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John Menzies plc

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FY2010 Annual Report · John Menzies plc
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John Menzies plc

Annual Report 2010 

Including Notice of Annual General Meeting

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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

 
 
 
 
 
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

Designed and produced by Corporate Edge
www.corporateedge.com

This report is printed on Regency Satin and Challenger Offset which 
are produced using ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) FSC certified pulp 
and sourced from an ISO 14001 Mill. The printing process is managed 
to prevent pollution.

Printed by Cousin. A carbon neutral company with ISO 14001 
accreditation, Cousin recycles all solvents used in the printing process, 
making any waste ph neutral, and also holds FSC certification.

£45.0m
+28%

underlying profit before tax

£1,964.2m
+6%

turnover

£43.8m
+63%

free cash flow

57.9p
+32%

underlying earnings per share

Notes
Underlying profit before taxation is defined as 
profit before taxation, intangible amortisation  
and exceptional items.

Turnover includes revenue from subsidiaries, 
joint ventures and associates

Free cash flow is defined as the cash  
generated by the business after net capital 
expenditure, interest and taxation, before 
special pension contributions, acquisitions, 
disposals, cash raised, ordinary dividends  
and net spend on shares.

Underlying earnings per share is profit after 
taxation and minority interest, but before 
intangible amortisation and exceptional items, 
divided by the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares in issue.

Underlying operating profit includes each 
division’s share of pre-tax profit from joint 
ventures and associates, and excludes 
intangible amortisation and exceptional items.

Directors’ report and business review 

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

Operating review
10  Group performance
12  Menzies Aviation
16  Menzies Distribution
20  Principal risks and uncertainties
22  Board of Directors
24  Group financial review
28  Outlook
29  Corporate social responsibility

Governance
36  Corporate governance statement
47  Report on Directors’ remuneration

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
100  Five year summary

Shareholder information 

101  Notice of annual general meeting
107  General information

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

1

 
 
 
 
At a glance Aviation

£24.6m

underlying operating profit

£626.0m

turnover

 116

locations

27

countries

Menzies Aviation is the world’s leading 
independent provider of aviation support 
services, with a focus on service excellence, 
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We deliver a great, safe and secure service to our airline customers 
and their passengers. We have 16,000 employees worldwide 
servicing over 500 airline customers at 116 locations in 27 countries, 
we handled more than 700,000 flight turns, 71 million passengers 
and 1.7 million tonnes of cargo in 2010.

  Ground Handling

We offer airlines around the world a complete range of 
passenger handling services, including ticketing, a full check-in 
service, baggage services and passenger lounges. 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 ramp 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 world-
wide cargo sheds. Our service provision includes ramp transfer, 
load management, import and export handling, warehousing, 
trucking and other track and trace services.

  Cargo Forwarding

We work exclusively with freight forwarders and courier 
companies, offering highly competitive air freight rates and 
transport services around the world. Our product range covers 
export, import and cross-trade, based on cargo, express and 
time definite international road freight.

 RSMS

Ground handling information can be reported on global, 
regional or right down to individual flight level.

RSMS is a comprehensive, global system which encompasses all ground handling 
activities, from schedules, real time flight data, messaging and statistics to commercial 
contracts, invoicing and e-billing. This means that users are able to view or analyse 
ground handling activities as they happen, in real time. RSMS’s integrated messaging 
captures flight information automatically, reducing errors and all the information  
is picked up by an automated billing engine and invoiced to the customer, making  
our revenue and invoicing more accurate.

Station management have access to real time flight information and revenue analysis 
which allows greater control and management of the day to day business as well  
as short and long term planning across the business.

2 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

At a glance Distribution

£28.8m

underlying operating profit

£1,338.2m

turnover

 19

hub branches

25,000

retail customers

Menzies Distribution is a leading force  
in meeting the needs of the UK news and 
magazine market. It is committed to process 
improvement, with a goal to deliver the  
best possible service for our customers.

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With over 4,000 employees at 19 hub and 23 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

Every night during the nightly miracle we receive around 5.2 
million newspapers. These are added to 2.6 million magazines 
and sorted into deliveries to be made in the early hours of the 
morning to more than 25,000 retail customers throughout the 
British Isles. Our fleet travels over 45 million miles each year.  
As well as delivering the news we also collect the retailers’ 
unsold copy, process these back and arrange recycling.

  Marketing services

Menzies Marketing Services is a group of companies bringing 
together experts in field marketing, category management, 
travel, news and digital distribution, to close the gap between 
businesses and their consumers, mixing services to help bring 
product to the consumer. Our portfolio of services ranges from 
face to face marketing on city streets to maximising category 
sales in the country’s leading retailers. We can get content onto 
consumers’ hand-held devices or distribute products in city 
streets and to major stakeholders. 

Menzies Marketing 
Services

2 strategic acquisitions 

Over the last 12 months our Marketing business has continued to grow in size and 
scope. From the continuing success of magazine gift subscriptions over the festive 
period, to the acquisition of 2 new businesses, Menzies Marketing Services’ 
progress in every direction is putting it on track to be a major bottom-line contributor 
to the division.

Through the year, Menzies Marketing Services acquired Trinity Field Marketing  
– which lengthened the reach of our existing Field Marketers, and Reed Aviation,  
a press export business which has strong synergies with our own Menzies Travel 
Media company.

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

3

Chairman’s statement 

Overall we have developed  
a highly cash generative 
business, positioning the 
Group well to deliver 
sustainable shareholder value.

Iain Napier
Chairman 
John Menzies plc

2010 was a highly successful year for the Group, 
in which we achieved significant profit growth 
and delivered on our strategy. The Group is highly 
cash generative and, for the second year running, 
our Aviation division delivered greater net cash 
flow than our Distribution division.

The growth drivers for the Aviation division are strong, particularly  
in the ground handling business, where there is a large and available 
market. Whilst market conditions for the Distribution division are 
challenging, the division is an excellent cash generator and holds  
a strong market position.

Overall, at the Group level 2011 has started positively with trading 
ahead of last year. With a reduced interest charge, resulting from  
lower overall debt levels and the positive start to the year at  
Menzies Aviation, we believe the Group is well placed to deliver  
further earnings growth and shareholder value.

Results overview
Underlying operating profit at Group level was up 28% to £45m, net 
debt is below £100m and all banking lines have been secured through 
to 2013 and beyond. 

Despite the adverse effect of the volcanic activity during April, 
underlying operating profits at Menzies Aviation were up 56% on the 
previous year, following a sharp recovery in cargo volumes together 
with continued organic growth momentum within the Ground Handling 
business. Menzies Distribution encountered difficult markets and  
the severe weather conditions in the year but still produced a robust 
performance with profits improving by 3.2% as we continued to 
reshape the business.

The Group is performing well and the future is positive. It is our stated 
strategy to grow dividends progressively and accordingly I am pleased 
to announce that the Final Dividend has been increased by 6p to 14p.

Board
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude to  
William Thomson who retired from the Board in May last year for his 
contribution to the Group over his 22 years’ service, including eight  
as Chairman. His insight, skills and personality added a strong 
dynamic to the Board and he will be missed.

Standing down at this year’s AGM will be David Coltman. David, who  
is also our Senior Independent Director, indicated his intention to retire 
last year after 10 years’ service. His understanding of the Aviation industry 
has proved invaluable to the Group as we have grown our Aviation business. 
I would like to thank David for his contribution over the last 10 years.

Ian Harley has agreed to become our Senior Independent Director  
from the conclusion of the 2011 AGM. Ian comes from a financial 
background, and has now been on the Board for two years. In that  
time he has become the Chair of our Audit Committee and is well 
respected both inside the company and externally. Ian is well placed  
to perform the functions of the Senior Independent Director. 

4 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

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Revenue and profit analysis

Divisional turnover (£m)

Aviation

2010 626.0

2009 542.4

Distribution

2010 1,338.2

2009 1,302.7

Divisional underlying operating 
profit (£m)

Aviation

2010 24.6

2009 15.8

Distribution

2010 28.8

2009 28.6

Last year we indicated that we intended to recruit a new Non-Executive 
before the end of the year, and in September 2010, Eric Born was 
recruited. Eric has worked in both Aviation support services and in  
the Distribution sector, and with that brings a strong understanding  
of the markets in which we operate. 

As a result we will have a Board comprising nine members, with  
three Executive Directors and six Non-Executives, four of whom are 
independent. This provides us a strong and healthy mix for a 
company of our size.

The 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code looks to Chairmen to comment 
on the Leadership, Effectiveness and Accountability of the Board. It is 
my role to lead Board discussions and to ensure that long-term risk 
and strategy are debated and managed in such a way as to ensure 
shareholder value is maintained and enhanced. The role of the executive 
team is to implement the strategy in the way agreed by the Board. 

The size and structure of the Board and its committees are reviewed 
annually and we currently have a good balance, with an appropriate 
mixture of skills and experiences. 

People
Our employees are our greatest resource. During 2010 we faced 
unprecedented challenges in both of our operating divisions with volcanic 
ash across Northern Europe and severe weather conditions in the UK. 

At Menzies Distribution in the face of these extreme weather conditions 
our employees demonstrated true dedication and willingness to go 
the extra mile to ensure newspapers and magazines reached our  
retail customers. 

At Menzies Aviation our employees also battled the severe weather 
conditions and showed their flexibility during the volcanic ash disruption 
with many taking holidays or banking hours when airports were closed.

Without this dedication and willingness to deliver outstanding service  
to our customers the Group would not be in the position it is today. 

Prospects
The Group has a clear strategy. We operate two distinct cash 
generative divisions. 

Menzies Aviation is a global business with strong and deliverable 
growth prospects. The division has built a reputation for service 
excellence and will continue to target attractive airlines in attractive 
markets. The global aviation marketplace has very attractive growth 
characteristics and I believe Menzies Aviation is very well placed to 
take advantage of these.

Menzies Distribution is a strong business that operates within a two-player 
market with core revenues locked in until 2014. The division has a proven 
track record in reducing costs and increasing productivity. In the short to 
medium term the division will focus on reshaping the business to meet its 
changing marketplace and expanding into new adjacent revenue streams.

Overall we have developed a highly cash-generative business, 
positioning the Group well to deliver sustainable shareholder value.

Iain Napier
Chairman

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

5

 
 
 
 
Our Group 
strategy is clear

We are committed to delivering 
sustainable earnings growth while 
progressively growing dividends. 
This will be achieved by focusing  
on our two highly cash-generative 
divisions.

6 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

Group strategy 

John Menzies plc has a clear strategy. We are committed to  
delivering sustainable earnings growth while progressively growing 
dividends. We will achieve this by focusing on our two highly cash-
generative operating divisions. We will maintain our strong position 
within the UK News and Magazine distribution market and continue  
our successful expansion into the large and attractive Aviation  
services market.

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Our Management Team

We operate a flat executive 
management structure with 
three executive Directors, 
building a strong partnership 
approach.

1 Paul Dollman Group Finance Director
2  Craig Smyth Managing Director, 

Menzies Aviation

3  David McIntosh Managing Director, 

Menzies Distribution

Menzies Aviation

Menzies Aviation is the  
world’s leading independent 
aviation services business.  
With a focus on service 
excellence we aim to be the 
handler of choice at every  
airport where we operate.

Menzies Distribution

Menzies Distribution is a  
very strong business that 
operates within a two-player 
market. Core revenues  
are contracted through  
until 2014. 

1 

2

3

The aviation services market has strong and deliverable growth 
dynamics and we will continue to expand our business by:

 Æ  Expanding existing customer relationships

 Æ  Expanding in existing attractive markets

 Æ  Entering new attractive markets

We aim to maintain our position and build into new adjacent 
businesses. To do this we will follow a three-step strategy:

 Æ Execute

 Deliver rationalisation opportunities that have arisen from new 
business wins

 Æ Redesign
  Evolve our operating model to meet the changing marketplace

 Æ Diversify

 Expand adjacent revenue opportunities through Menzies  
Marketing Services

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

7

 
 
Group strategy

The ground handling business 
will continue to grow, 
predominantly organically,  
in what is a very large 
available market.

Craig Smyth
Managing Director 
Menzies Aviation

Menzies Aviation

2010 Divisional Goals
Menzies Aviation was focused 
on leveraging existing customer 
relationships to grow selectively. 
The division continued to focus 
on attractive airlines in 
attractive markets creating 
product, station and regional 
densities. 

Delivering our Goals – Menzies Aviation
2010 was a year of recovery for the aviation industry. By staying  
true to our strategy, and adopting a non-cash consumptive model  
for our ground handling business, Menzies Aviation was able to 
operate efficiently, demonstrating its flexible business model when  
needed, whilst maintaining its focus on service excellence.

For 2011 Menzies Aviation will continue on its steady growth path. 
It will also focus on expanding customer relationships to grow  
in existing and new markets.

Achievement against objectives
 Æ In 2010 Lufthansa and bmi selected Menzies Aviation to provide 

full ramp handling services for their operations at London 
Heathrow Airport. The division now provides support for 
Lufthansa and bmi at 18 airports worldwide in six countries.  
Out of the approximately 200 daily flights handled at London 
Heathrow, 37 are for Lufthansa and 59 are for bmi. 

 Æ Emirates opened a new daily connection between Prague and 
Dubai in July 2010, with Menzies Aviation providing ground 
handling services to the airline. Menzies Aviation work with 
Emirates in seven airports worldwide, in six different countries. 
At Prague the division provides ground handling services for  
over 20 airlines, manages over 230 flights every week, and over 
34,000 tonnes of cargo annually. 

 Æ In the Oceanic region, new contracts were signed with Malaysia 
at Auckland for ground and cargo handling after recent wins at 
Melbourne and Perth. Across the region Menzies Aviation operate 
at nine airports, providing services for over 30 different airlines. 

 Æ During 2010 the division developed further its relationship with 
Virgin America, and now supports them at six locations across 
North America, managing over 30,000 turnarounds per annum.

 13,000

Over 13,000 employees now ‘clock-in’ using our  
sophisticated biometric Time and Attendance system.

Over 13,000 employees now ‘clock-in’ using our sophisticated biometric Time and 
Attendance system, which ensures accurate and fair timekeeping, reduces payroll 
and overtime problems and in the event of an emergency, provides real-time on 
premises reporting for the safety and security of our staff. Analysis of the data allows 
trends or problems in attendance to be quickly identified and managed. 

8 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

Delivering our Goals – Menzies Distribution
Within Menzies Distribution, the focus was on the integration of  
new territories gained in 2009, whilst developing and refining its  
new revenue streams into Menzies Marketing Services.

In 2011, Menzies Distribution will consolidate its position as the 
leading provider within the Newspaper and Magazine distribution 
market. The business will continue to focus on operational efficiency 
and this will be aided by the roll out of SAP to the branch network.  
In addition, the development of new service offerings such as 
Menzies Marketing Services will continue as the division secures 
new, adjacent, revenue streams.

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A three pillar strategy 
(Execute, Redesign, Diversify) 
was implemented during 
2009. Real progress has been 
made on all three fronts.

David McIntosh
Managing Director 
Menzies Distribution

Menzies Distribution

2010 Divisional Goals
Menzies Distribution was 
focused on integrating the new 
business gained during 2009. 
They aimed to continue to focus 
on cost and productivity 
initiatives, and exploring growth 
opportunities that exist with 
adjacent businesses and which 
can benefit from our unique 
publisher and retailer 
relationships.

Achievement against objectives
 Æ Launch of Menzies Marketing Services, bringing together four 

existing businesses under a single banner. This move is designed 
to bring greater management control and strategic vision to the 
ventures and also to identify synergies between the businesses. 
Developments during the year included:
 − Acquisition of Reed Aviation 
 − Acquisition of Trinity Field Marketing.

 Æ  Further regional press contract gains with an additional £28m  

of new revenue secured during the year.

 Æ The new major hub branches at Preston and Maidstone,  

opened in late 2009, are fully integrated and have allowed further 
rationalisation of the branch network. Stage one of this process  
is complete and delivered cost benefits during the year. Stage 
two will take place during 2011.

 Æ Successful installation of SAP at two branches with the full 

branch roll out commencing in March 2011 with the cost benefits 
being delivered in 2012.

aspire

Recognising and developing our staff potential

‘aspire’ is a cutting edge bespoke programme targeted at developing future talent 
which is specific to business challenges and competencies. The programme is  
made up of 8 workshops and 15 potential future ‘stars’ within Menzies Distribution 
are participating. Both the content and the method of delivery have been delivered  
in a creative, challenging and relevant way to the participants. 

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

9

 
Group performance 

The Group produced an excellent result in  
2010 with underlying profit before taxation  
up 28% to £45.0m.

The highly cash-generative nature of the Group was clearly 
demonstrated. Net debt has reduced to below £100m largely as  
a result of the strong cash performance of both divisions. Higher 
profits in the period helped free cash flow to £43.8m or 74.5p per 
share, an increase of £16.9m on the previous year. Menzies Aviation 
was again the largest contributor of cash producing a free cash  
flow of £34.3m compared to £21.4m at Menzies Distribution.

At Menzies Aviation, turnover increased to £626.0m (£542.4m: 2009) 
with underlying operating profit up 56% to £24.6m. This excellent 
result was driven by a sharp increase in overseas cargo volumes and 
continued organic expansion within the ground handling business. 
This performance compares favourably after allowing for some 
£2.2m of lost profits during the volcanic activity in April, although  
this was partly offset by very strong de-icing revenues in January  
and December.

