Total
financial
liabilities
£m

161.6
4.4
18.6
17.6

202.2

Company

2008
£m

19.8
–
2.8

22.6

Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts
At 31 December 2009, the Group held foreign currency forward contracts designed as hedges of transaction
exposures arising from non-local currency revenue. These contracts were in line with the Group’s policy to hedge
significant forecast transaction exposures for a maximum 18 months forward.

The cash flow hedges of non-local revenue were assessed to be highly effective.

Interest rate swaps
The Group’s policy is to minimise exposures to interest rate risk by ensuring an appropriate balance of long-term
and short-term floating rates.

During 2009, the Group hedged the exposure to interest rate rises by entering into £75m of interest rate swap
agreements, whereby the Group pays a fixed rate of interest and receives a variable rate of LIBOR+margin on 
the notional amount.

£50m of these interest rate swaps mature in July 2011 with the remaining £25m maturing in June 2012.

At 31 December 2009, 68.1% (2008: 22.0%) of the Group’s borrowings were fixed.

86 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Fair value of cash flow hedges – currency forward contracts

– interest rate swaps

Current
Non-current

2009

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

2008

Liabilities
£m

0.4
–

0.4

0.4
–

0.4

(0.4)
(1.2)

(1.6)

(0.4)
(1.2)

(1.6)

–
–

–

–
–

–

(2.3)
–

(2.3)

(1.9)
(0.4)

(2.3)

For 2009, if interest rates on UK pound-denominated borrowings had been 0.5% higher/lower with all other variables
held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been £0.3m (2008: £0.6m) lower/higher, mainly as a result 
of higher/lower interest expense on floating rate borrowings.

Foreign currency net investment hedges
The Group’s treasury policy is to hedge the exposure of currency denominated assets to foreign exchange risk.
This is primarily achieved using forward contracts denominated in the relevant foreign currencies.

Gains or losses on the retranslation of these hedges are transferred to reserves to offset any gains or losses 
on translation of the net investments in the subsidiary undertakings.

The notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts are:

Euro
US dollar
Czech koruna
Australian dollar
New Zealand dollar
Swedish krona
Norwegian krone
Hungarian forint
Indian rupee

2009
million

19.4
34.0
99.0
11.9
5.3
12.0
5.0
–
668.6

Group

2008
million

24.5
56.0
319.2
24.5
8.1
49.1
17.5
325.0
1,289.7

EUR
USD
CZK
AUD
NZD
SEK
NOK
HUF
INR

Fair value of foreign currency net investment hedges
Current
Non-current

Company

Sterling equivalent

2009
million

19.4
34.0
99.0
11.9
5.3
12.0
5.0
–
668.6

2008
million

24.5
56.0
319.2
24.5
8.1
49.1
17.5
325.0
1289.7

2009

2009
£m

17.2
21.1
3.3
6.6
2.4
1.0
0.5
–
8.9

2008
£m

23.7
38.9
11.5
11.9
3.3
4.3
1.7
1.2
18.4

2008

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

2.2
2.1
0.1

(1.9)
(1.8)
(0.1)

0.4
0.4
–

(15.8)
(15.3)
(0.5)

Foreign currency sensitivity
For 2009, if the UK pound had weakened/strengthened by 10% against the US dollar or the Euro, with all other
variables held constant the effect would have been:

Change in
GBP/USD
rate

+10%
–10%

Change in
GBP/EUR
rate

Effect
on profit 
before tax
£m

0.5
(0.5)
0.5
(0.5)

+10%
–10%

2009

Effect
on equity
£m

0.7
(0.6)
(1.7)
1.4

Effect
on profit
before tax
£m

0.2
(0.2)
0.5
(0.5)

2008

Effect
on equity
£m

5.1
(4.2)
2.6
(2.1)

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies is not material.

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments continued

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern
in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital
structure to reduce the cost of capital.

Credit risk
The Group considers its exposure to credit risk at 31 December to be as follows:

Bank deposits
Trade receivables

2009
£m

31.5
117.8

149.3

2008
£m

19.6
109.9

129.5

For banks and financial institutions, the Group’s policy is to transact with independently rated parties with a minimum
rating of ‘A’. If there is no independent rating, the Group assesses the credit quality of the counterparty taking into
account its financial position, past experience and other factors.

Liquidity risk
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities by continuously monitoring
forecast and actual cash flows.

The following is an analysis of the Group’s financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity
based on the remaining period at the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date.

The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Floating rate interest is estimated
using the prevailing rate at the balance sheet date.

Net values of transaction hedging are disclosed in accordance with the contractual terms of these derivative instruments.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Preference shares
Other liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial derivatives

Total

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Preference shares
Other liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial derivatives

Total

Due
within
1 year
£m

(15.6)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(201.1)
(48.7)

(265.6)

Due
within
1 year
£m

(63.4)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(195.8)
(89.0)

(348.4)

Due
between
1-2 years
£m

Due
between
2-4
£m

(77.7)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(1.3)
(14.9)

(94.2)

Due
between
1-2 years
£m

(5.3)
(0.1)
–
(0.2)
(14.2)

(19.8)

(58.2)
(0.1)
–
–
(0.3)

(58.6)

Due
between
2-4
£m

(106.9)
(0.1)
–
–
–

(107.0)

2009

Due
over
5 years
£m

(18.0)
(1.5)
–
–
–

(19.5)

2008

Due
over
5 years
£m

(20.7)
(1.5)
(0.2)
–
–

(22.4)

88 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

17. Operating lease commitments

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2009
£m

28.6
63.6
55.7

Property

2008
£m

21.4
51.0
31.0

147.9

103.4

Within one year
Within two to five years
After five years

18. Capital commitments

Contracted but not provided – property, plant and equipment

19. Provisions

Deferred tax

Assets
Accelerated capital allowances and other temporary differences
Retirement benefit obligations

Liabilities
Accelerated capital allowances and other temporary differences

Net deferred tax assets

Movement in year:
Income statement

– retirement benefit obligations
– other
– fair value movement on interest rate hedges
– exchange adjustments

Statement of Comprehensive Income
Transfer to current income tax liabilities

Other – property and restructuring related

At beginning of year
Provided during year
Utilised during year
Released in the year

At end of year

Current
Non-current

Group

Other

2008
£m

9.4
18.7
–

28.1

Group

2008
£m

4.7

Group

2008
£m

5.0
10.0

15.0

7.7

7.7

(7.3)

1.0
4.5
–
(0.7)
(13.6)
–

(8.8)

2008
£m

5.1
5.4
(1.9)
–

8.6

2.0
6.6

2009
£m

17.4
31.3
2.8

51.5

2009
£m

2.9

2009
£m

(3.8)
23.7

19.9

–

–

(19.9)

0.3
3.7
(0.3)
(0.1)
(14.1)
(2.1)

(12.6)

2009
£m

8.6
1.9
(2.0)
(0.6)

7.9

2.6
5.3

Company

Property

2008
£m

0.8
2.5
1.4

4.7

Company

2008
£m

–

Company

2008
£m

–
10.0

10.0

5.2

5.2

(4.8)

1.0
4.0
–
–
(13.6)
–

(8.6)

2009
£m

0.7
2.5
0.8

4.0

2009
£m

–

2009
£m

(4.7)
23.7

19.0

–

–

(19.0)

0.3
(0.4)
–
–
(14.1)
–

(14.2)

Financial statements

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Notes to the accounts

19. Provisions continued

The 2008 comparatives have been amended to disclose amounts due within the short-term in line with current
year disclosure.

The property and restructuring related provision is in respect of obligations for vacated leasehold properties 
where applicable sublet income may be insufficient to meet obligations under head leases. The provision for
property costs unwinds over the period between 2010 and 2034.

Contingent liabilities
There are contingent liabilities, including those in respect of disposed and acquired businesses, which are 
not expected to give rise to any significant loss to the Group.

In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company has guaranteed certain trading obligations of 
its subsidiaries.