Menzies Distribution delivered operating profits of £28.8m up  
3.2% (on a consistent 52-week basis) with turnover of £1,338.2m  
up 4% on the same basis. The marketplace remained difficult with 
volume declines in the key product categories but the division again 
produced a robust cost performance which helps to mitigate the  
drop in gross profit.

Higher profits in the period 
helped free cash flow to 
£43.8m or 74.5p per share,  
an increase of £16.9m on  
the previous year. Menzies 
Aviation was again the  
largest contributor of cash, 
producing a free cash flow of 
£34.3m compared to £21.4m 
at Menzies Distribution.

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director 
John Menzies plc

Click to ship

AMI is the world’s largest trade-only airfreight wholesaler, 
providing great value for money.

AMI is the world’s largest trade-only airfreight wholesaler providing great value  
for money air freight and express services to the world’s freight forwarders and 
international express companies. 

Click to ship is an innovative web-based service aggregation site which talks directly 
to all trade aggregators. It allows users to compare quotes from carriers and book 
through-services with different carriers and keep track of orders. Currently available 
to UK express customers, a next generation version will begin rolling out worldwide 
during 2011 providing the worlds leading freight forwarding booking site.

10 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

Debt and interest
Net debt at the year end was £99.0m which was £33.3m lower  
than last year. The key covenant ratio of Total debt/EBITDA is now 
below 1.5 times which triggers a reduction in interest costs on Group 
borrowings. Some £75m of banking facilities were renegotiated 
ahead of time resulting in the Group now having secured the required 
facilities through to 2013 and beyond. The Group’s interest cover 
increased from 6.7 times to 9.0 times at the year end.

Exceptional items
There was an exceptional credit of £4.6m in the year resulting  
from some members of the main UK pension scheme exchanging 
future non-statutory increases in pension for a higher fixed pension. 
Offsetting most of this were exceptional costs of £2.3m in 
Distribution associated with reorganisation costs following  
the contract wins and a write-down of £2.2m in Aviation being  
the majority of the goodwill associated with UK Cargo.

Pensions
The actuarial deficit within the pension fund (net of deferred tax) 
reduced from £60.8m to £34.9m during the year. This is a combination 
of an increase in asset values during the year and an overall reduction 
in liabilities mainly due to actions taken during the year to cap future 
benefits for active members and the impact of the move to CPI on 
deferred members. The reduced deficit will result in a lower reported 
interest cost going forward.

Earnings per share
The effective tax rate on underlying profit for the year was 24.2% 
compared to 26.4% last year. The lower tax rate and reduced  
number of shares in issue together with higher profits contributed  
to an increase of 32% in our underlying earnings per share from 
43.8p in 2009 to 57.9p in 2010.

Dividend
The Board has declared a final dividend of 14p giving a full year 
dividend payment of 19p. At this new level dividend cover is 3.0 
times. The dividend will be paid on 24 June 2011 to shareholders on 
the Register of Members at the close of business on 27 May 2011.

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Key Performance Indicators

Revenue (£m)

2010

1,837.6

2009

1,725.7

2008

1,667.1

2007

1,541.1

2006

1,450.4

Underlying PBT (£m)

2010

45.0

2009

35.2

2008

30.7

2007

38.0

2006

35.8

Free cash flow (£m)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

43.8

26.9

(11.1)*

14.9

3.2

Underlying EPS (pence)

2010

57.9

2009

43.8

2008

31.3

2007

47.9

2006

46.9

Full-year dividend per share (pence)

2010

19.0

2009

8.0

2008

7.56

2007

25.6

2006

20.5

*Restated

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

11

 
01 Main heading Univers light

Increasing  
operational 
efficiency

Our focus is to work with  
attractive airlines in attractive 
markets creating product, station 
and regional density. The division  
is clearly demonstrating its ability  
to deliver against this strategy.

12 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

Menzies Aviation 

The aviation services sector has strong and 
deliverable growth prospects. Growth will 
primarily come from winning more customers 
at existing airports and with existing customers 
at new airports, but the division will also 
evaluate entry into new markets during the  
next 24 months.

Performance
Menzies Aviation had a very good year with profits up 56% to £24.6m.

Operating profits were boosted by a sharp return in overseas cargo 
volumes across the network and the continued excellent performance 
within the ground handling business. This result was achieved 
despite the disruption caused in April following the volcanic activity 
across Northern Europe which cost £2.2m, although this was partly 
mitigated by increased de-icing revenues in January and December. 

The ground handling business is the major contributor in both 
revenue and profit terms and this trend is expected to increase  
as the division expands. 

The division was highly cash generative producing a free cash  
flow of £34.3m which demonstrates its ability to self finance its 
future growth. 

Operational efficiency remains at the heart of the business. Significant 
investment was made in systems with the continuing roll out of the 
biometric recognition Time and Attendance system and other core 
systems that allows the division to operate in the same way at all 
airports regardless of location. This investment in systems together 
with investment in training and safety initiatives led to Menzies 
Aviation being the first global aviation services business to achieve 
the IATA ISAGO accreditation. This industry standard is important 
and reinforces the commitment to service excellence. 

The flexibility of the ground handling business model together with  
the commitment and willingness of our staff was demonstrated 
during the year when flights were cancelled during the six days  
of volcanic activity that closed airports across Northern Europe. 
Costs were kept to a minimum as shift patterns were altered and 
staff took holidays or banked hours which helped mitigate losses.

During the year the business of Transilvania Handling Services, 
a Romanian ground handling company, was acquired for £1.3m, 
including £0.3m of deferred consideration. This acquisition allowed 
the business to expand into four new airports in Romania and is a 
good example of expanding regional density with the new operations 
being controlled from the existing operation in Bucharest.

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Operational efficiency 
remains at the heart of  
the business. Significant 
investment was made in 
systems with the continuing 
roll out of the biometric 
recognition Time and 
Attendance system and other 
core systems that allows  
the division to operate in  
the same way at all airports 
regardless of location.

Craig Smyth
Managing Director 
Menzies Aviation

Key Performance Indicators

Ground Handling – labour hours  
per turn

2010 30.2

2009 32.5

Ground Handling – on-time 
performance (%)

2010 98.2

2009 98.9

Cargo Handling – tonnes per FTE

2010 620.5

2009 525.6

Aircraft damage – category A 
incidents per 1,000 turns

2010 0.06

2009 0.07

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

13

 
Menzies Aviation

1 

3

2

4 

Cargo handling
The division enjoyed a significant profit improvement within the  
cargo handling business following a sharp increase in volume across 
the network. Despite a disappointing performance in the UK, where 
absolute volumes were only up 6.2%, absolute volumes as a whole 
were up 23% (lfl up 20%) which helped this product category  
overall return to profitability.

Operating Board

1 Craig Smyth Managing Director
2 Paul Dollman Group Finance Director
3 Stephen Koller EVP IT
4 Mervyn Walker EVP Operations

Despite the volume recovery, structural challenges continue at  
some major airports where over capacity exists leading to depressed 
yields and predatory pricing. As a result, the division has some  
loss making operations in the USA and UK, although they are cash 
positive due to historical capital investments. Improvement plans  
are in place and positive progress is being made.

In contrast the operations where capacity does not significantly 
exceed demand, in countries such as India and Australia, had  
an excellent year and were profitable. In India, tonnes were up 
significantly on the previous year. At Hyderabad a dedicated 
perishable centre for pharmaceutical products was opened which 
allows the fast track of products through the cargo centre. Where  
the market dynamics are attractive, cargo handling remains a good 
business and typically is linked to existing ground handling businesses, 
which allows a one stop shop offering to airlines.

The division was a net winner of 12 contracts during the year, but  
the loss of a major contract with Cathay Pacific in Chicago, USA, 
resulted in the overall annualised earnings position being negative. 

Cargo forwarding
The cargo forwarding business had a good year benefiting from the 
increase in cargo volume, with operating profit up 31%. Air Menzies 
International is our cargo forwarding business, which essentially 
brokers the belly space of passenger airlines, working exclusively 
with freight forwarders and courier companies, offering highly 
competitive air freight rates and transport services around the world. 

The business has aggressive expansion plans. It has a global presence 
with key hub operations in Australia, South Africa, UK and the USA. 
During the year investment in management expertise and new  
IT systems was made that will help give the business a competitive 
advantage in what is an attractive and growing marketplace. 

Setting standards

70 standardised training modules

Since gaining ISAGO accreditation the Menzies Aviation intranet site has undergone 
a radical redesign, now boasting a fully structured, accessible and auditable 
documentation system, hosting all documentation used worldwide in the ISAGO 
standards structured training and development programme.

This system is used to support all parts of the Ground Handling Operations, and 2011 
will see yet further advancements in the roll-out of our SMART programme which 
will have an iPhone App enabling supervisory and safety management to perform 
audits on the go, reducing administrative burden and simplifying the audit process, 
allowing any trends to be analysed in real time.

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Ground handling
The ground handling business continued on its strong growth path. 
Absolute volumes were up 9% (lfl up 3.3%). The division were net winners 
of 52 contracts that will contribute more than £25m additional revenue. 

The divisional strategy of growing organically by leveraging existing customer 
relationships resulted in a major contract award from Lufthansa and bmi  
at London Heathrow. In addition to this, new contracts were awarded by key 
customers including Emirates, Alaska Airlines and South African Airways.

In the UK the ground handling business performed very well, benefiting 
from the annualised effect of major contract gains made during 2009 and a 
number of new contracts. The commencement of the contract to handle some 
100 flights per day for Lufthansa and bmi at London Heathrow’s Terminal One, 
which involved the TUPE transfer of 400 staff, was a success with immediate 
benefits delivered to the customer. The team now handles over 200 flights per day 
out of Terminal One and is the largest independent handler at London Heathrow.

Continental Europe, and in particular Spain, made an increased contribution 
with turns up strongly on the previous year. 

In India, the division’s first contract with an indigenous low cost airline, 
Kingfisher Airways, commenced in Hyderabad with some 168 flights per 
week. This is an exciting entry into a very large potential market and it is 
hoped that this relationship can be enhanced.

Operations in South Africa had a good year, benefiting from increased activity 
around the World Cup. The division’s reputation for first-class customer service 
was recognised by a number of awards, most notably from airport operators 
in South Africa, following the World Cup. Service excellence is a key pillar  
in the divisional strategy and is a significant lever in winning new business.

Australia and New Zealand continued to perform well with aircraft turns 
in Australia benefiting from the strong local economy.

In the Americas, the USA proved to be a slightly more difficult market with 
expansion harder to obtain. The USA remains a very large attractive market 
but at the same time is quite mature. The division is building its reputation 
in the area and it is well placed to expand its business in the coming years. 
Mexico and the Caribbean performed well although a number of Mexican and 
some USA locations were affected by the bankruptcy of Mexicana Airlines.

Strategy
The divisional strategy is unchanged. The focus remains to work with attractive 
airlines in attractive markets creating product, station and regional density. 
The division is clearly demonstrating its ability to deliver against this strategy.

The ground handling business will continue to grow, predominantly organically, 
in what is a very large available market. The results illustrate that this can be 
done without the division being cash consumptive.

Cargo handling remains an attractive product category where good returns can 
be made but it is essential that our ethos of attractive customers in attractive 
markets is followed. Some major airports, particularly in the UK and USA, 
have over capacity and, as a result, returns are poor. Therefore, our focus will 
be on markets that are not over supplied and where returns are sustainable.

The aviation services sector has strong and deliverable growth prospects. 
Growth will primarily come from winning more customers at existing airports 
and with existing customers at new airports, but the division will also evaluate 
entry into new markets during the next 24 months.

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

15

 
Implementing 
operational  
change

2010 has been a year of operational 
change. The new major hub branches 
at Preston and Maidstone opened 
in late 2009 are fully integrated and 
have allowed further rationalisation 
of the branch network.

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Overall the division  
produced another excellent 
cost performance producing  
cost savings of £3.5m,  
again outstripping inflation.  
The division has a proven 
track record in reducing costs 
and increasing efficiency in 
the face of declining volume.

David McIntosh
Managing Director 
Menzies Distribution

Menzies Distribution 

During the year major operational projects  
were undertaken to absorb the new business 
won from Dawsons News and Smiths News. 
Further operational efficiency was achieved  
by the rationalisation of the branch network 
which involved the creation of two new major 
hub branches and the merger or closure of 
some smaller branches.

Performance
Menzies Distribution produced a solid performance in a difficult 
marketplace. Underlying operating profits were up 3.2% on a 
consistent 52-week basis. The full year result was adversely impacted 
late in the year by the severe weather conditions encountered across 
the UK, and particularly Scotland. This impacted sales across all 
categories and is estimated to have cost the division £0.5m.

As well as producing a robust profit performance, the division also 
delivered £21.4m of free cash flow which continues to underpin  
the overall cash-generative nature of the Group.

During the year major operational projects were undertaken to absorb 
the new business won from Dawsons News and Smiths News. 
Further operational efficiency was achieved by the rationalisation  
of the branch network which involved the creation of two new major 
hub branches and the merger or closure of some smaller branches. 

Menzies Distribution – core business 
Overall, volumes within the core product categories were largely  
in line with expectations. The rate of decline in newspaper sales 
stabilised during the year with like-for-like sales down 3.5%. Monthly 
magazine sales were slightly ahead of expectations with like-for-like 
sales down 3.3%. Weekly magazine sales however, were slightly 
behind expectations and finished the year down 6.5% on the 
previous year. There was little launch activity to stimulate the market 
during the year with publishers reluctant to invest at a time of 
consumer uncertainty.

Absolute volume of both newspapers and magazines were up, 
reflecting the new business won during the year.

The sales of stickers, despite the World Cup, were disappointing 
after a large amount of returns in Q3. In addition, sales of  
traditional football-related collections over Christmas have been 
below expectation.

During the year a further £23.1m of new revenue, gained from 
Smiths News at the time of the publisher negotiations in 2009,  
was transferred and has been successfully integrated.

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

17

 
Menzies Distribution

1 

3 

5 

7 

9

Operating Board

1 David McIntosh Managing Director
2 Paul Dollman Group Finance Director
3 Catherine Bland Finance Director
4  David Cooke Commercial and  

Marketing Director

5  Jane Dyson Marketing  

Services Director

6 Christina Mellon HR Director
7 Alex Mitchell Operations Director
8  David Morton Strategic  
Development Director
9 David Speirs IT Director

2

4 

6

8 

2010 has been a year of operational change. The new major hub 
branches at Preston and Maidstone, opened in late 2009, are fully 
integrated and have allowed further rationalisation of the branch 
network. Stage one of this process is complete and delivered cost 
benefits during the year. Stage two will take place during 2011. 

Overall the division produced another excellent cost performance 
producing cost savings of £3.5m, again outstripping inflation. The 
division has a proven track record in reducing costs and increasing 
efficiency in the face of declining volume. 

The roll out of SAP commenced. The first branch to go live was  
in Norwich. This was successfully completed in September and  
was followed by the first major hub branch, Newbridge, which  
went live in November. So far the implementation has gone well. 
After a pause over the festive period, the full branch roll out will 
commence in March 2011 with the cost benefits being delivered  
in 2012.

Further progress has been made in securing regional press contracts 
with an additional £28m of new revenue secured during the year.  
In the last 18 months the division has secured £36m of new revenue 
from the regional press market.

Menzies Marketing Services – new revenue ventures
During the year the four existing businesses were brought  
under the banner of Menzies Marketing Services (MMS) with a 
single Managing Director. This move is designed to bring greater 
management control and strategic vision to the ventures and also  
to identify synergies between the businesses.

Over the last 12 months, MMS continued to grow in size and scope. 
Growth has, however, been slower than planned due to the wider 
economic outlook but the restructuring that has taken place leaves 
these businesses well placed to expand. It is hoped that over the 
next three years MMS can become a significant contributor to profit. 

Throughout the year, two businesses were acquired. Trinity Field 
Marketing was merged with The Network which lengthened the 
reach of our existing Field Marketing offering. Also Reed Aviation,  
a press export business which has strong synergies to the existing 
Menzies Travel Media company, was acquired.

Project Trilogy

Five depots consolidated

After successfully securing new distribution territories, which came on stream during 
2009 and 2010, 2010 saw the largest ever restructure of our distribution network.  
In the north-west and south-east of England a total of five depots were consolidated 
into larger hubs. By the end of the year, around 20% of our magazine business was 
being packed in a different location than before. 

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Customer 
engagement

2,500 customers surveyed

Year on year, we continue to increase our focus on the customer. In addition to  
focus groups held at various locations throughout the country, in 2010 we spoke 
directly to 2,500 customers about their service experiences – and used their  
answers to benchmark our performance.

Strategy
A three-pillar strategy (Execute, Redesign, Diversify) was 
implemented during 2009. Real progress has been made on  
all three fronts.

Within the EXECUTE phase, new regional press business has been 
delivered, all major distribution contracts have been renegotiated 
giving security of tenure through to 2014 and operationally the 
integration of the new business secured from Dawson News and 
Smiths News has been seamlessly integrated. Following the 
integration of the new business, branch rationalisation opportunities 
have been identified. Stage one of these has been delivered and 
2011 will see stage two completed.

The REDESIGN phase has now started. The major project to 
implement SAP, which will provide a step change in the running of 
the business, has progressed with two branches now live and a roll 
out programme for the rest of the network in place.