20. Share capital

Authorised
73,056,248 ordinary shares of 25p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Opening – 60,207,940 ordinary shares of 25p each
Allotted under share option schemes*

Closing – 60,213,226 ordinary shares of 25p each

2009
£m

2008
£m

18.3

18.3

15.1
–

15.1

15.0
0.1

15.1

As a result of options being exercised, 5,286 (2008: 227,718) ordinary shares having a nominal value of £1,322
(2008: £0.1m) were issued during the year at a share premium of £14,345 (2008: £0.7m).

*Included in this total are nil (2008: 7,500) ordinary shares of 25p each allotted to Directors under the Executive Share Option

Scheme and 510 (2008: nil) ordinary shares of 25p each allotted to the Directors under the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme
with a total nominal value of £127 (2008: £1,875).

Potential issue of ordinary shares
Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company under the Executive Share Option
Scheme approved by the shareholders, details of which are shown below. No options on shares were exercised 
in 2009 (2008: 213,462) and 5,000 options lapsed.

Date of grant

February 1999
January 2000
November 2002
May 2004

Exercise price
(pence)

348
391
329
418

Exercise
period

2002-2009
2003-2010
2005-2012
2007-2014

2009
Number

–
5,000
196,048
101,776

2008
Number

5,000
5,000
196,048
101,776

302,824

307,824

Employees, including senior executives, also hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company under the
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme approved by the shareholders, details of which are shown below. Options
on 4,017 shares were exercised in 2009 and 304,119 options lapsed.

Year of grant

2005
2006
2007
2008
2009

Exercise price
(pence)

467
348
452
285
279

Exercise
period

2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013

2009
Number

–
236,228
179,406
367,982
492,609

2008
Number

56,805
293,073
248,141
487,454
–

1,276,225 1,085,473

90 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Company Share Option Schemes
The Company operates the following share-based payment arrangements:

(a) Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS)
Options under the ESOS may be granted to Executive Directors and senior employees of the Group on an annual
basis and mature only after three years upon which they become exercisable. The exercise period is usually seven
years from maturity and special rules apply to employees who leave the employment of the Group due to ill health,
retirement or redundancy. Options are granted with a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of shares under
option at the date of grant.

Options granted under the ESOS adopted in September 2000, are subject to performance conditions and lapse if
these are not achieved. The performance hurdles require that for each annual grant three-year growth targets set by
the Board are achieved. Growth is typically measured by growth in underlying earnings per share (EPS) as compared
to RPI plus between 3% and 8% per annum over three years, adjusted to normalise pension and tax charges.

(b) 2008 Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE)
The Company operates a Savings-Related Share Option Scheme which is open to all eligible UK employees.
Typically, all employees are eligible to participate including full and part-time employees. Annual grants of options
are made in September or October each year and become exercisable after three years. Employees enter into 
a savings contract with the Yorkshire Building Society, who administer the scheme. The options are granted at 
a 20% discount of the share price at the date of grant and lapse if not exercised within six months of maturity.
Special provisions apply to employees who leave their employment due to ill health, redundancy or retirement.

(c) 2005 Performance Share Plan (2005 PSP)
Under the PSP, the Board can grant Executive Directors and senior employees of the Group selected by the
Remuneration Committee an award of conditional shares. The shares will vest at the end of three years if Total
Shareholder Return (TSR) reaches targets set by the Board. If percentage growth in the Company’s TSR for the
three financial years is greater than the TSR for the FTSE250 Index by 30% or more, then the percentage of the
award vesting is 100%. If the growth is greater than the TSR for the FTSE250 Index but less than 30% greater,
then the percentage of the award vesting will be calculated on a straight-line basis. If growth is equal to or less
than TSR for the FTSE250 Index, then the percentage of the award vesting is nil. There will be no retesting of
performance targets.

Awards may be made by the Board at any time but no award will be made more than 10 years after the adoption
of the PSP. At the end of each three-year performance period, the Remuneration Committee will notify each
participant of the extent to which the performance targets have been met and the number of shares that will vest.
Shares will be met from existing issued shares held under employee benefit trusts. Participants will also be paid
an amount equal to the net dividends on those shares which actually vest which would have been paid during the
performance period.

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The conditional shares are not transferrable and lapse immediately if the participant leaves the employment of the
Group, although special rules apply in the case of particular circumstances such as death, ill-health, redundancy 
or other circumstances at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. No participant may be made an award
of more than 100,000 shares in any year between both the PSP and the DPSP schemes. Share awards are valued
using scenario-modelling.

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Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 91

 
Notes to the accounts

20. Share capital continued

(d) 2005 Bonus Co-investment Plan (BCIP)
The Plan offers Executive Directors and other senior executives selected by the Board the opportunity to invest part
of their annual cash bonus for a financial year in the Company’s shares, entitling them, provided certain performance
targets are met, to a grant of additional matching shares in the ratio of up to 2:1 of the gross deferred bonus. The
maximum amount of the annual cash bonus which may be eligible for matching is 50%. The net of tax amount is
applied in the purchase of shares.

The first bonus award which qualified for investment in shares under the Plan was the award for the financial year
ended December 2004 and the last qualifying bonus award will be for the financial year which commences 10 years
after the adoption of the Plan.

Performance targets are based on real growth in earnings measured over three financial years. If the percentage
growth in the Company’s EPS is RPI + 8% or more, then the number of matching shares that will vest is two. For
EPS growth of between RPI + 3% pa and RPI + 8% pa, the number of matching shares vesting will be calculated
on a straight-line basis. No matching shares will vest for EPS percentage growth of RPI + 3% pa or less.

Similar provisions apply in respect of dividends, transferability of rights and leavers.

(e) 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan (2007 DPSP)
The DPSP was introduced to more closely align Divisional Directors and Senior Employees with the achievement
of target divisional financial results (DFR). The DFR for Distribution is based on Operating Profits, Cost Savings 
and income from new Revenue Streams whilst for Aviation it is based on Operating Profits. The maximum award
which can be made to an individual is 100,000 shares per year.

Shares will vest at the end of three year financial periods. A nil award will be achieved where the DFR is at 
or below the Threshold Performance Target and 100% will vest where the DFR is equal to or greater than the
Stretch Performance Target, with a result between Threshold and Stretch being made on a straight-line basis.
Actual performance targets will be disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in the year following the
expiry of the performance period.

(f) 2009 Performance Share Plan (2009 PSP)
The 2009 Performance Share Plan is designed to improve the link between reward, performance and the creation
of value for shareholders by measuring the increase in Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) over a three year
performance period. The scheme is a one-off award and awards were only made to Executive Directors.

Shares will vest at the end of a financial period ending December 2011. Achievement below the threshold level
(ROCE 10%) will result in no award being made. Achievement of the threshold level will result in 25% of the
maximum award (ROCE 12.5%) vesting, with results equal to or greater than the stretch level achieving 100% 
of the maximum. Results between Threshold and Stretch will be calculated on a straight-line basis.

92 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Fair values of share options
Options are valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No performance conditions are included in the
fair value calculations.

The fair value per option granted after November 2002 and the assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:

Executive Share Option Scheme

Savings-Related Option Scheme

Grant date

May 2004

Nov 2002

Jan 2000

Oct 2009

Sep 2008

Oct 2007

Oct 2006

Share price at grant date (pence)
Exercise price (pence)
Number of employees
Shares under option
Vesting period (years)
Expected volatility
Option life (years)
Expected life (years)
Risk-free rate
Expected dividends expressed 
as a dividend yield*
Fair value per option (pence)
IFRS 2 charge per option**

418
418
2
101,776
3
25.0%
10
4
5.1%

4.0%
76
70

329
329
1
196,048
3
25.0%
10
4
4.5%

5.2%
50
50

391
391
1
5,000
3
25.0%
10
4
4.5%

5.2%
50
50

346
279
841
492,609
3
25.0%
3.5
3.5
4.6%

4.0%
77
47

361.75
285
589
367,982
3
25.0%
3.5
3.5
4.6%

4.0%
77
47

547.5
452
391
179,406
3
25.0%
3.5
3.5
4.6%

4.0%
116
71

450
348
361
236,228
3
25.0%
3.5
3.5
4.5%

3.8%
104
63

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility over the last three years. The expected life is the average
expected period to vesting. The risk free rate of return is the zero coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent
with the assumed award life.

*Based on the daily 12-month trailing dividend yield averaged over the 12 months prior to valuation date.

**The difference between the fair value and IFRS 2 charge per option is due to adjustments for forfeiture risk.

2005 Performance
Share Plan (2005 Plan)

2005 Bonus
Co-Investment Plan (BCIP)

2007 Divisional Performance
Share Plan (2007 DPSP)

2009
Performance
Share Plan
(2009 Plan)

Grant date

May 2008 May 2007

Jun 2009 Mar 2008 Mar 2007

Jun 2009 May 2008 May 2007

Jun 2009

Share price at grant 
date (pence)
Number of employees
Shares awarded
Contractual life (years)
Expected departure*
Expected outcome of 
meeting performance 
criteria
Fair value per share 
(pence)
IFRS 2 charge per 
share award**

*Risk of forfeiture.

487
3
14,000
3
0%

576
1
35,000
3
0%

133
3

534
15
16,216 101,384
3
14%

3
0%

515
3

130
21
26,890 905,500
3
0%

3
14%

487
2
70,000
3
0%

576
2

130
3
70,000 1,237,500
3
0%

3
0%

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41%

41%

41%

52%

52%

41%

41%

41%

41%

199

199

235

235

113

113

194

194

230

230

113

113

199

199

231

231

113

113

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**Adjusted for forfeiture risk.

Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 93

 
Notes to the accounts

20. Share capital continued

Movement in share options
A reconciliation of conditional share movements of executive share options, savings-related share options and all
other share-based schemes is shown below:

Executive Share Option Scheme

Savings-Related Option Scheme

2009

Weighted
average
exercise
Number price (p)

307,824
–
(5,000)
–

302,824

302,824
329-418

360
–
348
–

360

360

2008

Weighted
average
exercise
price (p)

2009

Weighted
average
exercise
Number price (p)

2008

Weighted
average
exercise
price (p)

Number

Number

521,286
–
–
(213,462)

345 1,085,473
498,888
(304,119)
(4,017)

–
–
339

350 1,006,410
503,211
279
(409,891)
367
(14,257)
348

307,824

360 1,276,225

318 1,085,473

307,824
329-418

360

236,228
279-452

348

56,805
285-467

413
284
425
389

350

467

0
2.4

0.2
3.4

2.1
2.1

2.1
2.1

2005 PSP, 2007 DPSP & 2009 PSP

2005 BCIP and 2005 LTIP

2009

Weighted
average
exercise
Number price (p)

420,000
2,093,000
(260,000)
–

520
130
448

2008

Weighted
average
exercise
price (p)

2009

Weighted
average
exercise
Number price (p)

564
487
582

239,524
16,216
(126,872)
–

534
133
538

Number

341,250
210,000
(131,250)
–

2008

Weighted
average
exercise
price (p)

557
534
582

Number

255,847
101,384
(117,707)
–

Outstanding at start of year
Granted
Forfeited/expired
Exercised

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable
Range of exercise prices

Weighted average 
remaining life (years)
– expected
– contractual

Outstanding at start of year
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised

Outstanding at end of year

2,253,000

166

420,000

520

128,868

480

239,524

534

Exercisable
Range of exercise prices

–
329-418

–
329-418

–
279-452

–
285-467

Weighted average
remaining life (years)
– expected
– contractual

2.2
2.2

2.2
2.2

2.2
2.2

2.2
2.2

Total IFRS 2 charge for share-based incentive schemes
The total charge for the year relating to employee share-based plans was £0.4m (2008: £0.4m), all of which related
to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. After tax, the total charge was £0.3m (2008: £0.3m).

94 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

21. Cash generated from operations

Operating profit/(loss)
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment provisions (Note 5(a))
Share-based payments
Cash spend on dilapidations on onerous lease
Onerous lease provisions
Cash spend on onerous leases
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Gain on disposal of investment in joint venture
Pension charge
Pension contributions in cash
Rationalisation costs
Cash spend on rationalisation costs
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables and provisions

2009
£m

24.3
24.9
4.7
1.0
0.4
–
1.7
(2.0)
(1.7)
(0.2)
1.6
(4.5)
4.7
(6.1)
(2.7)
(2.2)
8.1

52.0

Group

2008
£m

19.4
23.6
3.0
3.8
0.4
(3.0)
5.0
(1.0)
0.1
(8.2)
2.3
(3.6)
6.7
(5.3)
3.1
(9.3)
2.2

39.2

Company

2008
£m

(5.4)
1.0
–
–
0.1
(3.0)
1.2
–
–
–
0.2
(3.6)
0.8
–
–
0.2
(1.4)

(9.9)

2009
£m

–
0.9
–
–
–
–
1.7
(0.6)
(1.7)
–
0.2
(4.5)
–
(0.3)
–
(0.6)
(2.8)

(7.7)

22. Acquisitions

On 7 January 2009, Menzies Aviation acquired the trade and fixed assets of Kion, a ramp services business based
at Mexico City airport, for a consideration of £0.5m, including costs of £0.1m.

A performance-related payment of up to £1.6m may become payable in respect of The Network (Field Marketing 
& Promotions) Company Limited, acquired in 2008, up to May 2011.

23. Analysis of changes in net borrowings

Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts

Net cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans due within one year
Loan stock due within one year
Preference shares
Finance leases
Debt due after one year
Net derivative liabilities

2008
£m

19.6
(2.4)

17.2
(56.0)
(0.1)
(1.4)
(0.3)
(124.4)
(17.6)

(182.6)

Cash flows
£m

Currency
translation
£m

12.1
(8.6)

3.5
54.3
–
–
–
(26.5)
12.2

43.5

(0.2)
–

(0.2)
0.1
–
–
–
2.4
4.5

6.8

2009
£m

31.5
(11.0)

20.5
(1.6)
(0.1)
(1.4)
(0.3)
(148.5)
(0.9)

(132.3)

The currency translation movement results from the Group’s policy of hedging its overseas net assets, which are
denominated mainly in US$ and Euro. The translation effect on net debt is offset by the translation effect on net
assets resulting in an overall net exchange loss of £1.7m (2008: gain of £4.7m). This net loss/gain is recognised
directly in equity.

Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 95

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Notes to the accounts

24. Hedge accounting reserve

This reserve records the portion of the gains or losses on hedging instruments used as cash flow hedges that are
determined to be effective.

25. 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

Freshport BV
Swissport Menzies Handling Ute
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd
EM News (NI) Ltd
EM News (Ireland) Ltd

Group
share
holding
%

Sales to
related
party
£m

Purchases
from related
party
£m

–
39
51
49
50
50

0.3
0.9
0.5
0.3
0.5
0.8

–
–
–
–
–
–

Amounts 
owed to 
related
party at
31 Dec
2009
£m

Amounts 
owed by 
related
party at
31 Dec
2009
£m

–
–
–
–
6.1
–

–
0.3
–
–
–
0.6

Key management personnel include individuals that are not Executive Directors of the Group but do have authority
and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling activities of the key operating divisions as disclosed in the
segmental analysis. Remuneration of key management personnel, excluding Executive Directors, is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments

2009
£m

3.6
0.2
0.1

3.9

2008
£m

3.8
0.3
0.1

4.2

Certain activities, including treasury, taxation, insurance, pension and legal matters are provided by the Parent
Company to subsidiary companies and are recharged on a cost-plus basis. The amount recharged and settled 
in respect of 2009 was £0.5m (2008: £0.5m).

The amounts owed to/(due by) the Parent Company from dealings with subsidiary companies is disclosed 
in Notes 14 and 15.

26. Subsidiary companies

The principal subsidiaries, Menzies Distribution Limited, Menzies Group Holdings Limited, Princes Street (Jersey)
Limited, John Menzies Finance Limited, Menzies Aviation 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 mainly in the form of equity shares.