Finally, the DIVERSIFY phase has seen significant progress with the 
launch of Menzies Marketing Services, two small acquisitions and 
the re-entry into the digital marketplace. In addition, in Ireland new 
contracts have been won in the Irish Republic which strengthens  
the business and allows it to pursue other opportunities that exist.

Key Performance Indicators

Newspapers delivered on time (%)

2010 97.15

2009 97.93

Magazines delivered on time (%)

2010 97.45

2009 98.05

Newspaper packing accuracy (%)

2010 99.87

2009 99.86

Magazine packing accuracy (%)

2010 99.65

2009 99.69

Newspaper returns processed  
on time (%)

2010 88.68

2009 88.02

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

19

 
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 24 to 28 and Note 16 on page 85.

Risk

Trend Mitigation activities

Business environment risk

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

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

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

Customer risk

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

Publisher contract renewals
Risk associated with publisher 
contract renewals.

Æ  We undertake monthly reviews of divisional and Group 

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

Æ  Market trends in key product categories are reviewed 

monthly at both divisions

Æ  Maintain capital expenditure controls
Æ  Continually review main elements of cash flow and  
maintain tight credit control including formal review  
of credit limits, exposures and payment terms

Æ  Ensure cost base is fit for purpose

Æ  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

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

Æ  The Group Board receives a treasury update from the  
Finance Director at each Board meeting and annually  
reviews treasury policy

Æ  A strategy review exercise which involves a full  

examination of market conditions and trends is held  
each year prior to budget setting and forms an integral  
part of the three-year plan

Æ  The development of Menzies Marketing Services aims  

to develop new revenue streams

Æ  Menzies Distribution focuses on cost and productivity 
efficiency in its core business and increasing regional 
newspaper market-share

Æ  Providing consistent, transparent levels of customer services
Æ  Balanced customer portfolio
Æ  Maintaining relationships with key accounts
Æ  Flexible business model
Æ  Regular review of costs

Æ  Strategic analysis of options for next contract renewal
Æ  Ongoing service level benchmarking
Æ  Major contracts secured to 2014
Æ  Branch rationalisation plan successfully implemented

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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.

Risk

Trend Mitigation activities

Customer risk continued

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

People risk

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

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.

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

Technology risk

System failure
Risk associated with collapse  
of global IT.

Æ  Continue to respond actively to retailer KPIs
Æ  Customer survey has been refreshed and actions  

progressed

Æ  Continue to improve service levels with retail.  

An updated Service Pledge will be launched in 2011

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Æ  The Group believes that retaining and developing staff  
is better for the business than external recruitment
Æ  Personal Development Programmes and Leadership 

Development Programmes are in place

Æ  2010 Board level review of all key management completed

Æ  Working in tandem with airport authorities 
Æ  Rigorous checking and vetting of all employees
Æ  Central support is provided to all stations to ensure 
consistency utilising the MORSE intranet-based  
safety monitoring system, which provides consistent,  
regular reporting

Æ  Our team structure ensures a culture where ownership  

of safety is number one value

Æ  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

Æ  Regional network of dedicated safety individuals are also  
in place and the SMART programme ensures adequate 
training and professional competencies maintained

Æ  All of our data centres have adequate power and facilities  
for data centres. We ensure that our systems remain up  
to date with appropriate external firewalls where required
Æ  There is also a tested disaster recovery plan and facility  

in place if required

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

21

 
Board of Directors

Iain Napier
Non-Executive Chairman Notes 1, 2, 3
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.

Eric Born 
Non-Executive Director Note 1
Eric was appointed a Non-Executive Director in September 2010. He 
became Chief Executive at Wincanton plc in December 2010, having 
previously been Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this he was Group 
Senior Vice President & President West/South Europe at GateGroup, 
the global provider of onboard services and products to the passenger 
airline industry, and has also held senior roles in the retail industry. 

David Coltman
Non-Executive Director Senior Independent Director Note 3
David was appointed a Non-Executive Director in 2001 and Senior 
Independent Director in 2006. He is a director of Eredene Capital plc 
having been Chairman until January 2011 and is a director of 
Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust plc. He has held various 
senior positions with airlines in the UK including British Caledonian 
and with United Airlines in Chicago.

Paul Dollman
Executive Director Group Finance Director
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 
of William Grant & Sons Ltd, and has also held senior financial 
positions with Inveresk PLC, Maddox Group plc and Clydesdale  
Retail Group.

Ian Harley
Non-Executive Director Notes 1, 2
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.

Ian Harrison
Non-Executive Director Note 1
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. 

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Dermot Jenkinson
Non-Executive Director Notes 2, 3
Dermot was appointed to the Board in 1986 and held various 
executive responsibilities before assuming a non-executive role  
in 1999. He founded beCogent Ltd in 1999, a contact centre and  
related consultancy business and was Chairman until January 2011. 
He is a Director of a number of other private companies. 

David McIntosh
Executive Director Menzies Distribution
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.

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Octavia Morley
Non-Executive Director Notes 1, 2
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.

Craig Smyth
Executive Director Menzies Aviation
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 18 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.

John Geddes
Group Company Secretary
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. 

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 2010 

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group financial review 

Shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds increased by £46.1m during the year to £85.7m, 
as follows:

The Group generated an 
operating cash flow of  
£69.1m in 2010 (2009: £57.7m). 
Some £17m was invested  
in the business and £7.7m  
was paid as dividends.

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director  
John Menzies plc

Shareholders’ funds at December 2009 
Profit before tax 
Taxation 
Net actuarial gain 
Currency translation 
New shares issued 
Own shares purchased 
Dividends paid 
Share-based payments 

Shareholders’ funds at December 2010 

£m

39.6
37.5
(9.3)
20.7
6.2
0.5
(2.6)
(7.7)
0.8

85.7

Cash flow
The Group generated an operating cash flow of £69.1m in 2010  
(2009: £57.7m). Some £17m was invested in the business and  
£7.7m was paid as dividends. An additional pension payment of  
£3m was made. Tax and interest payments accounted for £10.5m.  
Net debt decreased by £33.3m from £132.3m to £99m.

£m 

Cash flow 

£m 

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 

2010 

£m 

37.7 
0.8 
24.0 
5.3 
(1.0) 
(2.9) 
(0.1) 
(2.9) 

7.9 
0.3 

69.1 

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

Net capital expenditure 
Net interest paid 
Tax paid 

Free cash flow 

(11.6) 
(3.9) 

0.7 

(15.1) 
(4.1) 

1.0 

(14.8)  
(5.4) 
(5.1) 

43.8 

2009

£m

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

4.2
(0.5)

57.7

(18.2)
(7.1)
(5.5)

26.9

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Cash flow continued 

Equity dividends paid 
Additional pension payment 
Acquisitions 
Cash raised from asset sales and leasebacks 
Other investments 
Net spend on shares  

Total movement  

Opening net debt 
Currency translation 
Closing net debt 

£m 

2010 

£m 

(7.7) 
(3.0) 
(1.7) 
5.0 
1.1 
(2.1) 

35.4 

(132.3) 
(2.1) 
(99.0) 

£m 

2009

£m

–
(1.5)
(1.6)
16.5
3.2
–

43.5

(182.6)
6.8
(132.3)

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 £2.9m included £1.5m of redundancy costs in the UK Distribution 
business and £1.4m of onerous lease payments provided in prior years.

Pensions
In 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. Following a 
consultation period with current active members in early 2010 future accrual is now capped at 1% per annum.

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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 

Net income/(charge) 

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

Deficit in scheme 
Related deferred tax asset 

Net pension liabilities  

£m 

15.2 
(16.6) 

2010 

£m 

(1.7) 
– 
4.6 

2.9 

(1.4) 

1.5 

241.8 
(289.6) 

(47.8) 
12.9 

(34.9) 

£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)

The current service cost for 2010 decreased as a result of an ongoing reduction in the pensionable payroll. 
The service cost for 2011 is expected to reduce further.

During 2010 the Group contributed cash of £5.7m (2009: £4.5m) to the Fund.

The market value of invested assets increased by 14%, primarily as a result of improved equity market 
performance over the year. 

In addition, the present value of scheme liabilities decreased by some £7m over the same period due to  
the pension increase exchange exercise, reduced level of long-term RPI, the impact on the Fund of the 
Government’s change to statutory increases in deferment to be linked to CPI rather than RPI and a change 
in longevity assumptions which have collectively more than offset the lower level of long-dated AA 
corporate bond yields. 

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group financial review

Pensions continued
Following the full actuarial valuation carried out as at 31 March 2009, the Company agreed with the 
Trustees of the Fund to contribute an additional annual cash contribution of £6m plus RPI, which 
commenced on 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:

•  the Group completed a pension increase exchange exercise whereby pensioners in the Menzies Pension 
Fund were offered an increased pension in exchange for foregoing future non-statutory annual increases, 
resulting in a pension credit of £4.6m;

•  as a result of a decline in volumes and revenues in the UK cargo handling business during the year, and  
an excess supply capacity in the market, the acquired goodwill in respect of Menzies World Cargo was 
tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 and a goodwill charge of £2.2m was recognised; and

•  in the Distribution business £2.3m was provided for the costs of rationalising excess capacity, comprising 

asset write-downs and staff redundancy costs.

 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 underlying 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  

Net underlying interest charge 

2010 
£m 

1.7 
2.1 
0.9 
– 
0.1 
1.0 
1.4 

7.2 

2009 
£m

1.8
1.0
1.8
0.7
0.1
1.0
1.8

8.2

The sterling term loan is at a fixed rate of 6.23% and is repayable between 2011 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 is the net financial charge from the pension scheme under IAS 19.

Taxation
The tax rate on underlying profits for the year was 24.2% compared with 26.4% in 2009 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 

Underlying tax rate 

28.0
1.6
2.2
(1.8)
(5.8)

24.2

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Taxation continued
Tax paid during the year was £5.1m. 

The tax effect of the exceptional items, described in Note 5 to the accounts, is a net charge of £0.9m.

The overall effective tax rate has reduced from 30.5% in 2009 to 24.8%. 

In June 2010 the UK Government announced its intention to reduce the main rate of corporation tax  
from 28% to 24%. The fall will be phased in over a period of four years with a 1% reduction in the main 
corporation tax rate for each year starting on 1 April 2011. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2010, enacted on  
27 July 2010, included legislation on the initial phase to reduce the main rate of corporation tax from  
28% to 27% from 1 April 2011. The deferred tax asset at 31 December 2010 has been calculated at 27%. 
The estimated effect of the proposed reductions in rate by 2014 would be to decrease the net deferred  
tax asset by £0.8m. Most of the UK deferred tax asset relates to the UK pension deficit and it is expected 
that the majority of the reduction will be debited to other comprehensive income and will not have a material 
effect on the effective tax rate or on profit.

Acquisitions and disposals
During the year, the Group completed a number of small acquisitions in Romania and the UK, details  
of which are shown in Note 25.

The Group also disposed of its 40% interest in the Aviation associate in China, Menzies Chengdu Aviation 
Services Ltd, for a consideration of £1.6m.

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

Distribution  
Aviation  

Property 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

0.2 
0.2 

0.4 

3.2 
8.0 

11.2 

Total 
£m

3.4
8.2

11.6

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

Intangible assets 
Expenditure on computer software amounted to £3.9m during 2010, of which some £2.4m related to SAP.

Capitalised goodwill amounts to £56.1m compared to £57.7m in 2009. 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 associates.

Working capital
Working capital movement is analysed as follows:

Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 

2010 
£m 

(1.6) 
(3.9) 
2.6 

(2.9) 

2009 
£m

(2.7)
(2.2)
8.1

3.2

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27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
2010 

1.546 
1.167 

Year end 
31 Dec 
2010 

1.566 
1.167 

Average 
for year to 
Dec 
2009 

1.562 
1.121 

Year end 
31 Dec 
2009

1.615
1.126

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

Going concern 
At 31 December 2010 the Group had committed borrowing facilities of £176.1m, with an expiry profile of:

£75m 
£25.5m (US$40m) 
£50m 
£25.6m 

 November 2011 
November 2011 
 January 2013 
 March 2020

Since the year end, facilities in the amount of £50m and US$40m have been put in place maturing in 2014. 
£25m and US$40m are replacing existing facilities maturing in November 2011.

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

At Menzies Aviation the year has started well with the division trading ahead of last year. Contract win 
momentum has continued. Notable contracts have been gained in both cargo and ground handling since 
the year end, including a contract with Jetstar, the Australian low cost airline, to handle 70 flights per  
week at their hub in Darwin and a cargo handling contract with Asiana at London Heathrow. 

At Menzies Distribution, trading is broadly in line with last year. The full roll out of SAP will continue,  
with the next branch going live in March, and this together with further branch rationalisation opportunities 
will help drive efficiencies from the business. 

Overall, at the Group level the year has started positively with trading ahead of last year. With a reduced 
interest charge, resulting from lower overall debt levels and the positive start to the year at Menzies 
Aviation, we believe the Group is well placed to deliver further earnings growth and shareholder value. 

28 

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Corporate social responsibility 

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.

The Group also publishes on its website an Annual Corporate  
Social Responsibility Report which details the practices, strategies 
and policies being implemented across the divisions. A copy of the 
Report for 2010 can be accessed at www.johnmenziesplc.com.

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 exposure to these risks is managed 
appropriately.

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.

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snow!

2010 – the worst winter 
weather since 1963

Unprecedented weather saw much  
of the UK grind to a halt in late 2010. 
However, even during the worst of the 
conditions in Scotland’s Central Belt, 
Menzies Distribution managed to make 
more than 95% of its delivery drops  
on time – a testament to the resilience 
of our distribution teams.

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29

 
Corporate social responsibility

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.

A description of the Company’s internal control system for management, particularly of financial risks,  
is in the Corporate Governance statement on pages 36 to 46. An analysis of the key business risks  
facing the Group appears in the Business Review on pages 20 and 21.

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.

MORSE is a key tool in our health and safety strategy and is utilised in various forms across the Group. 
Details of the health and safety programmes in each division can be found in the Group’s Annual 
Corporate Social Responsibility Report on the Group’s website, www.johnmenziesplc.com.

2. Injury and incident reporting

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 
  Distribution 

Menzies Aviation  
– UK figures 

Menzies Aviation 
 – Worldwide figures

UK injuries  
reportable 
under 
RIDDOR 

Equivalent  UK injuries  
reportable 
under 
RIDDOR 

rate per 
100 FTE 
employees 

Equivalent 
rate per 
100 FTE 
employees 

41 

40 

51 

42 

62 

0.09 

0.10 

0.12 

1.16 

1.62 

67 

61 

79 

52 

29 

1.9 

1.7 

2.1 

1.5 

1.2 

Worldwide Category ‘A’ equivalent

Equivalent 
rate per 
100 FTE 
employees 

Aircraft 
damage 
per 1,000 
turns

0.33 

0.33 

0.24 

0.34 

0.27 

0.06

0.07

0.09

0.10

0.10

Number 

112 

107 

100 

107 

76 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

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3. Employees

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.

Policies are also in place to cover the following key areas:

•  attracting the right people;

•  reward and incentives;

•  training and development;

•  communication and consultation;

•  recognising human rights; and

•  whistleblowing, anti-corruption and bribery.

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:

•  allocating roles, responsibilities and resources;

•  complying with legislation and best practice;

•  monitoring, verification and auditing of compliance;

•  data collection, analysis and reporting;

•  risk identification, assessment and management;

•  communication and dissemination of information;

•  adopting technology and working practices that are modern, environmentally friendly and energy 

efficient; and

•  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.

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31

 
 
Corporate social responsibility

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

5. Carbon reduction

Energy consumption
Since October 2007 all Menzies Distribution 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. Energy 
consumption at Menzies Distribution during the year amounted to 32 million kWh, an increase of 15% on 
2009, primarily due to an increase in gas usage during severe winter conditions both at the beginning and 
end of the year.

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. In 2011, 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:

•  monitoring and targeting;

•  good housekeeping – encompassing staff awareness, staff training, motivation and publicity; and

•  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.

Menzies Distribution has been committed to addressing environmental issues for the past 10 years. 
During this time the division has focused specifically on carbon emissions, as these equate directly to 
operational costs for a distribution business. This has had a significant, positive impact on our business 
with a reduction in our CO2 emissions of approximately 30% over this period. We remain committed  
to action, to supporting others and learning from others. 

Menzies Distribution are stakeholders within the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS),  
a Freight Transport Association group created to lead the Logistics industry and supply chain towards  
a more sustainable future. The gathering of information from companies involved with the LCRS, on  
how they have tackled CO2 reduction will be included in a newly created ‘Knowledge Hub’. The division  
is also involved in a trial with Tesco along with a number of their other supplying partners to create 
information for a ‘Carbon Knowledge Hub’. This Hub has been created by Tesco, the Sustainable 
Consumption Institute at Manchester University and 2 Degrees, to provide a central point of information 
where case studies and other information on carbon reduction can be viewed. 

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6. Waste and emissions

At Menzies Distribution, packaging waste, namely cardboard and polythene, and office paper are 
byproducts of our activities. We have waste compactors installed at our 19 hub branches in the UK  
which we now use for all Dry Mixed Recyclable materials rather than sending these to landfill sites, 
Menzies Distribution is working closely with their preferred waste service provider to achieve 90% 
recycling of general waste material across the Division.