96 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Financial statements

Five year summary

Revenue
Distribution
Aviation

Operating profit
Distribution
Aviation

Corporate

Underlying operating profit
Exceptional items
Intangible amortisation
Share of interest and tax on joint ventures 
and associates

Profit before interest
Net finance costs
Foreign currency loss

Profit before taxation

Per ordinary share
Dividends
Underlying earnings
Basic earnings

2009
£m

2008
£m

2007
£m

2006
£m

2005
£m

1,218.5
507.2

1,166.2
500.9

1,147.3
393.8

1,132.0
318.4

1,093.5
268.6

1,725.7

1,667.1

1,541.1

1,450.4

1,362.1

28.6
15.8

44.4
(1.0)

43.4
(6.0)
(5.1)

(2.1)

30.2
(8.2)
–

22.0

23.9
14.1

38.0
(1.5)

36.5
(7.3)
(4.3)

(1.9)

23.0
(5.4)
(7.7)

9.9

23.4
20.6

44.0
(3.0)

41.0
0.1
(2.8)

(1.7)

36.6
(2.7)
(2.1)

31.8

23.7
16.6

40.3
(3.4)

36.9
3.0
(2.2)

(1.0)

36.7
(1.1)
–

35.6

30.7
13.3

44.0
(3.7)

40.3
–
(2.1)

(0.6)

37.6
(0.9)
–

36.7

0.0p
43.8p
25.8p

7.56p
31.3p
(2.0)p

25.6p
47.9p
44.2p

20.5p
46.9p
46.4p

19.5p
51.9p
48.2p

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Financial statements

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 97

 
Notice of meeting

This document is important and requires your
immediate attention. If you are in any doubt about
what action you should take you are recommended
to consult your financial adviser. If you have sold 
or transferred all of your ordinary shares in John
Menzies plc, you should forward this document,
together with accompanying documents, to the
purchaser or transferee or to the stockbroker, 
bank or other agent through whom the sale or
transfer was effected, for transmission to the
purchaser or transferee.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting
of John Menzies plc (the ‘Company’) will be held in 
the Roxburghe Hotel, 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
on Friday, 21 May 2010 at 12.15pm (the ‘Meeting’) to
transact the following business:

ORDINARY BUSINESS
To consider and, if thought fit, pass Resolutions 1-9, each
of which will be proposed as an ordinary resolution:

1. Report and Accounts
To receive the Directors’ Report and Annual Accounts of
the Company for the financial year ended 31 December
2009 and the Report of the Auditors thereon.

2. Remuneration Report
To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration for
the financial year ended 31 December 2009.

3-7. Election and re-election of Directors 
3. To elect David McIntosh as a Director
4. To re-elect Dermot Jenkinson as a Director
5. To re-elect Ian Harrison as a Director
6. To re-elect David Coltman as a Director
7. To re-elect Craig Smyth as a Director

8. Appointment of auditor
To appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of the
Company to hold office from the conclusion of the
Annual General Meeting to the conclusion of the next
general meeting at which Annual Accounts are laid
before the Company.

9. Remuneration of auditor
To authorise the Directors to fix the auditors’
remuneration.

SPECIAL BUSINESS
To consider and, if thought fit, pass Resolutions 10-17.
Resolution 10 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution
and each of Resolutions 11-17 will be proposed as a
special resolution:

Ordinary resolution:
10. Authority to allot shares
That the Directors be and are hereby generally and
unconditionally authorised, pursuant to Section 551 of
the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘2006 Act’) to exercise all
powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company
and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any
security into, shares in the Company, such rights and
shares together being ‘relevant securities’:
(a) otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (b) below, 
up to an aggregate nominal amount of £5,017,825
(such amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal
amount of any equity securities allotted under
paragraph (b) below in excess of £5,017,825; and 
(b) comprising equity securities (as defined by Section
560 of the 2006 Act) up to an aggregate nominal
amount of £10,035,650 (such amount to be reduced
by the nominal amount of any relevant securities
allotted under paragraph (a) above) in connection
with an offer by way of a rights issue to: (i) holders
of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company 
in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to
their respective holdings; and (ii) holders of equity
securities in the capital of the Company as required
by the rights of those securities or as the Directors
otherwise consider necessary, but subject to such
exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors
may deem necessary or expedient to deal with
treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record
dates, legal or practical problems arising under the
laws of any overseas territory or the requirements
of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by
virtue of shares being represented by depository
receipts or any other matter, 

and provided that (unless previously renewed, varied 
or revoked) these authorities shall expire at the conclusion
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or, 
if earlier, on 30 June 2011 save that the Company shall 
be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry
of such authorities which would or might require relevant
securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors
shall be entitled to allot relevant securities pursuant to any
such offer or agreement as if the authorities conferred
by this resolution had not expired. These authorities are
in substitution for and to the exclusion of all unexercised
existing authorities previously granted to the Directors
under Section 80 of the Companies Act 1985 but without
prejudice to any allotment of shares or grants of rights
already made, offered or agreed to be made pursuant to
such authorities.

98 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Shareholder information

Special resolutions:
11. Authority to disapply pre-emption rights
That the Directors be and are hereby empowered
pursuant to Section 570 and Section 573 of the
Companies Act 2006 (the ‘2006 Act’) to exercise 
all powers of the Company to allot equity securities
(within the meaning of Section 560 of the 2006 Act)
wholly for cash pursuant to the authorities conferred 
by Resolution 10 above and/or by way of a sale of
treasury shares as if Section 561(1) of that 2006 Act
did not apply to any such allotment provided that this
power shall be limited to:
(a) the allotment of equity securities in connection 
with an offer or issue of equity securities (but, in
the case of an allotment pursuant to the authority
granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 10 above,
such power shall be limited to the allotment of
equity securities in connection with a rights issue
only) to: (i) the holders of ordinary shares in the
capital of the Company in proportion (as nearly 
as may be practicable) to their respective holdings;
and (ii) the holders of equity securities in the capital
of the Company as required by the rights of those
securities or as the Directors otherwise consider
necessary, but subject to such exclusions or 
other arrangements as the Directors may deem
necessary or expedient to deal with treasury
shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, or
legal or practical problems arising under the laws 
of any overseas territory or the requirements of 
any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue
of shares being represented by depository receipts
or any other matter; and 

(b)  the allotment pursuant to the authority granted 

by paragraph (a) of Resolution 10 above (otherwise
than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this resolution) 
to any person or persons of equity securities up 
to an aggregate nominal amount of £752,673,
representing approximately 5% of the issued
ordinary share capital of the Company as at 
26 March 2010,

and (unless previously renewed, varied or revoked) 
this power shall expire at the conclusion of the next
Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier,
on 30 June 2011 save that the Company shall be
entitled to make offers or agreements before the
expiry of such power which would or might require
equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and 
the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities
pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the
power conferred hereby had not expired. This power is
in substitution for and to the exclusion of all unexercised
existing powers previously granted to the Directors
under Section 89(1) of the Companies Act 1985 but
without prejudice to any allotment of equity securities
already made or agreed to be made pursuant to 
such powers.

12. Purchase of own ordinary shares by Company
That the Company be and is hereby authorised to 
make market purchases (within the meaning of Section
693(4) of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘2006 Act’) 
of its own ordinary shares of 25p each, on such terms
and in such manner as the Directors may from time 
to time determine, provided that: 
(a)  the maximum number of ordinary shares 

hereby authorised to be purchased is 6,021,390,
representing approximately 10% of the Company’s
issued ordinary share capital as at 26 March 2010;

(b)  the maximum price which may be paid for each

such ordinary share under this authority shall be 
the higher of: (i) an amount equal to 105% of the
average of the middle market quotations for any
such ordinary share of the Company as derived
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official 
List for the five business days immediately prior 
to the date of conclusion of the contract for any
such purchase; and (ii) the amount stipulated by
Article 5(1) of the EU Buy-back and Stabilisation
Regulation 2003 (being the higher of the price 
of the last independent trade and the highest
current independent bid for an ordinary share in 
the Company on the trading venues where the
market purchases by the Company pursuant to 
the authority conferred by this Resolution will be
carried out), and the minimum price which may 
be paid for any such ordinary shares is 25p, in 
each case exclusive of the expenses of purchase 
(if any) payable by the Company; and 

(c)  the authority hereby conferred shall expire (unless
previously revoked, varied or renewed) at the
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting 
of the Company or at the close of business on 
30 June 2011, whichever is earlier, except in 
relation to the purchase of ordinary shares for 
which a contract was concluded before the
authority expired and which might or will be
executed wholly or partly after its expiration 
and the Company may make such a purchase in
pursuance of such contract as if the authority
hereby conferred had not expired.