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. For magazines, unsold copy from all of our branches is fed for 
conversion into future newsprint. 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 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 757 tonnes (2009: 708 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.

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7. Fleet and fuel

Mileage and related fuel cost is a significant overhead for both our divisions and a nationwide route 
schedule review was undertaken by Menzies Distribution during 2009. The Menzies Distribution fleet  
has increased slightly from 487 in 2009 to 497 in 2010. The fleet covers cars right through to 44 tonne 
articulated commercial vehicles. The 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.

Menzies Aviation operates a small fleet in comparison to Menzies Distribution. Typically, these are mainly 
off airport activities and include busing, trucking (cargo between airports) and air freight couriering by 
AMI. The division 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. The division also has trucking operations in the USA, South Africa and 
Sweden, most of which are provided through subcontractors. The vehicle fleet undergoes a six-weekly 
maintenance check to ensure optimum engine efficiency.

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Corporate social responsibility

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.

Menzies Distribution 
A key area which Menzies Distribution had undertaken to improve further was its relationship with  
its customers, and 2010 saw the division continue the operation of its ‘Service Pledge’. This 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 standards; and a complaints resolution process. Not content to rest on their laurels,  
the division began a full review at the end of the year which will culminate in the release of a new and 
improved ‘Service Pledge’ in 2011.

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. 

Menzies Aviation 
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 33.8 days (2009: 37.9 days) of purchases from suppliers.

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9. Investment in communities

John Menzies plc is aware that it has community obligations, particularly within the countries and 
localities, where it does business. We have a positive duty to improve the wellbeing of individuals and  
to use our best endeavours to enhance community life. A positive approach to our community relations  
is in the best long-term interests of our Company and of those who work within it. Each year the Group 
Board sets a budget for its charitable activities and a Charities Committee allocates the expenditure.

The Committee will consider nominations for any charitable organisation suggested by the divisions, 
although generally will not make contributions to certain causes or activities including political parties, 
books, research papers or articles in professional journals, religious organisations or anything that 
conflicts with our Ethics Policy.

In 2010, over £50,000 was donated by the Company. Funding is provided via two main routes –  
The Charities Fund and the John M. Menzies Community Fund.

The Charities Fund seeks to provide significant levels of support to a small number of charities nominated 
by each operating division each year, based on the following selection criteria:

•  Efficiency:  

 be involved with charities that are small enough for our donation to make an impact, 
and not be absorbed in administrative costs.

•   Integrity:  

 make donations on a ‘needs-based’ approach rather than ‘taste-based’ approach. 

•  Effectiveness:   charities to have specific aims and to be able to demonstrate how our contribution  

will benefit their cause.

In 2010 over £42,000 was donated via the Charities Fund to a small number of selected organisations 
which the Committee felt matched the investment criteria. These organisations included the Newstraid 
Benevolent Fund which works for individuals in need in the retailing and distribution section of the 
newspaper and magazine publishing industry throughout the UK; Parikrma Humanity Foundation,  
a non-profit organisation that is transforming education for underserved children in urban India; Support  
in Mind Scotland, which works to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people affected by serious 
mental illness; and the Make A Wish Foundation in the USA, which grants a wish every 40 minutes to 
children with life-threatening conditions. 

In addition to the main Charities Fund, employees are actively encouraged to support chosen charities 
through the Community Fund, attendance at events and the ‘Payroll Giving Scheme’ which allows for 
tax-efficient donations to be made to charities. 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 2010, some 30 applications were supported by this Fund to a total of £8,150.

Political donations
It is the Company’s policy not to make political donations and no political donations were made during  
the year (2009: £nil).

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Corporate governance statement 

The Board is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. In June 2010 the 
Financial Reporting Council issued the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 2010 Code), which is  
the product of an extensive review of the Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the 2008 Code). 
As the 2010 code applies to accounting periods beginning on or after 29 June 2010, the 2008 Code 
remains applicable for this report. Under consideration, however, other than the provisions concerning 
committee independence explained below, the Board believes the Company is compliant with the 
principles of both the 2008 Code and the 2010 Code.

1. The Board

1.1 Structure and Leadership
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 which 
have been agreed by the Board. Non-Executive Directors are required to constructively challenge and 
contribute to the strategic development of the Company, and are appointed for an initial term of three 
years. Under the Articles, any Director who was not appointed or reappointed at one of the two preceding 
AGMs is required to retire from office and offer themselves for re-election. 

The role of the Chairman has also been agreed by the Board and is to lead the Board, lead strategic 
discussions between the Board, ensuring accurate, clear and timely information is available to all 
Directors, and to be available to the Executive Directors to discuss any concerns or issues that they may 
have. He ensures that sufficient time is made available for discussion of items at Board meetings, and 
develops an atmosphere which encourages active participation by the Board. The Chairman ensures that 
risk and long-term shareholder value remain a key focus for the executive team. The role of the executive 
team is to implement on a day-to-day basis the strategy for their division that has been agreed by the 
Board. They are also expected to report regularly to the Board the issues that are happening within their 
business, and their proposed resolutions when problems occur. 

On his appointment as Chairman in May 2010, Iain Napier had been a Non-Executive Director of the 
business for 20 months and was considered independent. There are three other independent Non-
Executive Directors (Eric Born, Ian Harley and Octavia Morley), 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.

1.2 Accountability
The Board met nine times in 2010 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, and the Divisional Operating 
Boards. 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. 

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 Remuneration 
and Audit Committees both have four members, three of whom are independent Non-Executive 
Directors, and the Nomination Committee has three members, two of whom are independent  
Non-Executive Directors. The Chairmen of the Audit and Remuneration Committees are chosen from 
Directors who are independent under the terms of the 2008 Code, whilst the Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee is also Chairman of the Board. 

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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. 

1.3 Appointments and retrials 
William Thomson retired from the Board following the AGM held in May 2010 and was replaced as 
Chairman by Iain Napier. David Coltman has confirmed to the Board that he will retire as a Director 
following the AGM in May 2011. 

Eric Born was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 22 September 2010. Having been appointed 
since the last AGM, and in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association (the ‘Articles’),  
Eric will stand for appointment at the Company’s AGM in May 2011. 

The 2008 Code requires that for companies of our size, Non-Executive Directors serving for more than 
nine years offer themselves up for annual re-election. The Company’s Articles also require that Directors 
must retire by rotation where they have not been appointed or reappointed at one of the two preceding 
AGMs. The Directors who therefore retire and, being eligible, offer themselves for reappointment at the 
AGM are Paul Dollman, Dermot Jenkinson and Ian Harrison.

Paul Dollman was appointed Group Finance Director in 2002 and assumed additional responsibility for  
the corporate head office in 2007. He is a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Amicable Life Association 
Society. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1982 with Price Waterhouse and his financial career 
has included being Finance Director with William Grant & Sons Ltd, Inveresk plc and Maddox Group plc. 
He also sits on both the Operating Boards for Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution. 

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. These two Directors also represent the interests of the Menzies family, who collectively 
are our major shareholder. 

Eric Born was appointed a Non-Executive Director in September 2010 and is a member of the Audit 
Committee. He became Chief Executive at Wincanton plc in December 2010, having previously been 
Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this he was Group Senior Vice President & President West/South Europe 
at GateGroup, the global provider of onboard services and products to the passenger airline industry, and 
has also held senior roles in the retail industry. Fluent in English, German and French, he holds an MBA 
from Simon Graduate School of Business and a BBA from the University of Applied Science in Zurich.

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 reappointment of Paul Dollman, Dermot Jenkinson and Ian Harrison  
and the appointment of Eric Born. 

1.4 Independence
On his appointment as Chairman in May 2010, Iain Napier had been a Non-Executive Director of the 
business for 20 months and was considered independent. 

There are three other independent Non-Executive Directors, (Eric Born, Ian Harley and Octavia Morley) 
which is in excess of the minimum number of two recommended by Corporate Governance guidelines  
for a company of our size.

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. 

Three of the four members on each of the Audit and Remuneration Committees are independent, 
including the Chairmen of these Committees. The Nomination Committee only had one independent 
member during the period and in this respect is not fully compliant with the 2008 Code. Following the 

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

37

Corporate governance statement

AGM in May 2011, David Coltman will retire from the Board and will be replaced by Ian Harley on the 
Nomination Committee.

1.5 Senior Independent Director
David Coltman has been Senior Independent Director since May 2006. He will retire from the Board 
following the Annual General Meeting in May 2011, and will be replaced as Senior Independent Director 
by Ian Harley, who has been on the Board since February 2009. Ian has indicated that he has sufficient 
time available to meet with shareholders and other stakeholders where required, and will be available 
where discussions with either the Chairman or the Executive Directors are not appropriate. He is 
Chairman of various organisations including the Rentokil Initial Pension Trustees Ltd, the Court of 
Governors of the Whitgift Foundation and is a Director of South London Church Fund and Southwark 
Diocesan Board of Finance. Ian has significant financial and boardroom experience, and previously held  
a variety of posts in the Finance, Retail Banking and Wholesale Banking Divisions of Abbey National, 
spending nine years on their Board as Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer. He is a Fellow  
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and a Fellow and Past President of the Institute of Bankers,  
and the Board believes he possesses the necessary skills to be Senior Independent Director.

1.6 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. 

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 as Chairman and, during 2010, the Board 
followed this procedure to identify Eric Born as a new Non-Executive Director. 

1.7 Board performance evaluation
The Board is supportive of the principles and provisions of the 2008 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 last 
used in 2008 to undertake a rigorous process of performance evaluation of the Board and its members. 
Therefore, in 2010 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. 

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 2010 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 a meeting 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 2010 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. It also identified some small areas  
of improvement in the Board’s strategic analysis.

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1.8 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.

1.9 Directors’ indemnity
Under the Articles, the Directors are indemnified to the fullest extent permissible under the Companies 
Act 2006. The indemnity provisions in respect of Directors’ indemnification were in force throughout  
the last financial year and remain 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. 

1.10 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 each financial 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 will also be available to answer questions from any shareholder at the Meeting. Full details  
of proxy votes cast on each resolution will be 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.

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2. Board Committees

Board and Committee meetings and attendance in 2010:

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

* Appointments and retirals: 

W Thomson retired on 21 May 2010. 
E Born was appointed on 22 September 2010.

Board 

Audit 
Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Nomination 
Committee

9 
9/9 
2/3 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
9/9 
3/3 

3 
1/3 

3/3 
3/3 

3/3 

4 
4/4 

2/2 

3/4 

4/4 

2
1/1

1/2

2/2

1/1

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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Corporate governance statement

2.1 Nomination Committee
Composition:

Name  

I Napier 
D Jenkinson  
D Coltman  
W Thomson  

Title  

  Attendance

  Chairman 
  Member 
  Member  
– 

1/1
2/2
1/2
1/1

Changes during year: 
William Thomson retired on 21 May 2010 and was replaced on the Committee by Iain Napier.

The Nomination Committee has terms of reference modelled closely on those set out in the 2008 Code 
and its responsibilities include recommending new Board appointments and succession planning. A copy 
of its 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 2010, the Nomination 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 Eric Born as a Non-Executive Director.

2.2 Remuneration Committee
Composition: 

Name  

O Morley  
I Harley 
D Jenkinson  
I Napier 

Changes during year: 
I Harley was appointed a member on 21 May 2010.

Title  

  Attendance

  Chairman  
  Member  
  Member  
  Member  

4/4
2/2
3/4
4/4

The Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 47 to 55 details the role of the Remuneration 
Committee and how the principles of the 2008 Code relating to Directors’ remuneration have been 
applied. 

2.3 Audit Committee
Composition:

Name  

I Harley  
I Harrison  
O Morley  
I Napier  

Title  

  Attendance

  Chairman  
  Member  
  Member  
  Member  

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

Eric Born became a member of the Audit Committee in January 2011.

The Audit Committee (the ‘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 2008 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. It is a 
requirement that at least one Committee member has suitable financial experience and Ian Harley, who  
is a qualified accountant, has been identified as meeting this requirement. A copy of the Committee’s 
terms of reference is available on the Company’s website. The Committee has delegated authority from 
the Board for ensuring adherence to the 2008 Code provisions and related guidance concerning the 
following matters:

•  monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and reviewing significant accounting policies, 

judgements and estimates contained within them;

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Directors’ report and business review

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  reviewing the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems, including control  

over financial reporting;

•  reviewing the effectiveness of the internal audit function, including the business risk register;

•  reviewing the Group’s policies and practices concerning business conduct, ethics and integrity and 

whistleblowing; and

•  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 2010 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 the draft annual report (including the statements on internal control and the 
work of the Committee) and associated business review, and interim results announcements made by 
the Company. This aspect of its work focused on key accounting policies and estimates and judgements, 
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, 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.

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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. It also reviewed and approved the audit plan, as well as the findings of the external auditors from  
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. 

During 2010, audit fees amounted to approximately £0.5m, whilst non-audit fees to Ernst & Young 
amounted to approximately £0.5m. All non-audit work is put out to tender, and non-audit fees paid to 
Ernst & Young are reported regularly to the Group Finance Director, who reports any significant payments 
or awards of work to the Committee. The Committee believes that the level and scope of these non-audit 
services does not impair the objectivity of the Company’s auditors. 

In 2009 the Group changed auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers to Ernst & Young. At that time,  
Ernst & Young were providing non-audit services to the Group, such as due diligence and the Group’s  
tax affairs. The Group made its decision to move to Ernst & Young following a tendering exercise, and  
the contract was awarded to Ernst & Young on the basis of cost, expertise and ability to audit the Group’s 
worldwide activities. The Committee was satisfied that, in accepting the position of Statutory Auditor, 
Ernst & Young would be able to remain independent and objective. The work undertaken for the Group  
by the audit team is handled by a different partner from the tax and other non-audit services, and is 
managed out of a separate office.

As part of its review of the effectiveness of the external auditors, the Committee keeps under review 
their objectivity and independence, 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. 

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Corporate governance statement

To ensure compliance the Audit Committee reviewed the remuneration received by the Company’s 
auditors for audit services, audit-related services and non-audit work. These reviews ensure a balance  
of objectivity, value for money and compliance with their duties. The outcome of these reviews was  
that performance of the relevant non-audit work by our Auditors was the most cost-effective way of 
conducting our business and that no conflicts of interest existed between such audit and non-audit  
work. These reviews enabled the Audit Committee to confirm that we continue to receive an efficient, 
effective and independent audit service.

2.4 Divisional Operating Boards
The Operating Boards of both Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution consist of senior executives 
from within each division, together with the Division’s 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 along with the Chairman and Company 
Secretary. The meetings provide a forum for evaluating Group monthly performance as well as an 
opportunity 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 14 and the Menzies Distribution Operating 
Board is shown on page 18.

3. 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 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.

In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8: Accounting Polices, Changes in  

Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply them consistently;

•   present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, 

comparable and understandable information;

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs 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

•  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.

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Directors’ report and business review

3.1 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: 

•   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

•  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.

3.2 Disclosure of information to and appointment of 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 reappoint Ernst & Young as auditors to the Company and to authorise the Board to agree 
their remuneration will be proposed at the AGM.

4. 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 2010 and up until the date of this report, 
except that it did not apply to the Group’s material joint ventures.

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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:

4.1 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. Each Operating Board has also adopted a Corporate Governance 
Manual detailing its controls in implementing these Policies and Procedures. Certain activities,  
including treasury, taxation, insurance, pension and legal matters are controlled centrally with reports 
reviewed by the Board as appropriate.

4.2 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.

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

43

Corporate governance statement

Further details on how the Board manages business risks are shown on pages 20 and 21, and stakeholder 
risks in particular are summarised in the Corporate Social Responsibility report on pages 30 to 35.

5. Shareholder information

5.1 Directors share interests
Directors interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company were as follows:

I Napier 
E Born* 
D Coltman 
P Dollman 
I Harley 
I Harrison 

D Jenkinson 

D McIntosh 
O Morley 
C Smyth 
W Thomson* 

Beneficial 

Beneficial 
Beneficial 
Beneficial 
Beneficial 
Non-beneficial 
See-note# 
Beneficial 
Non-beneficial 
See-note# 
Beneficial 

Beneficial 
Beneficial 

  31 Dec 2010 

5,000 
– 
35,000 
88,077 
4,000 
  2,122,832 
  402,500 
– 
  2,098,360 
  3,570,360 
– 
17,524 
– 
31,352 
n/a 

  31 Dec 2009 
(or date of  
  appointment)

5,000
–
35,000
75,000
2,000
  2,362,320
  415,000
  1,257,445
  2,098,360
  3,570,360
  1,257,445
11,108
–
54,810
14,000

#Note: These holdings were joint potential beneficial interests.  
*W Thomson retired on 21 May 2010. 
*E Born was appointed on 22 September 2010.

In addition to the above holdings, Iain Napier 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. There have been no subsequent changes to these interests as at 7 March 2011.

5.2 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 7 March 2011.

D C Thomson 
Mr D Ramsay 
Mrs P Menzies 
Mrs K Slater 
Mrs S Speke 

Number of  
Ordinary Shares 

  % Ordinary  
  Share Capital

5,190,000 
2,589,878 
2,529,650 
2,396,552 
2,254,920 

 8.71
4.34
4.24
4.02
3.78

5.3 Share capital and structure
The Company has two classes of shares: Ordinary Shares and 9% Cumulative Preference Shares.  
As at 31 December 2010 the Company had an issued share capital of £16,821,131 comprising 1,735,938 
9% cumulative preference shares of £1 each and 60,340,773 Ordinary Shares of 25p each. Of these 
60,340,773 Ordinary Shares, 707,406 were held as Treasury Shares, leaving 59,633,367 Ordinary Shares 
counted for total voting rights purposes. 

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.

44 

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Directors’ report and business review

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.4 Transfer of shares
There is no restriction on the transfer of shares in the Company, other than as contained in the  
Company’s Articles. Subject to the Articles and the Market Rules and the requirements of the UK Listing 
Authority, the Directors may refuse to register a transfer of a certificated share which is not fully paid 
provided that this power will not be exercised so as to disturb the market in the shares. 

5.5 Voting rights
Deadlines for exercising voting rights and appointing a proxy or proxies to vote on resolutions to be 
passed at the AGM on 20 May 2011 are specified in the Notice of AGM. Every ordinary shareholder 
present in person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Company shall on a show of hands have  
one vote unless in the case of the latter he has been appointed by more than one shareholder and has 
received instructions to vote both in favour of and against the same resolution in which case he will  
have one vote against that resolution and one vote for. 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, each holder shall have  
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.

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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 persons other than the holders of its ordinary shares  
or 9% cumulative preference shares. The Company is not aware of any agreement between holders  
of its securities which may result in restrictions on the transfer of its securities or on voting rights.

5.6 Allotment and issue of shares
The Directors are, by shareholder resolutions passed at the AGM of the Company on 21 May 2010, 
generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the 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, 
up to an aggregate nominal amount of £5,017,825. The Directors are also empowered to allot equity 
securities (within the meaning of Section 560 of the 2006 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 £10,035,650. Such 
authority and power expire at the Company’s AGM being held on 20 May 2011, unless previously 
revoked, varied or renewed.

It is proposed that such authority and powers be renewed by shareholder resolutions at the  
Company’s forthcoming AGM, but without prejudice to the exercise of any such authority prior to the  
date of such resolutions.

5.7 Purchase of own shares
The Company is, by shareholder resolution passed at the AGM of the Company on 21 May 2010, 
authorised to purchase up to 6,021,390 of its own ordinary shares at a maximum price the higher of 
(i) 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 
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 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 will be  
carried out, and that the minimum price that may be paid is 25p per share. 

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

45

Corporate governance statement

The Company is also, by shareholder resolution passed at the AGM of the Company on 21 May 2010, 
authorised to purchase up to 1,394,587 9% cumulative preference shares at a maximum price the higher 
of (i) 110% of the average of the middle market quotations for such 9% cumulative preference shares  
of the Company as derived from the London Stock Exchange 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 a 9% cumulative preference share  
in the Company on the trading venues where the market purchases by the Company will be carried out, 
and that the minimum price that may be paid is £1 per share. 

These authorities expire at the AGM on 20 May 2011 and it is proposed that these authorities and powers 
be renewed by shareholder resolution at the Company’s forthcoming AGM, but without prejudice to the 
exercise of any such authorities prior to the date of such resolutions.

5.8 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 any Director so appointed 
will hold office only until the next following AGM and shall then be eligible for reappointment. If not 
reappointed at such meeting, such a Director will vacate office at its conclusion, except where a 
resolution is passed to appoint someone in his or her place (other than with effect from a time later than 
the conclusion of the meeting) or a resolution for his or her reappointment is put to the meeting and lost 
(in either which case the retirement takes effect from the passing of the relevant resolution). 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.

5.9 Retirement by rotation
At each AGM of the Company the following Directors shall retire and be eligible for reappointment  
(i) as detailed above, any Director appointed since the last AGM as an additional Director or to fill a 
vacancy; (ii) any Director who was not appointed or reappointed at one of the preceding two AGMs.

5.10 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, 
or the Company’s website, www.johnmenziesplc.com. 

5.11 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.

46 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

Report on Directors’ remuneration 

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

Following the Annual General Meeting in May 2010 and in accordance with best practice, Iain Napier stood 
down as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee (the Committee) when he became Chairman of the 
Board and was replaced by Octavia Morley. Ian Harley was also appointed as a Member of the Committee 
and the Company Secretary is the secretary of the Committee. 

Members of the Committee have no personal financial interest (other than as shareholders) in the matters  
to be decided by the Committee 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 2008 Code, which are displayed on the Company’s website.

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
Advice sought from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 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.

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Committee evaluation
The Board extended its annual 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 2010 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.

Annual General Meeting
A resolution to approve this report on Directors’ remuneration will be tabled at the 2011 AGM. The Chairman 
of the Committee will be available to answer questions from shareholders on this 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 looking at 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. These salaries are used as the basis for determining the quantum of 
awards under all the other plans offered. 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.

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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 Report on Directors’ remuneration

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 2008 Code. The Committee also 
determines the extent to which all performance targets are met.

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 rewarded where 
the objectives set have been exceeded, as well as Executive Directors’ individual targets as set by the Board.

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 incentive plans 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. 

Distribution of remuneration (% of total)

Threshold performance

Stretch performance

2010 64

2009

54

16

20

20

26

2010 34

2009 26

25

41

16

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.

Remuneration package
In 2009 the Committee reviewed the executive remuneration package offered and for 2010 onwards updated 
the package to reflect current best practice. The new package covers five key areas and uses the individuals’ 
basic salary as the basis for any awards under any of the other plans.

1. Shareholding
The Remuneration Committee has asked each Executive Director to build up a shareholding valued at 150% 
of their base salary within five years. This target is reviewed annually by the Committee, and the current 
shareholding for Executive Directors is shown on page 44.

2. Basic salary and benefits
Salaries are reviewed annually, on appointment, or on change in position or responsibility. Base salaries  
form the basis for all additional performance and non-performance related incentive awards. Therefore in 
conducting annual reviews of the Executive Directors’ salaries, the Committee considers internal and external 
factors, including 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.

48 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

In addition to salary, the Executive Directors may receive additional benefits covering car allowance, private 
medical insurance and life cover. Craig Smyth and David McIntosh 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 small mortgage subsidy payment.

The basic salaries for the Executive Directors for the year are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration table on 
page 53. Annual salary reviews take place in March each year, with any increase implemented from 1 May. 

3. 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 maximum annual bonus is 75% of base salary, split on the following basis:

Cash element 

 Share element

15% – Key Result Area (KRA) 

40% Cash payment 

 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.

The Key Result Area (KRA) element will only be payable should 95% of the threshold target be met. 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 2010 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.

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For the year 2010, bonuses were calculated as follows and are payable on 24 March 2011: 

Name 

Measure 

P Dollman(1) 

D McIntosh 

C Smyth 

Group PBT 
Aviation EBIT 
Distribution EBIT 
Key Result Areas (KRAs) 
Distribution EBIT 
Key Result Areas (KRAs) 
Aviation EBIT 
Key Result Areas (KRAs) 

Threshold 
target 

£38.0m 
£16.5m 
£30.6m 

Stretch 
target 

£41.8m 
£19.0m 
£33.0m 

£30.6m 

£33.0m 

Achieved 

Cash 
element 

Shares 
element

£45.0m  £134,178 
£24.6m 
£28.8m 
100% 
£28.8m 
n/a 

Nil 

£43,014

Nil

£16.5m 

£19.0m 

£24.6m  £150,150 

£60,000

67% 

(1) The targets relating to P Dollman’s bonus are split equally between Group performance, Menzies Aviation EBIT and Menzies Distribution EBIT.

4. Bonus Co-Investment Plan
Under the Bonus Co-Investment Plan (‘BCIP’) Executive Directors are invited to invest up to 40% of any cash 
bonus (net of tax) into the BCIP. From 2010 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. In previous years, awards had been made on a 2:1 basis. 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. 

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Report on Directors’ remuneration

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 for 2010 at 6% or above. In previous years, the stretch 
level had been set 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 below. The total plan 
summary is included in Note 20, on page 95. 

An award made in 2007 had a performance period ended December 2009. 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 during 2010. The award made in 2008 had a performance period ended December 2010.  
The real per annum growth in EPS for that period was above the threshold levels and therefore the award  
will vest in March 2011.

P Dollman 
D McIntosh 
C Smyth 

31 Dec 
2009 

29,378 
13,332 
40,012 

Granted 
during 
year 

20,448 
10,847 
11,177 

Market 
price of 
award (p) 

342.5 
342.5  
342.5 

Lapsed 
during 
year 

5,586 
– 
19,366 

31 Dec 
2010

44,240
24,179
31,823

5. Long-Term Incentive Plans
2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan (the “2007 Plan”) 
In 2009, following external advice and a market review, the Committee, resolved that, in keeping with best 
practice, the value of any awards under the 2007 Plan from 2010 onwards should be limited to one times  
the individual’s salary in Ordinary Shares.

Executive Directors may be awarded a number of conditional shares under the 2007 Plan as determined  
by the Committee. Attached to any award is a three-year performance period with appropriate targets.  
From 2010, targets will for Divisional Managing Directors will be based 75% on the Group performance,  
and 25% of their award set on their own division’s performance measured using Divisional Financial Results 
(DFR). The 2007 Plan therefore aligns each divisional Director to the performance of both the Group and 
future divisional profitability and is appropriate given the structure of the Group to incentivise each Divisional 
Managing Director. Performance conditions are reviewed for each cycle of the plan.

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 
2008 had a performance period ended December 2010, and the performance targets are disclosed below. 
Craig Smyth was the only Executive Director to participate in this award, and his DFR was based on Menzies 
Aviation Operating Profit. As the DFR for this award has not been achieved this award will lapse during 2011. 

2008 Award – DFR Measure 

Aviation
Operating profit 
Distribution
Operating profit 
Reduction in operating costs 
Income from new revenue streams 

Threshold 
target 

Stretch 
target 

2010 
Result

£30.0m 

£35.0m 

£24.6m

£23.0m 
£3.0m 
£4.0m 

£27.0m 
£5.0m 
£7.5m 

£28.8m
£4.5m
£5.6m

50 

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Directors’ report and business review

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Awards made to Executive Directors under the 2007 Plan in 2010 are shown below:

P Dollman  
D McIntosh  
C Smyth 

31 Dec 
2009 

– 
– 
70,000 

Granted 
during 
year 

91,662 
65,789 
87,719 

Market 
Price of 
award (p) 

Lapsed 
during 
year 

31 Dec 
2010

342  
342  
342 

– 
– 

91,662
65,789
35,000  122,719

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.

  Granted  Exercised 
during 

31 Dec 
2009 

during 
year 

  Market 
price at 
date of 
year  exercise 

P Dollman 

D McIntosh 

510 
67  
1,684  
910  

67  
1,684  
910  

C Smyth 

2,123  

– 
– 
–  
– 
415 
– 
–  
–  
415  
–  

510 

–  
–  
–  

395  
67  461.5  
–  
–  
–  
67  461.5  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

Lapsed 
during 
year 

Gain/ 
(loss) 

31 Dec  Exercise 
Price 

2010 

Exercisable 
from 

Exercisable 
to

–  £240  
£6  
– 
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
–  
£6  
– 
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
–  

– 
– 
1,684 
910 
415 
– 
1,684 
910 
415 
2,123 

348  01/12/2009  01/06/2010
452  01/12/2010  01/06/2011
285  01/12/2011  01/06/2012
279  01/12/2012  01/06/2013
355  01/12/2013  01/06/2014
452  01/12/2010  01/06/2011
285  01/12/2011  01/06/2012
279  01/12/2012  01/06/2013
355  01/12/2013  01/06/2014
452  01/12/2010  01/06/2011

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Previous Incentive Plans
2005 Performance Share Plan (the “2005 PSP”)
Under the 2005 PSP 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 2005 PSP rules allow the Remuneration 
Committee to select and amend appropriate performance criteria for future awards.

In 2010, 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 below. The award of conditional 
shares made in 2007 which had a performance period from January 2007 to December 2009 lapsed during 
the period with the performance criteria not being met. The only other award was made in 2008 with a 
performance period ending December 2010. The performance criteria for this award has not been achieved, 
and this award will also lapse during 2011. 

It is not the intention of the Committee to issue any further awards under this plan. 

P Dollman 
D McIntosh  
C Smyth 

31 Dec 
2009 

105,000  
–  
35,000  

Granted 
during 
year 

– 
–  
–  

Lapsed 
during 
year 

35,000 
–  
– 

31 Dec 
2010

70,000
–
35,000

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Report on Directors’ remuneration

2009 Performance Share Plan (the “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 2009 PSP  
are shown below:

P Dollman 
D McIntosh 
C Smyth 

31 Dec 
2009 

450,000  
337,500  
450,000  

Granted 
during 
year 

Lapsed 
during 
year 

31 Dec 
2010

–  
–  
–  

– 
– 
– 

450,000
337,500
450,000

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 below, 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. 

P Dollman 

C Smyth 

31 Dec 
2009 

Lapsed 
during year 

31 Dec 
2010 

Exercise 
price (p) 

Exercisable 
from 

Exercisable 
to

196,048  
58,714  
5,000 
43,062  

– 
– 
5,000  
– 

196,048 
58,714 
– 
43,062 

329  08/11/2005  07/11/2012
418  07/05/2007  06/05/2014
348  28/01/2003  27/01/2010
418  07/05/2007  06/05/2014

52 

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Directors’ report and business review

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Directors
P Dollman 
D McIntosh 
C Smyth 

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

Non-Executive Directors
E Born 
D Coltman 
I Harley 
I Harrison 
D Jenkinson 
O Morley 

22/09/2010 
21/05/2010 
21/05/2009 
21/05/2010 
21/05/2010 
21/05/2009 

Directors’ emoluments

Salary/fees 

Benefits 

Bonus 

Incentive Plans 

Date of appointment 
(resignation) 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

Total

2009 
£’000

Chairman
I Napier(1) 

21/05/2009 

118 

37  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

118 

37

318 
238 
300 

313 
188 
300 

14 
39 
50 

14 
22  
49 

177 
– 
210 

177  
102 
193  

–  
69 
–  

– 
68 
– 

509 
346 
560 

504
380
542

10  
51 
41 
37 
37 
39 

–  
51  
34  
35  
35  
35  

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
– 
– 

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
29  
– 

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
– 

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
– 

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
–  
– 

10  
51 
41 
37 
37 
39 

–
51
34
35
35
35

64 
– 
– 

164
210
15

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Former Directors
W Thomson 
E Watson 
I Robertson 

(21/05/2010) 
(24/07/2009)  
(21/05/2009) 

64 
– 
– 

164  
181  
15 

  1,253  1,388 

103 

114 

387 

472 

69 

68  1,812  2,042

(1) I Napier became chairman on 21 May 2010.

Service contracts
The Executive Directors have service contracts with the Company, the dates of which are listed above. 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.

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 (2009: £31,800) (Scottish Amicable Life Association Society)

Payments to outgoing Directors
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.

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Report on Directors’ remuneration

Non-Executive Directors
Appointment & Service Contracts
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. 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. From May 2010, the fees paid were:

Basic payment  
Committee Chairmanship  
Committee membership  
SID fee  

£36,000 
£6,000 
£2,500 
£14,061

Performance graph
The following graph compares the Company’s total shareholder return for the five years to December 2010 
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.

200

150

100

50

0

2005

Menzies 
FTSE250 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Share price
The market price for shares in John Menzies plc ranged from 296.5p to 510p during the year and was  
472.5p at 31 December 2010.

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 
‘scheme earnings cap’ if lower, together with additional benefits as detailed below. Pensionable earnings are 
based on salary excluding bonuses. 

Unfunded arrangement
The pensionable salary of Paul Dollman is restricted as a consequence of the ‘scheme earnings cap’. He has 
an unfunded pension undertaking from the Company to provide in total the same level of pension as if the 
‘scheme earnings cap’ did not apply. This entitlement is effective from his date of appointment as a Director. 

54 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Directors’ report and business review

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Craig Smyth, and David McIntosh 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 of 
total 
accrued 
pension 
at start of 
the period 
£’000 

531.5 
732.1 
504.9 
738.0 

Increase in 
accrued 
pension 
during 
year (net 
of inflation) 
£’000 

4.7 
5.2 
2.9 
2.5 

Total 
accrued 
pensions 
at start of 
the period 
£’000 

30.2 
41.6 
39.2 
49.4 

Name 

P Dollman(1) 
P Dollman(2) 
C Smyth 
D McIntosh 

Age 

54 
54 
43 
47 

Notes:
(1) The funded portion of P Dollman’s benefits.
(2) The unfunded portion of P Dollman’s benefits.

Transfer 
value of 
increases 
at 31 Dec 
2010 (net of 
inflation and 
Director’s 
2010  contributions) 
£’000 
£’000 

Total 
accrued 
pension at 
31 Dec 

Statutory 
revaluation 
£’000 

Transfer 
value 
of total 
accrued 

31 Dec 
2010 
£’000 

Director’s 
pension at  contributions 
during the 

Increases 
in value 
of pension 
during 
the period 
(net of 
Director’s 
period  contributions) 
£’000
£’000 

1.4 
2.0 
1.8 
2.3 

36.4 
48.8 
43.9 
54.3 

59.7 
94.1 
27.1 
28.0 

654.5 
879.1  
575.1 
827.8 

24.9 
– 
10.7 
10.7 

98.1
147.0
59.5
79.1

(a)  Accrued pension entitlements are the amounts which would be paid at normal retirement date if the 

Director left service as at 31 December 2010, 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)  The transfer values have been calculated in accordance with the Trustee’s agreed method for cash 

equivalent transfer values. The ‘transfer value of increase’ figure is influenced by a number of factors, 
including the level of contributions paid, the age of the Director and the benefit structure and, as such,  
can differ substantially given similar increases in accrued pension.