13. Purchase of own preference shares by Company
That the Company be and is hereby authorised to make
market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4)
of the 2006 Act) of any of its own 9% cumulative
preference shares of £1 each, on such terms and in
such manner as the Directors may from time to time
determine, provided that: 
(a) the maximum number of 9% cumulative preference

shares hereby authorised to be purchased is
1,394,587, representing 100% of the Company’s
issued 9% cumulative preference share capital 
as at 26 March 2010;

Shareholder information

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 99

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Notice of meeting

(b) the maximum price which may be paid for each
such 9% cumulative preference share under 
this authority shall be the higher of (i) an amount
equal to 110% of the average of the middle market
quotations for any such 9% cumulative preference
share of the Company as derived from the London
Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five
business days immediately prior to the date of
conclusion of the contract for any such purchase
and (ii) the amount stipulated by Article 5(1) of 
the EU Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulation 
2003 (being the higher of the price of the last
independent trade and the highest current
independent bid for an ordinary share in the
Company on the trading venues where the 
market purchases by the Company pursuant to 
the authority conferred by this Resolution will be
carried out), and the minimum price which may be
paid for any such 9% cumulative preference shares
is £1, in each case exclusive of the expenses of
purchase (if any) payable by the Company; and

(c)  the authority hereby conferred shall expire 

(unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) 
at the conclusion of the next Annual General
Meeting of the Company or at the close of
business on 30 June 2011, whichever is earlier,
except in relation to the purchase of 9% cumulative
preference shares for which a contract was
concluded before the authority expired and which
might or will be executed wholly or partly after 
its expiration and the Company may make such 
a purchase in pursuance of such contract as if 
the authority hereby conferred had not expired.

14. Length of Notice of Meeting
That a general meeting of the Company, other than 
an Annual General Meeting, may be called on not 
less than 14 clear days’ notice.

15. Adoption of Articles of Association
That: 
(a) the Articles of Association of the Company be

amended by deleting all the provisions formerly 
in the Company’s Memorandum of Association 
with the exception of Clause 4 thereof (which
Clause is restated as Article 3 in the new Articles 
of Association of the Company proposed to be
adopted pursuant to sub-paragraph (b) of this
resolution) which, by virtue of Section 28 of the
Companies Act 2006, are treated as provisions 
of the Company’s Articles of Association; and
(b) the Articles of Association produced to the annual
general meeting (the ‘Meeting’) and initialled by 
the Chairman of the Meeting for the purpose of
identification be adopted as the new Articles of
Association of the Company from the conclusion 

of the Meeting in substitution for, and to the
exclusion of, the existing Articles of Association.

16. Amendment to 2005 Performance Share Plan 
That the Rules of the John Menzies plc 2005
Performance Share Plan be amended by deleting
Clause 4 and replacing it with:
“The maximum number of Shares which may be the
subject of an Award to a Participant in each year of the
Plan shall be the number of Shares which could be
purchased with an amount not exceeding one times
the Participants basic salary on the Award Date using
the middle market closing price of the Company’s
Shares from the Dealing Day immediately prior to 
the Award Date on the London Stock Exchange.” 

17. Amendment to 2007 Divisional Performance
Share Plan
That the Rules of the John Menzies plc 2007 
Divisional Performance Share Plan be amended 
by deleting Clause 4 and replacing it with:
“The maximum number of Shares which may be 
the subject of an Award to a Participant in each year 
of the Plan shall be the number of Shares which could
be purchased with an amount not exceeding one times
the Participants basic salary on the Award Date using
the middle market closing price of the Company’s
Shares from the Dealing Day immediately prior to 
the Award Date on the London Stock Exchange.” 

By order of the Board
J F A Geddes
Company Secretary
9 April 2010

EXPLANATORY NOTES

The following information provides additional background
information to several of the Resolutions proposed:

Resolutions 3-7 – Election of Directors
Biographical details of the Directors to be elected and
re-elected can be found on pages 20 and 21 of the
Annual Report and Accounts for financial year 2009. 

In accordance with the Articles of Association and the
Combined Code on Corporate Governance Dermot
Jenkinson, Ian Harrison and David Coltman (who 
have served longer than nine years) will retire at the
Meeting and seek re-election. Craig Smyth retires by
rotation in accordance with the Articles of Association
and David McIntosh, having been appointed since the
last AGM and being eligible, both offer themselves 
for re-election. 

In proposing the re-election of the Non-Executive
Directors, the Chairman has confirmed that, following
formal performance evaluation (described on page 38

100 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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of the Annual Report and Accounts for the financial
year ended 31 December 2009), each individual
continues to make an effective and valuable
contribution to the Board and demonstrates
commitment to the role. 

Resolutions 10 and 11 – Authority to allot shares
and disapply pre-emption rights
At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held
on 21 May 2009, the Directors were given authority 
to allot relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal
amount of £3,212,076, representing the unissued 
share capital of the Company as at 8 April 2009. This
authority is due to expire at the end of this years AGM.

In December 2008, the Association of British Insurers
(ABI) revised its guidelines on Directors’ authority to
allot shares (in line with the recommendations of the
report issued in November 2008 by the Rights Issue
Review Group). The guidelines now state that ABI
members will permit, and treat as routine, resolutions
seeking authority to allot shares representing up to
two-thirds of the Company’s issued share capital. 
The guidelines provide that the extra routine authority
(that is the authority to allot shares representing the
additional one-third of the Company’s issued share
capital) can only be used to allot shares pursuant 
to a fully pre-emptive rights issue.

In light of these guidelines, the Board considers it
appropriate that Directors be granted authority to allot
shares in the capital of the Company up to a maximum
nominal amount of £10,035,650 representing the
guideline limit of approximately two-thirds of the
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 26 March
2010. Of this amount, 20,071,302 shares, (representing
one-third of the Company’s issued ordinary share
capital) can only be allotted pursuant to a rights issue.
The power will last until the conclusion of the next
Annual General Meeting of the Company, or if earlier
30 June 2011. The Directors have no present intention
of exercising this authority.

As at 26 March 2010, the Company holds no ordinary
shares in the capital of the Company as treasury shares.

Resolution 11 will, if passed, give the Directors 
power, pursuant to the authority to allot granted under
Resolution 10, to allot equity securities (as defined in
Section 560 of the 2006 Act) or sell treasury shares for
cash on a non-pre-emptive basis without first offering
them to existing shareholders in proportion to their
existing shareholdings in limited circumstances. 
In light of the ABI guidelines described in relation 
to Resolution 10 above, this authority will permit 
the Directors to allot equity securities:
(a) in relation to a pre-emptive rights issue only, up 
to a maximum nominal amount of £10,035,650

(representing approximately two-thirds of the
Company’s issued ordinary share capital excluding
treasury shares) as at 26 March 2010; and 

(b) in any other case up to a maximum nominal value

of £752,673, representing approximately 5% of the
issued share capital of the Company as at 26 March
2010 (the latest practicable date prior to publication
of this Notice) otherwise than in connection with 
an offer to existing shareholders.

The Directors have no present intention of exercising
this authority and the authority, if granted, will expire 
at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting
of the Company or, if earlier on 30 June 2011.

Resolutions 12 and 13 – Authority to buy back shares
These special resolutions give the Company authority
to make market purchases of its own ordinary and 
9% cumulative preference shares in the market as
permitted by the 2006 Act. The authorities set the
minimum and maximum prices and limit the number 
of shares that could be purchased to 6,021,390
ordinary shares (representing approximately 10% 
of the issued ordinary share capital as at 26 March
2010) and 1,394,587 9% cumulative preference 
shares (representing 100% of the issued 9%
cumulative preference shares as at 26 March 2010).
The authorities, if granted, will expire at the conclusion
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company,
or, if earlier, 30 June 2011.

The Directors have no present intention of exercising
the authority to purchase the Company’s 9% cumulative
preference shares, but will keep the matter under
review, taking into account the financial resources of
the Company, the Company’s share price and future
funding opportunities. The authority will only be
exercised if the Directors believe that to do so would
result in an increase in earnings per share and would
be in the interests of shareholders generally. 