(d)  The total of the transfer values for unfunded pension entitlements as above, held on the Company’s 
balance sheet at 31 December 2010 for current and former Directors, calculated on an IAS 19 basis, 
totalled £1,277,861 (2009: £1,139,012), from which annual pensions of £19,083 (2009: £18,527)  
were paid to former Directors.

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By order of the Board 
J F A Geddes 
Group Company Secretary 
7 March 2011

Directors’ report and business review 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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 2010 
which comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group 
and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Group and Company Statement of Cash Flows, the Group and 
Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity and the related notes 1 to 27. 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 auditor
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 and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

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:

•  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 2010 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union; 

•  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

•  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 2010 

Financial statements

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

•  The part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance 

with the Companies Act 2006; 

•  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

•  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:

•  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

•  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

•  Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

•  We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

•  A Corporate Governance Statement has not been prepared by the Company.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  The Directors’ statement, set out on page 28, in relation to going concern;

•  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; and

•  Certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors’ remuneration.

Hywel Ball (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
Edinburgh 
7 March 2011

Notes:

1. The maintenance and integrity of the John Menzies plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the 
work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the 
auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since 
they were initially presented on the website.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 

differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

57

 
 
 
Group income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (year ended 31 December 2009)

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 
Associate goodwill impairment 
Contract amortisation 
Share of interest on joint  
ventures and associates 
Share of tax on joint  
ventures and associates 

Operating profit after joint  
ventures and associates 

Finance income 
Finance charges 
Other finance charges – pensions 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit for the year 

5(a) 
5(b) 
5(b) 

7 
7 
4 

8 

Attributable to equity shareholders 
Attributable to non-controlling interests   

Before  

  exceptional   Exceptional 
and other 
items 
£m 

and other  
 items 
£m 

Notes 

Before 

2010 
Total 
£m 

exceptional  Exceptional 
and other 
items 
£m 

and other 
items 
£m 

2009 
Total 
£m

2 
3 

2 

1,837.6  
(1,796.7) 

40.9  

–  
(3.2) 

(3.2) 

1,837.6  
(1,799.9) 

1,725.7  
(1,692.1) 

37.7  

33.6  

–  
(9.3) 

(9.3) 

1,725.7 
(1,701.4)

24.3 

11.3  

(4.1) 

7.2  

9.8  

(3.9) 

5.9 

2  

52.2  

(7.3) 

44.9  

43.4  

(13.2) 

30.2 

52.2  
–  
–  
–  

–  

–  

52.2  

1.1  
(6.9) 
(1.4) 

45.0  
(10.9) 

34.1  

34.0  
0.1  

34.1  

–  
0.1  
(1.8) 
(3.3) 

52.2  
0.1  
(1.8) 
(3.3) 

0.2  

0.2  

(2.5) 

(2.5) 

43.4  
–  
–  
–  

–  

–  

–  
(6.0) 
(1.8) 
(3.3) 

43.4 
(6.0)
(1.8)
(3.3)

–  

– 

(2.1) 

(2.1)

(7.3) 

–  
(0.2) 
–  

(7.5) 
1.6  

(5.9) 

(5.9) 
–  

(5.9) 

44.9  

1.1  
(7.1) 
(1.4) 

37.5  
(9.3) 

28.2  

28.1  
0.1  

28.2  

43.4  

(13.2) 

0.6  
(7.0) 
(1.8) 

35.2  
(9.3) 

25.9  

25.9  
–  

25.9  

–  
–  
–  

(13.2) 
2.6  

(10.6) 

(10.6) 
–  

(10.6) 

30.2 

0.6 
(7.0)
(1.8)

22.0 
(6.7)

15.3 

15.3 
– 

15.3 

Earnings per ordinary share 
Basic 
Diluted 

10 

57.9p  
57.7p  

(10.0)p 
(10.0)p 

47.8p  
47.7p  

43.8p  
43.8p  

(17.9)p 
(17.9)p 

25.8p 
25.8p 

* 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 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Group statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (year ended 31 December 2009)

Profit for the year 

Actuarial gain/(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 

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Attributable to equity shareholders 
Attributable to non-controlling interests 

Notes 

4 

2010 
£m 

28.2  

29.5  
–  
(8.8) 
–  
–  
6.2  

26.9  

55.1  

55.0  
0.1  

55.1  

2009 
£m

15.3 

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

(38.7)

(23.4)

(23.4)
– 

(23.4)

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company balance sheets
as at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009)

Company Name: John Menzies plc 
Company Number: SC34970

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments accounted using the equity method 
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 
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 shareholders’ equity 
Non-controlling interest in equity 

Total equity 

Notes 

2010 
£m 

Group 

2009 
£m 

Company

2009 
£m

2010 
£m 

11 
12 
13 
16 
19 

14 
13 
16 

16 
16 
15 

19 

16 
15 
16 
19 
4 

20 

9 
24 

100.5  
128.2  
41.7  
–  
11.0  

281.4  

13.6  
165.9  
–  
1.3  
26.6  

207.4  

100.5  
140.8  
41.8  
0.1  
19.9  

303.1  

12.0  
158.9  
1.4  
2.5  
31.5  

206.3  

–  
30.7  
292.7  
–  
8.6  

332.0  

–  
205.6  
–  
1.3  
8.4  

215.3  

(60.5) 
(2.5) 
(205.9) 
(13.4) 
(3.3) 

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

(285.6) 

(227.3) 

(60.2) 
(2.5) 
(273.7) 
–  
–  

(336.4) 

(78.2) 

203.2  

(21.0) 

(121.1) 

282.1  

210.9  

(63.2) 
(1.9) 
(0.7) 
(3.8) 
(47.8) 

(150.1) 
(1.3) 
(1.3) 
(5.3) 
(84.5) 

(63.1) 
(5.1) 
(0.7) 
–  
(47.8) 

– 
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)

(117.4) 

(242.5) 

(116.7) 

(235.9)

85.8  

39.6  

94.2  

83.1 

15.1  
16.3  
(5.9) 
(0.9) 
39.5  
21.6  

85.7  
0.1  

85.8  

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

39.6  
–  

39.6  

15.1  
16.3  
–  
(0.9) 
42.1  
21.6  

94.2  
–  

94.2  

15.1 
15.8 
– 
(0.9)
31.5 
21.6 

83.1 
– 

83.1 

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 7 March 2011 and signed on its behalf by:

Iain Napier 
Chairman 

Paul Dollman
Group Finance Director

60 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company statement of changes in equity
as at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009)

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 2009 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

New share capital issued 
Share-based payments 
Dividends paid 
Repurchase of own shares 

15.1  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

15.8  
–  
–  

–  

0.5  
–  
–  
–  

At 31 December 2010 

15.1  

16.3  

At 31 December 2008 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 
Share-based payments 

15.1  
–  
–  

–  
–  

15.8  
–  
–  

–  
–  

(3.3) 
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  
(2.6) 

(5.9) 

(3.3) 
–  
–  

–  
–  

At 31 December 2009 

15.1  

15.8  

(3.3) 

Company 
At 31 December 2009 
Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

New share capital issued 
Share-based payments 
Dividends paid 

15.1  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

15.8  
–  
–  

–  

0.5  
–  
–  

At 31 December 2010 

15.1  

16.3  

At 31 December 2008 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

15.1  
–  
–  

–  

15.8  
–  
–  

–  

At 31 December 2009 

15.1  

15.8  

–  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

–  

–  

(0.9) 
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

(8.7) 
28.2  
26.9  

55.1  

–  
0.8  
(7.7) 
–  

21.6  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

Total 
£m

39.6 
28.2 
26.9 

55.1 

0.5 
0.8 
(7.7)
(2.6)

(0.9) 

39.5  

21.6  

85.7 

–  
–  
(0.9) 

(0.9) 
–  

(0.9) 

(0.9) 
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

13.4  
15.3  
(37.8) 

(22.5) 
0.4  

(8.7) 

31.5  
(2.6) 
20.7  

18.1  

–  
0.2  
(7.7) 

21.6  
–  
–  

–  
–  

21.6  

21.6  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

62.6 
15.3 
(38.7)

(23.4)
0.4 

39.6 

83.1 
(2.6)
20.7 

18.1 

0.5 
0.2 
(7.7)

(0.9) 

42.1  

21.6  

94.2 

–  
–  
(0.9) 

(0.9) 

(0.9) 

4.2  
63.4  
(36.1) 

27.3  

31.5  

21.6  
–  
–  

–  

21.6  

56.7 
63.4 
(37.0)

26.4 

83.1

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61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group and Company statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (year ended 31 December 2009)

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Tax paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Investment in joint ventures and associates 
Loan repaid by joint venture 
Proceeds from disposal of investments 
Acquisitions  
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 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital 
Purchase of own shares 
Repayment of borrowings  
Proceeds from borrowings 
Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders 
Amounts repaid by subsidiaries 

Net cash from financing activities 

Notes 

21 

25 

23 
23 

(Decrease)/increase 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 

2010 
£m 

58.2  
1.0  
(6.4) 
(5.1) 

47.7  

1.0  
0.1  
1.6  
(1.7) 
(11.6) 
(3.9) 
4.1  
7.9  

(2.5) 

0.5  
(2.6) 
(88.7) 
50.2  
(7.7) 
–  

(48.3) 

(3.1) 

0.8  
20.5  

18.2  

Group 

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  

Company

2009 
£m

2010 
£m 

(10.4) 
–  
(5.5) 
(0.3) 

(16.2) 

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

–  

0.5  
(2.6) 
(88.7) 
50.2  
(7.7) 
64.8  

16.5  

0.3  

–  
(0.2) 

0.1  

(7.7)
– 
(7.2)
(1.3)

(16.2)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
6.0 
– 

6.0 

– 
– 
(54.3)
14.3 
– 
49.4 

9.4 

(0.8)

(0.2)
0.8 

(0.2)

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

62 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

The consolidated accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved and authorised 
for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 7 March 2011. 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 2010 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 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 32 ‘(Amendment) Classification of Rights Issues’ is effective for annual periods on or after 1 February 2010.

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

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 IFRS’s as of 1 January 2010:
IFRS 2 ‘(Amendment) Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions’.

IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (Revised)’.

IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate financial statements (Revised)’.

IAS 39 ‘(Amendment) Eligible Hedged items’.

IFRIC 12 ‘Service Concession Agreements’.

IFRIC 15 ‘Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate’.

IFRIC 17 ‘Distribution of non-cash Assets to owners’.

IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of assets from customers’.

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

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.

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 Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting policies continued

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 inter-company 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 

over the remaining lease term

Plant and equipment 

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 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 reversal of the temporary difference can be 

64 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

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 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

65

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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. 

66 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

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.

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 
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 assumptions used to  
calculate pension benefits. 

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.

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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 pages 24 to 28.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

67

 
 
 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. 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. 

Following a review of internal reporting, the information presented to the Board for the purpose of resource 
allocation and assessment of segment performance is focused on the performance of each division as a 
whole but also contains performance information on a number of operating segments within the Aviation 
division. 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 Board  
does not monitor assets and liabilities on a divisional basis.

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

Comparatives have been adjusted to reflect the new reporting format.

Business segment information

Distribution 

Aviation
 – ground handling 
 – cargo handling 
 – cargo forwarding 
 – discontinued 
 – unallocated costs 

Corporate 

Joint ventures and associates 

Revenue 

2009 
£m 

2010 
£m 

1,338.2  

1,302.7  

369.8  
156.7  
98.7  
0.8  
–  

626.0  

324.4  
132.7  
78.2  
7.1  
–  

542.4  

–  

–  

1,964.2  
(126.6) 

1,845.1  
(119.4) 

1,837.6  

1,725.7  

Pre-exceptional operating 
profit/(loss)*

2010 
£m 

28.8  

21.8  
5.0  
2.3  
(1.2) 
(3.3) 

24.6  

(1.2) 

52.2  
–  

52.2  

2009 
£m

28.6 

20.1 
(4.3)
1.5 
1.5 
(3.0)

15.8 

(1.0)

43.4 
– 

43.4 

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.7 
5.4 
1.8 

44.9 
(7.4)

37.5 

52.2 
4.6 
(4.0)
(2.3)
(3.3)
0.2 
(2.5)

44.9 

Group 
£m

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 

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A reconciliation of segment pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss) to profit before tax is provided below.

  Distribution 
£m 

Aviation 
£m 

Corporate 
£m 

Group 
£m

2010 

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

Operating profit after joint ventures and associates 
Net finance expense 

Profit before tax 

Analysed as:
Pre-exceptional operating profit/(loss)* 
Pension credit (Note 5) 
Impairment provisions (Notes 5(a) and 5(b)) 
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 after joint ventures and associates 

2009 

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 

24.8  
1.2  
–  

26.0  

9.5  
4.2  
1.8  

15.5  

28.8  
–  
–  
(2.3) 
–  
–  
(0.5) 

26.0  

24.6  
–  
(4.0) 
–  
(3.3) 
0.2  
(2.0) 

15.5  

3.4  
–  
–  

3.4  

(1.2) 
4.6  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

3.4  

  Distribution 
£m 

Aviation 
£m 

Corporate 
£m 

26.7  
1.3  
–  

(1.4) 
2.9  
1.7  

(1.0) 
–  
–  

28.0  

3.2  

(1.0) 

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 

28.6  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(0.6) 

28.0  

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

3.2  

(1.0) 
1.7  
–  
–  
(1.7) 
–  
–  
–  

(1.0) 

* 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.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

2. Segment information continued

2010 

Segment assets 
Unallocated assets 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities 
Unallocated liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Segment net assets/(liabilities) 
Unallocated net liabilities 

Net assets 

2009 

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 

176.7  

270.0  

4.1  

(113.7) 

(86.9) 

(17.6) 

63.0  

183.1  

(13.5) 

  Distribution 
£m 

Aviation 
£m 

Corporate 
£m 

184.2  

267.9  

5.9  

(124.0) 

(70.2) 

(18.5) 

60.2  

197.7  

(12.6) 

Group 
£m

450.8 
38.0 

488.8 

(218.2)
(184.8)

(403.0)

232.6 
(146.8)

85.8 

Group 
£m

458.0 
51.4 

509.4 

(212.7)
(257.1)

(469.8)

245.3 
(205.7)

39.6 

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.

2010 

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

2009 

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

  Distribution 
£m 

Aviation 
£m 

Corporate 
£m 

Group 
£m

3.4  
5.9  
1.7  
–  
(0.4) 

9.3  
17.2  
3.6  
1.8  
0.7  

–  
0.9  
–  
–  
–  

  Distribution 
£m 

Aviation 
£m 

Corporate 
£m 

7.0  
5.8  
1.2  
–  
–  

8.1  
18.2  
3.5  
1.8  
–  

–  
0.9  
–  
–  
(1.7) 

12.7 
24.0 
5.3 
1.8 
0.3 

Group 
£m

15.1 
24.9 
4.7 
1.8 
(1.7)

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Geographic information

United Kingdom 
Continental Europe 
Americas 
Rest of the World 

3. Net operating costs

2010 
£m 

1,412.9  
128.0  
140.9  
155.8  

Revenue 

2009 
£m 

1,369.0  
112.5  
126.6  
117.6  

1,837.6  

1,725.7  

Segment 
non-current assets

2010 
£m 

153.5  
32.2  
24.3  
60.4  

270.4  

2009 
£m

163.4 
35.3 
25.8 
58.6 

283.1 

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  
  Loss/(gain) 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
  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 

4. Employees

Wages and salaries 
Share-based payments 
Social security costs 

Pension charge  

2010 
£m 

1,380.9  
389.8  
5.3  
24.0  
(0.1) 

2009 
£m

1,302.4 
363.4 
4.7 
24.9 
6.0 

1,799.9 

1,701.4 

19.8  
29.6  
0.3  

17.2 
26.8 
(1.7)

0.2  
0.3  

0.2  
0.2  
0.1  

2010 
£m 

348.8  
0.8  
31.2  

380.8  
9.0  

389.8  

0.2 
0.3 

0.3 
0.3 
– 

2009 
£m

325.2 
0.4 
28.8 

354.4 
9.0 

363.4 

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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 Notes to the accounts

4. Employees continued

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

Distribution  
Aviation  
Corporate 

2010 
number 

3,899  
14,989  
18  

2009 
number

3,873 
13,706 
20 

18,906  

17,599 

The numbers above include 10,930 full-time equivalent persons employed outside the UK (2009: 9,913).

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 

2010 
£m 

1.7  
7.3  

9.0  

2009 
£m

1.6 
7.4 

9.0 

Financial assumptions
The Actuary undertook a valuation of the Menzies Pension Fund as at 31 December 2010 (2009: 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 May 2006) 
Rate of increase in pensions (from 1 May 2006 to 1 June 2010)  
Rate of increase in pensions (after 1 June 2010) 
Price inflation 
Discount rate 

2010 
% 

3.30 
3.40 
2.50 
1.00 
3.30 
5.40 

2009 
% 

3.50 
3.60 
2.50 
– 
3.50 
5.70 

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on advice from the Actuary in accordance 
with published statistics and experience in the business. As a result of the March 2009 triennial valuation, the 
scheme memberships were analysed into further categories and scheme mortality by category was adjusted 
in light of better information to take account of experience.