As at 26 March 2010, the Company holds no ordinary
shares in the capital of the Company as treasury
shares. It may make purchases of its own ordinary
shares, taking into account the financial resources of
the Company, the Company’s share price and future
funding opportunities. The authority will only be
exercised if the Directors believe that to do so would
result in an increase in earnings per share and would
be in the interests of shareholders generally. Any
purchases of ordinary shares would be by means of
market purchases through the London Stock Exchange.
Listed companies purchasing their own shares are
allowed to hold them in treasury as an alternative 
to cancelling them. No dividends are paid on shares
whilst held in treasury and no voting rights attach 
to treasury shares. 

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Notice of meeting

Resolution 14 – Length of Notice of Meeting
Before the introduction of the Companies (Shareholders’
Rights) Regulations 2009 on 3 August 2009, the
minimum notice period permitted by the 2006 Act for
general meetings (other than annual general meetings)
was 14 days. One of the amendments made to the
2006 Act by the Regulations was to increase the
minimum notice period for general meetings of 
listed companies to 21 days, but with the ability 
for companies to reduce this period back to 14 days
(other than for annual general meetings) provided that
two conditions are met. The first condition is that the
Company offers a facility for shareholders to vote by
electronic means. This condition is met if the Company
offers a facility, accessible to all shareholders, to
appoint a proxy by means of a website. The second
condition is that there is an annual resolution of
shareholders approving the reduction of the minimum
notice period from 21 days to 14 days. The Board is
therefore proposing Resolution 14 as a special resolution,
and for it to be effective until the Company’s next
Annual General Meeting, when it is intended to
propose that the approval be renewed.

Resolution 15 – Adoption of new Articles of Association
Since the Company’s existing articles of association
were adopted (the ‘Existing Articles’), there have 
been a number of changes to the law in relation 
to companies as a result of: (i) amendments to the
Companies Act 2006 (the ‘2006 Act’) through the
enactment of The Companies (Shareholders’ Rights)
Regulations 2009 (the ‘Regulations’); and (ii) the
remaining provisions of the 2006 Act coming into 
force in October 2009. Some of these changes will
apply automatically to the Company whilst others 
will require the Company to take specific steps to 
take advantage of, or exclude, as the case may be, 
the effect of the changes. In order to accommodate 
all the proposed changes to the Existing Articles it is
proposed that new articles of association (the ‘New
Articles’) be adopted at the Meeting. Accordingly,
Resolution 15 is a special resolution relating to the
proposed adoption of New Articles which, in addition 
to reflecting the provisions of the 2006 Act, also
contain a number of changes that generally update 
the Existing Articles bringing the provisions into line
with current market practice.

The principal changes proposed to be made to the
Existing Articles are detailed below. Other changes,
which are of a minor, technical or clarifying nature 
and also some more minor changes which merely
reflect changes made by the 2006 Act or conform the
language of the New Articles with that used in the
model articles for public companies produced by the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS),
have not been noted.

1. The Company’s Memorandum
The provisions regulating the operations of the
Company were previously set out in the Company’s
Memorandum of Association (the ‘Memorandum’) 
and in the Existing Articles. The Memorandum
contained, amongst other things, the objects clause
which set out the scope of the activities the Company
is authorised to undertake. The 2006 Act significantly
reduces the constitutional significance of a Company’s
Memorandum and provides that a Memorandum 
will only record the names of the subscribers and 
the number of shares each subscriber has agreed 
to take in a company. Under the 2006 Act the objects
clause and all other provisions which are contained 
in a company’s Memorandum, for existing companies
at 1 October 2009, are deemed to be contained in a
company’s articles of association, although a company
can remove these provisions by special resolution. The
Company is proposing to remove all such provisions 
of its Memorandum with the exception of the objects
clause which clause will be contained in the New
Articles. Resolution 15(a) confirms the removal of
these provisions for the Company with the exception
of the objects clause. As the effect of this resolution
will be to remove the statement currently in the
Memorandum regarding limited liability, the New
Articles also contain an express statement regarding
the limited liability of the shareholders of the Company.

2. Authorised Share Capital and Unissued Shares
The 2006 Act abolishes the requirement for a company
to have an authorised share capital and the New Articles
reflect this. Directors will still be limited as to the
number of shares they can allot at any time because
allotment authority continues to be required under the
2006 Act, save in respect of employee share schemes.

3. Redeemable Shares
Under the Companies Act 1985 (the ‘1985 Act’), 
if a company wished to issue redeemable shares 
it had to include in its articles the terms and manner 
of redemption. The 2006 Act enables Directors to
determine such matters instead provided they are 
so authorised by the articles of a company. The New
Articles contain such an authorisation. The Company
has no plans to issue redeemable shares but if it did so
the Directors of the Company would need shareholders’
authority to issue new shares in the usual way.

4. Authority to Purchase Own Shares, Consolidate
and Sub-Divide Shares, and Reduce Share Capital
Under the 1985 Act, a company required specific
enabling provisions in its articles to purchase its own
shares, to consolidate or sub-divide its shares and 
to reduce its share capital or other undistributable
reserves as well as shareholder authority to undertake

102 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Shareholder information

the relevant action. The Existing Articles include these
enabling provisions. Under the 2006 Act a company 
will only require shareholder authority to do any of
these things and it will no longer be necessary for a
company’s articles to contain enabling provisions. The
relevant enabling provisions have been carried over 
into the New Articles only in respect of consolidation
and sub-division in order to set out provisions relating
to fractional entitlements which are not otherwise
provided for under the 2006 Act.

5. Transfers of Shares
5.1 The 2006 Act provides that if the directors 

of a company refuse to register a transfer of 
shares then, in addition to sending the purported
transferee notice of refusal, the directors must 
also give reasons for the refusal and any further
information about such reasons that the purported
transferee may reasonably request. The New Articles
have therefore been amended in this regard.

5.2 The Existing Articles permit the directors of the

Company to suspend the registration of transfers.
Under the 2006 Act share transfers must be
registered as soon as practicable. The power in 
the Existing Articles to suspend the registration 
of transfers is inconsistent with this requirement
and this power has accordingly been removed 
in the New Articles.

6. Variation of class rights and redeemable
preference shares
The Existing Articles contain provisions regarding 
the proceedings and specific quorum requirements 
for a meeting convened to vary class rights. These
provisions have been carried over into the New Articles
but have been updated to the extent necessary to
reflect the provisions of the 2006 Act.

All references to redeemable preference shares of the
Company, currently contained in the Existing Articles in
respect of, inter alia, variation of class rights, have been
deleted in the New Articles as the Company no longer
has such shares in issue.

7. Shareholder Meetings
7.1 The New Articles reflect the fact that the 2006 Act
does not contain any references to extraordinary
general meetings of shareholders. Under the 2006
Act, any meeting other than an annual general
meeting is simply classified as a ‘general meeting’.

7.2 The provisions in the Existing Articles dealing with
the convening of general meetings and length of
notice required to convene general meetings are
amended in the New Articles to conform to new
provisions in the 2006 Act. In particular, a general
meeting (other than an annual general meeting)

convened to consider a special resolution may be
convened on 14 days’ notice whereas previously 
21 days’ notice was required. As detailed on page 102
of this document, under ‘Resolution 14’, a further
resolution is required to enable the Company 
to take advantage of this shorter notice period.

7.3 The New Articles clarify, as do the Existing 

Articles, that at least two people must be present
before business can be transacted at a general
meeting. It is not possible for one person who 
is a shareholder in his own right and has also been
appointed a proxy or corporate representative for
another shareholder to constitute a quorum.

7.4 In addition, the ability of shareholders to consent 

to short notice of a general meeting (but not a class
meeting) has been removed as this is no longer
permitted by the 2006 Act. 

7.5 An enabling provision has been included in 

the New Articles so that arrangements may be
made for shareholders to participate in general
meetings electronically and the provisions in 
the New Articles in respect of the holding and
conducting of electronic meetings reflect more
closely the relevant provisions in the 2006 Act, 
as amended by the Regulations.