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

Male 
Female 

2010 

20.0 
21.7 

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

Male 
Female 

2010 

20.6 
22.8 

2009

20.5
22.3

2009

21.8
24.3

72 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of assets (and expected return on assets)

2010 

Long-term 

Long-term 
 rate of return  December  rate of return 
% 

Value at 

£m 

% 

Equities 
Bonds 
Property 
Other 

Total value of assets 
Defined benefit obligation 

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

Net pension liabilities  

7.9 
5.7 
6.9 
0.5 

7.7 
5.4 
6.7 
0.5 

158.4  
57.1  
26.1  
0.2  

241.8  
(289.6) 

(47.8) 
12.9  

(34.9) 

2009

Value at 
December 
£m

141.1 
46.2 
23.9 
0.7 

211.9 
(296.4)

(84.5)
23.7 

(60.8)

Sensitivity analysis
A reduction in the net 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 net discount rate for the Fund of 0.1% would be an increase/decrease to the defined 
benefit obligation of around 1.8%/£5.2m.

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 £298m.

Components of pension expense 

Amounts (credited)/charged to operating profit
Current service cost 
Past service cost 
Gains on curtailments and settlements 

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

Net financial charge 

Pension (income)/expense  

Amounts recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income  

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

Actuarial gain/(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 on assets 

Fair value of assets at end of year 

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2010 
£m 

1.7  
–  
(4.6) 

(2.9) 

2009 
£m

1.8 
0.2 
(0.4)

1.6 

15.2  
(16.6) 

(1.4) 

11.9 
(13.7)

(1.8)

(1.5) 

3.4 

£m 

18.2  
11.3  

29.5  

£m

26.4 
(76.4)

(50.0)

£m 

£m

211.9  
15.2  
5.7  
1.2  
–  
(10.4) 
18.2  

241.8  

182.4 
11.9 
4.5 
1.3 
(1.5)
(13.1)
26.4 

211.9

The actual return on scheme assets was a gain of £33.4m (2009: a gain of £38.3m).

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

4. Employees continued

Change in defined benefit obligation during the year 

Defined benefit obligation at start of year 
Current service cost 
Past service cost 
Interest cost 
Gains on curtailments and settlements 
Employee contributions 
Benefits and expenses paid 
(Gain)/loss on defined benefit obligation 

Defined benefit obligation at end of year 

2010 
£m 

296.4  
1.7  
–  
16.6  
(4.6) 
1.2  
(10.4) 
(11.3) 

289.6  

2009 
£m

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

296.4

The net impact on the scheme liability of changing the inflation measure from RPI to CPI is a £7m reduction  
in the liability.

Expected employer contributions for 2011 are estimated to be £9m.

History of experience gains and losses 

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

Total value of assets 
Defined benefit obligation 

Recognised in balance sheet 

5(a). Exceptional items

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

2010 
£m 

18.2  
7.5% 
11.3  
3.9% 

241.8 
(289.6) 

(47.8) 

2009 
£m 

26.4  
12.5% 
(76.4) 
25.8% 

2008 
£m 

(78.1) 
42.8% 
29.4  
13.5% 

2007 
£m 

(2.7) 
1.0% 
(0.5) 
0.2% 

2006 
£m

12.0
5.0%
11.4 
5.0%

211.9 
(296.4) 

182.4  
(218.0) 

250.2 
(240.7) 

237.2
(231.8)

(84.5) 

(35.6) 

9.5  

5.4

Notes 

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

2010 
£m 

4.6  
(2.3) 
(2.2) 
–  
–  
–  

0.1  

2009 
£m

– 
(4.7)
(1.0)
(1.7)
1.2 
0.2 

(6.0)

(i)  During the year the Group completed a pension increase exchange exercise whereby pensioners in the 

Menzies Pension Fund were offered an increased pension in exchange for foregoing future non-statutory 
annual increases.

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

Distribution business during 2010 and in the Aviation business during 2009.

(iii)  As a result of a decline in 2010 volumes and revenues in the UK cargo handling business and an excess 

supply capacity in the market the acquired goodwill in respect of Menzies World Cargo was tested for 
impairment in accordance with IAS 36 and a goodwill charge of £2.2m was recognised, leaving a residual 
balance of £0.3m. 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%. 

The 2009 impairment provision reduced the carrying value of the Group’s 40% interest in Menzies Chengdu 
Aviation Services Ltd, which was held as an available for sale asset, to its estimated recoverable amount. 

74 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

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

during 2009. 

(v)  During 2009 the Group completed a number of property and equipment sale and leaseback 

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

(vi)  During 2009 the Group disposed of the 50% interest in Freshport BV for a consideration of £0.6m.

5(b). Intangible amortisation

Goodwill impairment  
Contract amortisation  

Notes 

(i) 
(ii) 

2010 
£m 

(1.8) 
(3.3) 

(5.1) 

2009 
£m

(1.8)
(3.3)

(5.1)

(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 (2009: £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 charge of £0.9m (2009: net credit of £0.6m).

6. Directors

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

7. Finance costs

Finance income:
Bank deposits 

Finance charges:
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Preference dividends 

Net finance costs 

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2010 
£m 

2009 
£m

1.1  

1.1  

(6.8) 
(0.1) 

(6.9) 

(5.8) 

0.6 

0.6 

(6.9)
(0.1)

(7.0)

(6.4)

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

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 
Impact of UK rate change 
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 charged/(credited) outside profit or loss

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

Tax charge/(credit) reported outside profit or loss 

2010 
£m 

4.8  
4.8  
(1.4) 

8.2  

0.3  
(0.1) 
(1.1) 

(0.9) 
2.0  

1.1  

9.3  

2010 
£m 

8.8  
–  
(0.1) 

8.7  

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)

(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 2010 and 31 December 2009 is as follows:

Profit before tax 

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 28%  
Non-deductible expenses (principally goodwill impairment and intangible amortisation)  
Depreciation on non-qualifying assets 
Unrelieved overseas losses 
Utilisation of previously unrecognised losses  
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 
Impact of UK rate change on deferred tax 
Overseas deferred tax assets recognised 

At the effective corporation tax rate of 24.8% (2009: 30.5%) 

2010 
£m 

37.5  

10.5  
2.7  
0.6  
1.0  
(0.8) 
–  
–  
(2.0) 
(2.6) 
(0.1) 
–  

9.3  

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 

In June 2010 the UK Government announced its intention to reduce the main rate of corporation tax from  
28% to 24%. The fall will be phased in over a period of four years with a 1% reduction in the main corporation 
tax rate for each year starting on 1 April 2011. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2010, enacted on 27 July 2010, included 
legislation on the initial phase to reduce the main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 27% from 1 April 2011.  
The deferred tax asset at 31 December 2010 has been calculated at 27%. The estimated effect of the proposed 
reductions in rate by 2014 would be to decrease the net deferred tax asset by £0.8m. Most of the UK deferred 
tax asset relates to the UK pension deficit and it is expected that the majority of the reduction will be debited  
to other comprehensive income and will not have a material effect on the effective tax rate or on profit.

76 

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Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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 

39.4 
23.0 
22.6 
1.4 
8.2 
1.6 

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 £13.7m 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.

9. Dividends

Dividends on equity shares:
Ordinary  – Interim, in lieu of final, paid in respect of 2009, 8p (2008: nil) per share 

– Interim paid in respect of 2010, 5p (2009: nil) per share 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m

4.8  
2.9  

7.7  

– 
– 

– 

Dividends of £0.1m were waived by employee share trusts during 2010.

Investment in own shares
The Company’s ordinary shares are held in trust for an employee share scheme. At 31 December 2010  
the trusts held 1,727,793 (2009: 1,020,387) ordinary 25p shares with a market value of £8,163,822  
(2009: £3,038,202).

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

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 interest on joint ventures and associates 
share of tax on joint ventures and associates 

Net finance costs  

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 
Exceptional tax 
Non-controlling interests 

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) 

2010 
£m 

37.7  
7.2  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(7.4) 

37.5  
(9.3) 
–  
(0.1) 

28.1  

Basic 

2009 
£m 

24.3  
5.9  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(8.2) 

22.0  
(6.7) 
–  
–  

15.3  

Underlying*

2009 
£m

24.3 
5.9 
6.0 
5.1 
– 
2.1 
(8.2)

35.2 
(6.7)
(2.6)
– 

25.9 

2010 
£m 

37.7  
7.2  
(0.1) 
5.1  
(0.2) 
2.5  
(7.2) 

45.0  
(9.3) 
(1.6) 
(0.1) 

34.0  

47.8  
47.7  

25.8  
25.8  

57.9  
57.7  

43.8 
43.8 

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

58.753 
58.892 

59.188 
59.188 

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, ie 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.

78 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. Intangible assets

Cost
At 31 December 2009 
Acquisitions (Note 25) 
Additions 
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010 

Amortisation and impairment
At 31 December 2009 
Amortisation charge 
Impairment (Note 5 (a)) 
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010 

Net book value
At 31 December 2010 

At 31 December 2009 

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 

Goodwill 
£m 

Contracts 
£m 

Computer 
software 
£m 

58.3  
0.3  
–  
2.1  

60.7  

8.1  
–  
2.2  
0.2  

50.0  
1.3  
–  
0.4  

51.7  

7.4  
3.3  
–  
0.3  

10.5  

11.0  

12.6  
–  
3.9  
–  

16.5  

4.9  
2.0  
–  
–  

6.9  

Total 
£m

120.9 
1.6 
3.9 
2.5 

128.9 

20.4 
5.3 
2.2 
0.5 

28.4 

50.2  

50.2  

40.7  

42.6  

9.6  

7.7  

100.5 

100.5 

Goodwill 
£m 

Contracts 
£m 

Computer 
software 
£m 

60.0  
0.1  
–  
(1.8) 

58.3  

8.1  
–  
–  

8.1  

51.9  
0.2  
–  
(2.1) 

50.0  

4.4  
3.3  
(0.3) 

7.4  

50.2  

51.9  

42.6  

47.5  

6.2  
3.8  
2.6  
–  

12.6  

3.5  
1.4  
–  

4.9  

7.7  

2.7  

Total 
£m

118.1 
4.1 
2.6 
(3.9)

120.9 

16.0 
4.7 
(0.3)

20.4 

100.5 

102.1 

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

11. Intangible assets continued

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  

2010 

2009

Goodwill 
£m 

Contracts 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Contracts 
£m

8.0 
8.0 
7.0 
0.3 
3.5 
3.1 
9.5 
4.3 

43.7 

4.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.7 

6.5 

50.2 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
3.1 
7.1 
2.7 
1.4 
3.8 

18.1 

18.1 

8.3 
7.8 
6.0 
2.5 
2.9 
2.9 
9.2 
4.4 

44.0 

4.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.4 

6.2 

50.2 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
3.1
7.1
2.7
1.4
3.8

18.1

18.1

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, capital expenditure 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 post-tax discount rate assumption of 8% (2009: 8%) is based on the Group’s weighted average post-tax 
cost of capital having considered the uncertainty risk attributable to individual CGUs. The equivalent pre-tax 
discount rate is 11% (2009: 11%). The 11% pre-tax rate has been applied to pre-tax cash flows.

80 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aviation
Value in use calculations are based on Board-approved budgets and plans for a three-year period. Cash flows 
beyond the three-year period are extrapolated by growth rates that reflect management’s specific location 
expectations for 2014 and 2015 incorporating a long-term growth rate derived using the best available market 
information (such as Boeing’s 2010 Aviation Industry Review) adjusted for the specific risks and challenges 
relating to Menzies Aviation. Short-term revenue growth rates over 2014 and 2015 range from 2.2% to 6.5% 
(2009: –8.9% to +10%) and longer-term revenue growth rates range from 1% to 3.5% (2009: 0.5% to 
3.5%).Net margin assumptions are based on historic experience.

In 2009, the three year plan cash flows were extrapolated to a 10-year period prior to applying a long-term 
growth rate. Following a review of comparator companies impairment disclosures, management has reduced 
this extrapolation period to five years prior to applying a long-term growth rate. If the 2009 value in use 
calculation had been carried out on a similar basis to 2010 no impairment provision would have been required.

Base case forecasts show significant headroom above carrying value for each CGU with the exception  
of the UK cargo operations. Sensitivity analysis has been undertaken for each CGU to assess the impact  
of any reasonably possible change in key assumptions. 

In 2010, the Company has recognised an impairment of £2.2m in relation to its UK Cargo operations.  
This has been included in Net Operating Costs in the Income Statement. Whilst cargo markets outside the  
UK have already shown significant volume growth in 2010 and worldwide volumes are expected to grow  
in excess of 5% over the next 20 years, the UK market has continued to lag behind the rest of the world.  
The impairment is a result of a decline in 2010 volumes and revenues at UK Cargo and excess supply capacity 
in the market. Management continue to expect that UK cargo volumes will show significant recovery in  
the near term followed by steady long-term growth. The key growth assumptions used in the value in use 
calculation during the post Board-approved plan period were revenue growth of 4.5% in 2014, 5.0% in 2015 
and 3.5% thereafter. The long-term growth assumption of 3.5% reflects underlying actual historic cargo 
volume growth in the world market.

In 2009, in respect of the UK and North American cargo operations, management concluded that a reasonably 
possible change in a key assumption could cause the carrying values to exceed recoverable amounts. During 
2010 North American cargo volumes have increased by 23%, which was well ahead of market expectations 
resulting in significantly improved cash flows.

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 three-year plans extrapolated to a five-year period 
using short-term growth rates of between 0% and 2% that reflect management’s specific business 
expectations for 2014 and 2015 incorporating a long-term growth rate of between 0% and 2%. 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.

In 2009, the plan cash flows were extrapolated to a 10-year period prior to applying a long-term growth  
rate. Following a review of comparator companies impairment disclosures, management has reduced this 
extrapolation period to five years prior to applying a long-term growth rate. If the 2009 value in use calculation 
had been carried out on a similar basis to 2010 no impairment provision would have been required.

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81

 
 
 Notes to the accounts

12. Property, plant and equipment

Freehold 
property 
£m 

Long 
leasehold 
property 
£m 

Short 
leasehold 
property 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

Cost
At 31 December 2009  38.1  
–  
Acquisitions (Note 25) 
0.1  
Additions 
–  
Transfers 
–  
Disposals 
–  
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010  38.2  

Depreciation
At 31 December 2009 
Transfers 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010 

8.3  
–  
0.8  
–  
–  

9.1  

Net book value
At 31 December 2010  29.1  

At 31 December 2009  29.8  

1.4  
–  
–  
(1.3) 
–  
0.1  

0.2  

0.2  
(0.2) 
–  
–  
0.2  

0.2  

37.2  
–  
0.3  
1.3  
(0.3) 
0.9  

39.4  

17.1  
0.2  
2.1  
(0.2) 
0.6  

19.8  

186.7  
0.1  
12.3  
–  
(20.1) 
7.2  

186.2  

97.0  
–  
21.1  
(14.7) 
3.3  

106.7  

Cost
At 31 December 2008  43.1  
–  
Acquisitions (Note 25) 
–  
Additions 
–  
Transfers 
(4.9) 
Disposals 
(0.1) 
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2009  38.1  

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

8.0  
–  
0.8  
(0.5) 
–  

At 31 December 2009 

8.3  

Net book value
At 31 December 2009  29.8  

At 31 December 2008  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) 

186.7  

89.1  
(0.2) 
21.5  
(12.9) 
(0.5) 

97.0  

Freehold 
property 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

Group 

Total 
£m 

263.4  
0.1  
12.7  
–  
(20.4) 
8.2  

264.0  

122.6  
–  
24.0  
(14.9) 
4.1  

135.8  

Group 

Total 
£m 

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

263.4  

114.7  
–  
24.9  
(16.6) 
(0.4) 

122.6  

36.0  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

36.0  

4.5  
–  
0.8  
–  
–  

5.3  

40.8  
–  
–  
–  
(4.8) 
–  

36.0  

4.2  
–  
0.8  
(0.5) 
–  

4.5  

Company

Total 
£m

36.7 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

36.7 

5.1 
– 
0.9 
– 
– 

6.0 

30.7 

31.6 

Company

Total 
£m

42.0 
– 
– 
– 
(5.3)
– 

36.7 

5.2 
– 
0.9 
(1.0)
– 

5.1 

31.6 

36.8

0.7  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

0.7  

0.6  
–  
0.1  
–  
–  

0.7  

–  

0.1  

1.2  
–  
–  
–  
(0.5) 
–  

0.7  

1.0  
–  
0.1  
(0.5) 
–  

0.6  

0.1  

0.2 

–  

1.2  

19.6  

20.1  

79.5  

89.7  

128.2  

140.8  

30.7  

31.5  

Freehold 
property 
£m 

Long 
leasehold 
property 
£m 

Short 
leasehold 
property 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

Freehold 
property 
£m 

Plant and 
equipment 
£m 

20.1  

25.2 

89.7  

140.8  

108.0 

169.4 

31.5  

36.6 

82 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
292.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.2 

292.7 

– 
– 
– 

– 

292.7 

292.5 

Total 
£m

3.5 
(0.8)
0.2 

13. Investments

Net book value excluding goodwill
At 31 December 2009 
New investments 
Share of profits after tax 
Dividends received 
Disposals  
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010 