7.6 The casting vote of the Chairman of a general

meeting in the event of an equality of votes has
been removed in the New Articles as this is no
longer permitted by the 2006 Act.

8. Form of Resolution
References in the Existing Articles to ‘extraordinary
resolutions’ have either been deleted or replaced by
references to ‘special resolutions’ in the New Articles.
The distinction between special and extraordinary
resolutions under the old law, that 21 days’ notice 
was required for a special resolution and only 14 days’
notice for an extraordinary resolution, has been
removed. The concept of extraordinary resolutions 
has not been retained under the 2006 Act. 

9. Proxies and Corporate Representatives
9.1 The 2006 Act now provides that shareholders can
appoint multiple proxies provided that each proxy 
is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a
different share or shares held by the shareholder.
Proxies can also speak at general meetings. In
addition, the 2006 Act provides that proxies have
the right to vote on a show of hands whereas
under the Existing Articles proxies were only
entitled to vote on a poll. The New Articles
therefore contain amendments to reflect these
provisions. Each proxy present will have one vote
on a show of hands, unless he has been appointed

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Notice of meeting

by more than one shareholder and has received
instructions to vote both in favour of and against
the same resolution. In this case he will have 
one vote for the resolution and one vote against. 
If a proxy has been given a discretion as to how 
to vote, he is treated for this purpose as if he 
had been instructed to vote in the way in which 
he decides to exercise his discretion.

9.2 Further, the Regulations have amended the 2006
Act in order to enable multiple representatives
appointed by the same corporate shareholder to
vote in different ways on a show of hands and on 
a poll. The New Articles contain provisions which
reflect these amendments.

9.3 The New Articles reinforce the legal position that 
a company has no obligation to check that proxies
and corporate representatives have voted in
accordance with shareholder instructions and that
the validity of a resolution will not be affected 
if there is any failure to do so.

10. Change of Name
Under the 1985 Act a company could only change 
its name by special resolution. Under the 2006 Act 
a company can change its name by other means
provided for by its articles. To take advantage of this
provision, the New Articles enable the Company to
change its name by ordinary resolution.

11. Use of Seals
The New Articles provide an alternative option for
execution of documents (other than share certificates).
Under the New Articles, when the seal is affixed to a
document it may be signed by any person authorised
by the Directors of the Company for that purpose
whereas previously the requirement was for signature
by either a Director and the Company Secretary or 
two Directors.

12. Notice of Board Meetings
The Existing Articles provide that it is not necessary 
to give notice of a Board meeting to a Director of the
Company if he is absent from the United Kingdom. 
This provision has been removed as modern
communications mean that there may be no particular
obstacle to giving notice to a Director who is abroad.

13. Voting Record Date
Under the 2006 Act, as amended by the Regulations,
the Company must determine the right of shareholders
to vote at a general meeting by reference to the
register not more than 48 hours before the time for 
the holding of the meeting, not taking account of days
which are not working days. The New Articles have
been drafted to reflect this requirement.

14. Adjournment for Lack of Quorum
Under the 2006 Act, as amended by the Regulations,
general meetings adjourned for lack of quorum must
be held at least 10 clear days after the original meeting.
The New Articles have been drafted to reflect this
requirement.

15. Provision for Employees on Cessation of Business
The 2006 Act provides that the powers of the directors
of a company to make provision for a person employed
or formerly employed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries in connection with the cessation or
transfer to any person of the whole or part of the
undertaking of the Company or that subsidiary, 
may only be exercised by the Directors if they are 
so authorised by the Company’s Articles or by the
Company in general meeting. The New Articles
therefore provide that the Directors may exercise 
this power should it do so at any time in the future.

16. Director’s Indemnities
Under the Existing Articles the Directors of the
Company are indemnified to the fullest extent
permissible under the 2006 Act. Whilst the wording 
of the indemnity provisions has been simplified in the
New Articles to avoid any further amendments being
required in the near future the Company continues 
to indemnify the Directors to the extent permitted 
by the 2006 Act. Further, the indemnity provisions 
in the Existing Articles extend to “every director or
other officer of the Company”. It is now recommended
best practice (as articulated by, for example, NAPF) 
for listed companies to exclude auditors from the
indemnity provisions in their articles. Accordingly, 
the New Articles clarify that it is only Directors,
alternate Directors or the Company Secretary 
(or former director or secretary) who fall within 
the scope of the indemnity provisions.

17. Winding-up
The Existing Articles contain provisions dealing with
winding-up. These provisions have been removed in 
the New Articles on the grounds that these matters 
are adequately covered by insolvency law.

18. Articles which Duplicate Statutory Provisions
Provisions in the Existing Articles which replicate provisions
contained in the 2006 Act are, in the main, removed 
in the New Articles. This is in line with the approach
advocated by the Government that statutory provisions
should not be duplicated in a company’s constitution.

19. General
Generally the opportunity has been taken to bring
clearer language into the New Articles and therefore
non-material changes and stylistic amendments have
also been made to the Existing Articles.

104 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

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Resolutions 16 and 17
As explained in the Report of Directors’ Remuneration
on pages 46 to 55 of the Annual Report and Accounts
for the financial year to 31 December 2009 and in line
with best practice, the Board believes that the value 
of share plan awards should be set as a proportion of 
a Participants salary rather than a maximum number 
of shares. Therefore, these amendments propose
changing the Rules of the John Menzies plc 2005
Performance Share Plan and the Rules of the John
Menzies plc 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan 
so that the current limit of 100,000 shares in each plan,
with the number of shares which could be purchased
with an amount up to one times the Participants salary
on the date of the award. 

Recommendation
The Directors consider all these Resolutions to be in
the best interests of the Company and its shareholders
as a whole, consistent with the Directors’ duty to 
act in the way most likely to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders 
as a whole, and unanimously recommend that you 
vote in favour of them.

NOTES TO THE NOTICE OF AGM

1.

Information about this annual general meeting (the
‘Meeting’) is available from the Company’s website:
www.johnmenziesplc.com.

2. As a member, you are entitled to appoint one or
more proxies to exercise all or any of your rights 
to attend, speak and vote at the Meeting. A proxy
need not be a member of the Company. You may
appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy 
is appointed to exercise rights attached to different
shares. You may not appoint more than one proxy 
to exercise the rights attached to any one share.

3. A form of proxy is enclosed. To be valid, your proxy
form and any power of attorney or other authority, if
any, under which it is signed or a notarially certified
copy of that power of attorney or authority should
be sent to Computershare Investor Services at 
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ 
so as to arrive no later than 48 hours before the
commencement of the Meeting.

4.

If you appoint a proxy, this will not prevent you
attending the Meeting and voting in person if you
wish to do so. 

5. The right to vote at the Meeting is determined by
reference to the Company’s register of members 
as at the close of business on Wednesday 19 May
2010 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, at 5pm on 
the day two days prior to the adjourned meeting.

Changes to entries on that register after that time
shall be disregarded in determining the rights of 
any member to attend and vote at the Meeting.

6. As a member, you have the right to put questions 
at the Meeting relating to the business being dealt
with at the Meeting.

7. Any person to whom this notice is sent who 

is a person nominated under section 146 of the
Companies Act 2006 to enjoy information rights 
(a ‘Nominated Person’) may, under an agreement
between them and the member by whom they
were nominated, have a right to be appointed (or 
to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the
Meeting. If a Nominated Person has no such proxy
appointment right or does not wish to exercise it,
they may, under any such agreement, have a right
to give instructions to the member as to the
exercise of voting rights.

8. The statement of the rights of members in relation
to the appointment of proxies in Notes 2 and 3
above does not apply to Nominated Persons. The
rights described in these paragraphs can only be
exercised by members of the Company. 

9. As at 26 March 2010, the Company’s issued share
capital comprised 60,213,907 ordinary shares of
25p each. Each ordinary share carries the right to
one vote at a general meeting of the Company and,
therefore, the total number of voting rights in the
Company as at 26 March 2010 is 60,213,907.

10. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy 

or proxies by utilising the CREST electronic proxy
appointment service may do so for the Meeting 
and any adjournment(s) thereof by utilising the
procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST
personal members or other CREST sponsored
members, and those CREST members who have
appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer
to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s),
who will be able to take the appropriate action on
their behalf.

11. In order for a proxy appointment made by means of
CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message
(a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly
authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK 
& Ireland Limited’s (EUI) specifications and 
must contain the information required for such
instructions, as described in the CREST Manual.
The message must be transmitted so as to be
received by the issuer’s agent (ID 3RA50) so 
as to arrive no later than 48 hours before the
commencement of the Meeting. For this purpose,
the time of receipt will be taken to be the time 
(as determined by the timestamp applied to the

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Company may not require the members requesting
any such website publication to pay its expenses 
in complying with Sections 527 or 528 of the
Companies Act 2006. Where the Company is
required to place a statement on a website under
Section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, it must
forward the statement to the Company’s auditor
not later than the time when it makes the statement
available on the website. The business which may
be dealt with at the Meeting includes any statement
that the Company has been required under Section
527 of the Companies Act 2006 to publish on 
a website. 

Documents
The following documents are available for inspection
on any day (except Saturday, Sunday and Bank
Holidays) from the date of sending this Notice of
Annual General Meeting up to and including the date 
of the Meeting during usual business hours at the
registered office of the Company and at the offices of
Maclay Murray & Spens LLP, One London Wall, London
EC2Y 5AB. On the date of the Meeting, they will be
available for inspection at the venue of the Meeting
from 12.00pm until the conclusion of the Meeting:

(a) the existing Articles of Association together with 

the proposed new Articles of Association;

(b) copies of the Directors’ service contracts with 

the Company;

(c) the terms of appointment of the Non-Executive

Directors of the Company; 

(d) the Rules of the 2005 Performance Share Plan
together with a copy showing the proposed
amendment; and

(e) the Rules of the 2007 Performance Share Plan
together with a copy showing the proposed
amendment.

Notice of meeting

message by the CREST Applications Host) from
which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the
message by enquiry to CREST in the manner
prescribed by CREST.

12. CREST members and, where applicable, their
CREST sponsors or voting service providers 
should note that EUI does not make available
special procedures in CREST for any particular
messages. Normal system timings and limitations
will therefore apply in relation to the input of 
CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility 
of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if 
the CREST member is a CREST personal member
or sponsored member or has appointed a voting
service provider(s), to procure that his CREST
sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) 
such action as shall be necessary to ensure that 
a message is transmitted by means of the CREST
system by any particular time. In this connection,
CREST members and, where applicable, their
CREST sponsors or voting service providers are
referred, in particular, to those sections of the
CREST Manual concerning practical limitations 
of the CREST system and timings.

13. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST 

Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in
Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities
Regulations 2001.

14. Copies of Directors’ service contracts and letters 
of appointment will be available for inspection for 
at least 15 minutes prior to the Meeting and during
the Meeting.

15. Under Section 338 of the Companies Act 2006,
members may require the Company to give, to
members of the Company entitled to receive this
Notice of Meeting, notice of a resolution which 
may properly be moved and is intended to be
moved at the Meeting. Under Section 338A 
of that Act, members may request the Company 
to include in the business to be dealt with at the
Meeting any matter (other than a proposed resolution)
which may properly be included in the business.

16. It is possible that, pursuant to requests made 

by members of the Company under Section 527 
of the Companies Act 2006, the Company may 
be required to publish on a website a statement
setting out any matter relating to: (i) the audit of 
the Company’s accounts (including the auditor’s
report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be
laid before the Meeting: or (ii) any circumstances
connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing
to hold office since the previous meeting at which
annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance
with Section 437 of the Companies Act 2006. The

106 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Shareholder information

General information

Internet
The Group operates a website which can be found 
at www.johnmenziesplc.com. This site is regularly
updated to provide you with 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.

Share registrar and shareholder enquiries
Any enquiries concerning your shareholding should be
directed to the Company’s Registrar and clearly state
the shareholder’s name, address and Shareholder
Reference Number (SRN). 
The contact details are: 
Call:
Web: www.investorcentre.co.uk
Email: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
Write: The John Menzies plc Registrar,

0870 703 6303

Computershare Investor Services PLC, The
Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ

The Registrar should be notified in writing promptly of
any change in a shareholder’s address. Computershare’s
online Investor Centre also enables you to view 
your shareholding and update your address and
payment instructions online. You can register at
www.investorcentre.co.uk. In order to register, you will
need your Shareholder Reference Number (SRN), which
you can find on your share certificate or tax voucher.

Share price
The current share price of John Menzies plc ordinary
shares can be seen on the Group’s website,
www.johnmenziesplc.com.

Telephone share dealing service
A share dealing service has been arranged with
Stocktrade which provides a simple way of buying 
or selling John Menzies shares. 
Call:

0845 601 0995 (non-UK +44 131 240 0414),
quote reference LOW C0014

Charges
Commission will be 0.5%, subject to a minimum 
of £15. Please note that UK share purchases will be
subject to 0.5% stamp duty. There will also be a PTM
(panel for takeovers and mergers) levy of £1 for single
trades in excess of £10,000.

Settlement
When buying shares you will be required to pay for
your transaction at the time of the deal by debit card
and you should ensure that you have sufficient cleared
funds available in your debit card account to pay for 
the shares in full.

ShareGift
If you have only a small number of shares which would
cost more for you to sell than they are worth, you may
wish to consider donating them to the charity ShareGift
(Registered Charity 1052686) which specialises in
accepting such shares as donations. There are no
implications for Capital Gains Tax purposes (no gain or
loss) on gifts of shares to charity and it is also possible
to obtain income tax relief.
Call:
Web: www.sharegift.org

020 7930 3737

Analysis of shareholding 
at 31 December 2009

Shareholding

1 – 1000
1001 – 5000
5001 – 10000
10,001 – 100,000
Over 100,000

Number
of holders

% of
holders

Number
of shares

% of
shares

1.30
784,652
3,465 82.34
1.75
1,054,946
11.95
0.69
413,066
1.33
6.16
3,711,042
2.54
1.83 54,249,521 90.10

503
56
107
77

Total

4,208 100.00 60,213,227 100.00

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.

9% Preference Shares
Dividends will be paid on 1 April 2010 and 1 October 2010.

Ordinary Dividends
An interim Dividend of 8p per share was proposed by
the directors on 8 March 2010, and will paid on 1 April
2010 to shareholders on the Register as at the close of
business on 19 March 2010. No other dividends have
been proposed for 2009.

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Shareholder information

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009 107

 
Corporate calendar
(Provisional dates)

9 March 2010
Preliminary announcement of Results

1 April 2010
Payment of dividend on 9% Cumulative 
Preference Shares

1 April 2010
Payment of dividend on Ordinary Shares

9 April 2010
Annual Report and Notice of AGM released

18 May 2010
Management Statement issued

21 May 2010
Annual General Meeting

19 August 2010
Announcement of Interim Results

1 October 2010
Payment of dividend on 9% Cumulative 
Preference Shares

16 November 2010
Management Statement issued

General information

Investor relations
The Group accounts can be downloaded from our
website. For other investor relations enquiries, please
contact us at:
Call:
Fax:
Web: www.johnmenziesplc.com
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.com
Write: John Menzies plc, 108 Princes Street,

0131 225 8555
0131 226 3752

Edinburgh EH2 3AA

Principal advisers
Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Ten George Street
Edinburgh EH2 2DZ

Corporate Financial Advisers and Joint Brokers
Numis Securities Ltd
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT

Joint Brokers
Brewin Dolphin
48 St Vincent Street
Glasgow G2 5TS

Principal business addresses
John Menzies plc
108 Princes Street
Edinburgh EH2 3AA
Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 8555
Fax: +44 (0) 131 226 3752
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.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
Aviation House
923 Southern Perimeter Road
London Heathrow Airport
Hounslow
Middlesex TW6 3AE
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8750 6000
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8750 6001

108 John Menzies plc Annual Report 2009

Shareholder information

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John Menzies plc
108 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 3AA
Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 8555
Fax: +44 (0) 131 226 3752
Email: info@johnmenziesplc.com
Web: www.johnmenziesplc.com

Registered in Scotland with company number SC34970
Registered office address as above