Goodwill
At 31 December 2009 
Impairment provision (Note 5(b)) 
Currency translation 

At 31 December 2010 

At 31 December 2010 

At 31 December 2009 

Shares 
in joint 
ventures 
£m 

Loans 
to joint 
ventures 
£m 

Shares in 
associates 
£m 

Other 
£m 

Total  Subsidiaries 
£m

£m 

Group 

Company

24.0  
0.1  
5.4  
(3.4) 
–  
1.6  

27.7  

–  
–  
–  

–  

27.7  

24.0  

0.1  
–  
–  
–  
(0.1) 
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

–  

–  

0.1  

9.9  
0.6  
3.6  
(4.5) 
(1.7) 
(0.1) 

7.8  

7.5  
(1.8) 
0.2  

5.9  

13.7  

17.4  

0.3  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

0.3  

–  
–  
–  

–  

0.3  

0.3  

34.3  
0.7  
9.0  
(7.9) 
(1.8) 
1.5  

35.8  

7.5  
(1.8) 
0.2  

5.9  

41.7  

41.8  

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

% 

Profit

Assets 

  Liabilities 

Country of 
incorporation 

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

held 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

Joint ventures
EM News (NI) Ltd 
EM News (Ireland) Ltd 
Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd 
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling  
Services Private Ltd 
Menzies Aviation Bobba  
(Bangalore) Private Ltd 
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo  
Private Ltd 
Zaankracht Holding BV 

UK 
Ireland 
UK 

50 
50 
50 

51.7  
27.6  
3.9  

1.3  
(0.3) 
0.2  

6.7  
2.2  
0.7  

1.5  
0.4  
0.1  

(4.6) 
(3.1) 
(0.6) 

(0.1) 
(0.3) 
–  

India 

51 

1.8  

0.1  

7.0  

2.7  

(2.6) 

–  

7.1 

India 

49 

4.9  

2.6   10.3  

4.8  

(1.9) 

–   13.2 

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India 
 Netherlands 

49 
30 

3.6  
3.0  

1.3  
0.2  

3.7  
0.5  

1.1  
–  

(0.5) 
(0.3) 

–  
–  

4.3 
0.2 

Associates
Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd  Macau 
Swissport Menzies Handling Ute  
Spain 
Swissport Menzies Handling PMR Ute  Spain 

29 
39 
19.5 

5.9  
23.5  
0.7  

1.3  
2.2  
0.1  

1.3  
7.0  
–  

1.8  
4.5  
0.4  

(0.7) 
(6.1) 
–  

–  
(0.4) 
–  

2.4 
5.0 
0.4 

  126.6  

9.0   39.4   17.3  

(20.4) 

(0.8)  35.5

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, and Zaankracht Holding BV is 30% 
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.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

13. Investments continued

The Indian joint ventures have a statutory year end of 31 March. Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd  
has a statutory year end of 30 April.

Available for sale investment
The disposal of the Group’s 40% interest in Menzies Chengdu Aviation Services Ltd, a company incorporated 
in China, completed during 2010, for its estimated recoverable amount.

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Less: provision for doubtful debts 

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

2010 
£m 

137.3  
(3.9) 

133.4  
14.3  
18.2  
–  

165.9  

Group 

2009 
£m 

121.2  
(3.4) 

117.8  
23.6  
17.5  
–  

158.9  

2010 
£m 

–  
–  

–  
6.6  
1.2  
197.8  

205.6  

Company

2009 
£m

– 
– 

– 
4.3 
1.5 
218.9 

224.7

The average credit period on sale of goods is 25.4 days. No interest is charged on any receivables balance.

Ageing of trade receivables

  Neither past
 due nor 
 impaired  30 – 60 days  60 – 90 days 
£m 

£m 

£m 

Total 
£m 

Past due not impaired

2010 
2009 

133.4  
117.8  

116.6  
102.3  

14.0  
10.9  

2.2  
2.6  

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

0 – 30 days 
30 – 60 days 
60 – 90 days 
over 90 days 

2010 
£m 

3.4  
2.6  
(1.0) 
(1.1) 

3.9  

2010 
£m 

0.5  
0.1  
0.1  
3.2  

3.9  

over 
90 days 
£m

0.6 
2.0 

Group

2009 
£m

1.8 
2.8 
(0.3)
(0.9)

3.4 

Group

2009 
£m

– 
0.2 
0.4 
2.8 

3.4 

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.

84 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  

2010 
£m 

110.1  
92.1  
3.7  
–  

205.9  

Group 

2009 
£m 

116.6  
78.9  
4.5  
–  

200.0  

Company

2009 
£m

2010 
£m 

–  
10.0  
–  
263.7  

273.7  

– 
9.5 
– 
238.0 

247.5 

1.9  

1.3  

5.1  

– 

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

16. Financial instruments

The objectives, policies and strategies pursued by the Group in relation to financial instruments are described 
within the Business Review on pages 24 to 28.

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 

2010 
£m 

0.3  
(1.2) 

(1.0) 

(1.9) 

(1.2) 
(0.7) 

(1.9) 

Group 

2009 
£m 

Company

2009 
£m

2010 
£m 

–  
(1.2) 

0.3 

(0.9) 

0.3 
(1.2) 

(0.9) 

0.3  
(1.2) 

(1.0) 

(1.9) 

(1.2) 
(0.7) 

(1.9) 

– 
(1.2)

0.3

(0.9)

0.3
(1.2)

(0.9)

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

The fair values of foreign currency 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 2010, 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.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments continued

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 

1.3 

–  

1.3 

– 

Assets measured at fair value

Total 
£m 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m

Liabilities measured at fair value

Total 
£m 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m

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

2.0 
1.2 

–  
–  

2.0 
1.2 

– 
– 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, 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.

2010 
£m 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings  Maturity
Obligations under finance leases 
Bank overdrafts 
Non-amortising bank loans 
Amortising term loan  
Preference shares 
Unsecured loan stock 

0.2 
Jan 2011 – Jul 2013 
8.4 
n/a 
88.0 
Jan 2011 – Jan 2013 
25.6 
Mar 2020 
Non-redeemable 
1.4 
On demand (by Jul 2012)  0.1 

Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Current 
Non-current 

123.7 

60.5 
63.2 

123.7 

Group 

2009 
£m 

0.3 
11.0 
122.8 
27.2 
1.4 
0.1 

162.9 

12.8 
150.1 

162.9 

2010 
£m 

–  
8.3 
88.0 
25.6 
1.4 
–  

123.3  

60.2 
63.1 

123.3 

Company

2009 
£m

– 
10.8
122.8
27.2
1.4
– 

162.3 

12.2
150.1

162.3

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 2011 and 2020 with interest payable at a fixed rate of 6.23%. 

The loan has a weighted average maturity of three years (2009: four years).

Non-amortising bank loans are drawn against unsecured, committed revolving bank credit facilities maturing 
between November 2011 and January 2013. 

86 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2010 
£m 

1.9 
123.7 

125.6 
26.6 

99.0 

Group 

2009 
£m 

0.9 
162.9 

163.8 
31.5 

132.3 

2010 

2010 
£m 

1.9 
123.3 

125.2 
8.4 

116.8 

Company

2009 
£m

0.9
162.3

163.2
10.5

152.7

2009

  Book value 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

Book value 
£m 

Fair value 
£m

52.0 
47.5 
15.6 
1.9 
0.2 
8.4 

125.6 
26.6 

99.0 

52.2 
48.8 
17.6 
1.9 
0.2 
8.4 

129.1 
26.6 

102.5 

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

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 £0.4m 
difference in book values relates to interest-bearing loans and borrowings and is deemed to be short-term  
in nature.

Currency 

Sterling 
South African rand 
Net derivative liabilities  

Floating 
rate 
financial 
liabilities 
£m 

Fixed 
rate 
financial 
liabilities 
£m 

2010 
Total 
financial 
liabilities 
£m 

Floating 
rate 
financial 
liabilities 
£m 

21.4  
0.3  
1.9  

23.6  

102.0  
–  
–  

102.0  

123.4  
0.3  
1.9  

125.6  

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At 31 December 2010, the expiry profile of undrawn  
committed facilities was as follows:
Less than one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and five years 

2010 
£m 

 58.0  
 –  
12.1  

70.1  

Fixed 
rate 
financial 
liabilities 
£m 

103.7  
–  
–  

103.7 

2009 
Total 
financial 
liabilities 
£m

162.9 
– 
0.9 

163.8 

Company

2009 
£m

2010 
£m 

 58.0  
 –  
12.1  

 70.1  

20.0
33.9
– 

53.9

59.2  
–  
0.9  

60.1  

Group 

2009 
£m 

20.0 
33.9 
–  

53.9 

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments continued

Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts
At 31 December 2010 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 2010 the Group hedged the exposure to interest rate rises by maintaining £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 2010, 88.6% (2009: 68.1%) of the Group’s borrowings were fixed.

Fair value of cash flow hedges – currency forward contracts 
Fair value of cash flow hedges – interest rate swaps 

Current 
Non-current 

2010 

2009

Assets  
£m 

Liabilities 
£m 

Assets  
£m 

Liabilities 
£m

0.4  
–  

0.4  

0.4  
–  

0.4  

(0.1) 
(1.2) 

(1.3) 

(0.5) 
(0.8) 

(1.3) 

0.4  
–  

0.4  

0.4  
–  

0.4  

(0.4)
(1.2)

(1.6)

(0.4)
(1.2)

(1.6)

For 2010, 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 £0.1m (2009: £0.3m) lower/higher, 
mainly as a result of higher/lower interest expense on floating rate borrowings.

88 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Indian rupee 
South African rand 

2010 
million 

16.0  
31.8  
99.0  
11.9  
2.5  
17.5  
–  
630.6  
67.0  

Group 

2009 
million 

 19.4  
 34.0  
 99.0  
 11.9  
 5.3  
 12.0  
 5.0  
 668.6  
 –  

2010 
million 

16.0  
31.8  
99.0  
11.9  
2.5  
17.5  
–  
630.6  
67.0  

EUR 
USD 
CZK 
AUD 
NZD 
SEK 
NOK 
INR 
ZAR 

Company 

Sterling Equivalent

2010 
£m 

 13.7  
 20.3  
 3.4  
 7.8  
 1.2  
 1.7  
–  
 9.0  
 6.5  

2009 
million 

19.4 
34.0 
99.0 
11.9 
5.3 
12.0 
5.0 
668.6 
 –  

2010 

2009 
£m

17.2 
21.1 
3.3 
6.6 
2.4 
1.0 
0.5 
8.9 
– 

2009

Fair value of foreign currency net investment hedges 
Current 
Non-current 

Assets  
£m 

Liabilities 
£m 

Assets  
£m 

Liabilities 
£m

0.9 
0.9 
–  

(1.9) 
(1.9) 
–  

2.2 
2.1 
0.1  

(1.9)
(1.8)
(0.1)

Foreign currency sensitivity
For 2010, 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 

Change in 
GBP/EUR 
rate 

Effect on 
profit 
before tax  
£m 

2010 

Effect on 
equity 
£m 

Effect on 
profit 
before tax 
£m 

+10% 
–10% 

0.3  
(0.3) 
0.7  
(0.7) 

(1.0) 
1.1 
1.1 
(1.4) 

0.5  
(0.5) 
0.5  
(0.5) 

+10% 
–10% 

2009

Effect on 
equity 
£m

(0.6)
0.7
1.4
(1.7)

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies is not material.

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.

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Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

16. Financial instruments continued

Credit risk
The Group considers its exposure to credit risk at 31 December to be as follows:

Bank deposits 
Trade receivables 

2010 
£m 

26.6  
133.4  

160.0 

2009 
£m

31.5 
117.8 

149.3

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 date 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 

(61.4) 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(205.9) 
(64.3) 

(331.8) 

Due 
within 
1 year 
£m 

(15.6) 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(201.1) 
(48.7) 

(265.6) 

Due 
between 
1-2 years 
£m 

Due 
between 
2-4 years 
£m 

(3.1) 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(1.9) 
(0.3) 

(5.5) 

(46.9) 
(0.3) 
– 
– 
– 

(47.2) 

Due 
between 
1-2 years 
£m 

Due 
between 
2-4 years 
£m 

(77.7) 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
(1.3) 
(14.9) 

(94.2) 

(58.2) 
(0.3) 
– 
– 
(0.3) 

(58.8) 

2010

Due 
over 
5 years 
£m

(15.1)
(1.5)
–
–
–

(16.6)

2009

Due 
over 
5 years 
£m

(18.0)
(1.5)
–
–
–

(19.5)

90 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17. Operating lease commitments

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2010 
£m 

28.7  
58.9  
44.9  

Property 

2009 
£m 

28.6  
63.6  
55.7  

132.5  

147.9  

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 

Movement in year:
Income statement  – retirement benefit obligations 

– other 
– fair value movement on interest rate hedges 
– exchange adjustments 

Statement of comprehensive income  
Transfer from current income tax liabilities 

Other – property related 

At beginning of year 
Provided during year 
Utilised during year 
Released in the year 

At end of year 

Current 
Non-current 

Company

Property

2009 
£m

0.7 
2.5 
0.8 

4.0 

2010 
£m 

0.6  
2.4  
0.2  

3.2  

Company

2009 
£m

– 

2010 
£m 

–  

Company

2009 
£m

(4.7)
23.7 

19.0 

0.3  
(0.4) 
– 
– 
(14.1)
– 

(14.2)

2010 
£m 

(4.3) 
12.9  

8.6  

2.0  
(0.4) 
–  
–  
8.8  
–  

10.4  

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Other 

2009 
£m 

17.4  
31.3  
2.8  

51.5  

Group 

2009 
£m 

2.9  

Group 

2009 
£m 

(3.8) 
23.7  

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

2010 
£m 

21.5  
45.5  
–  

67.0  

2010 
£m 

4.7  

2010 
£m 

(1.9) 
12.9  

11.0  

2.0  
(0.9) 
–  
(0.3) 
8.8  
(0.7) 

8.9  

2010 
£m 

7.9  
3.7  
(4.5) 
–  

7.1  

3.3 
3.8 

The property related provision is in respect of obligations for vacated leasehold properties where applicable 
sublet income may be insufficient to meet obligations under head leases. The provision for property costs 
unwinds over the period between 2011 and 2034.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the accounts

19. Provisions continued

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 – 60,213,226 ordinary shares of 25p each 
Allotted under share option schemes* 

Closing – 60,340,772 ordinary shares of 25p each 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m

18.3  

18.3 

15.1  
–  

15.1  

15.1 
– 

15.1 

As a result of options being exercised, 127,546 (2009: 5,286) ordinary shares having a nominal value of 
£31,886 (2009: £1,322) were issued during the year at a share premium of £511,078 (2009: £14,345).

* Included in this total are nil (2009: nil) ordinary shares of 25p each allotted to Directors under the Executive Share Option Scheme 

and 644 (2009: nil) ordinary shares of 25p each allotted to the Directors under the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme.

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 2010 (2009: nil) and 5,000 options lapsed.

Date of grant 

January 2000 
November 2002 
May 2004 

Exercise price 
(pence) 

Exercise 
period 

2010 
Number 

2009 
Number

391   2003-2010 
329   2005-2012 
418   2007-2014 

– 

5,000 
196,048   196,048 
101,776   101,776 

297,824   302,824 

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 127,546 shares were exercised in 2010 and 362,459 options lapsed.

Date of grant 

2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 

Exercise price 
(pence) 

Exercise 
period 

2010 
Number 

2009 
Number

–   236,228 
348  2009-2010 
452  2010-2011 
65,608   179,406 
285  2011-2012  309,315   367,982 
279  2012-2013  419,224   492,609 
– 
355  2013-2014  489,081  

  1,283,228  1,276,225

92 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Share Schemes
The Company operates the following share-based payment arrangements:

(a) 2000 Executive Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”)
Options under the ESOS were 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 were granted with a fixed exercise price  
equal to the market price of shares under option at the date of grant. No options have been issued under  
this scheme since 2004.

Options granted under the ESOS 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 was 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 UK 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 2005 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 FTSE 250 Index by 30% or more, 
then the percentage of the award vesting is 100%. If the growth is greater than the TSR for the FTSE 250 
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 FTSE 250 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 2005 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  
or as Treasury Shares. 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.

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 one times their salary in shares in any year between both the 2005 PSP and 
the 2007 DPSP schemes. Share awards are valued using scenario-modelling.

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

93

 
 
 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 2010 the ratio of matching 
shares was reduced for future grants from up to 2:1 to up to 1:1 of the gross deferred bonus. The maximum 
amount of the annual cash bonus which may be eligible for matching was also reduced from 50% to 40%. 
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. For awards 
before 2010, 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. 

From 2010 awards, if the percentage growth in the Company’s EPS is RPI + 6% or more, then the number  
of matching shares that will vest is one. For EPS growth of between RPI + 3% pa and RPI + 6% 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 for any award.

Similar provisions apply in respect of dividends, transferrability of rights and leavers.

(e) 2007 Divisional Performance Share Plan (“2007 DPSP”)
The 2007 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 equivalent to one times their salary 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 PSP was 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.

94 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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:

Grant date 

  May 2004 

Nov 2002 

Oct 2010 

Oct 2009 

Sep 2008 

Oct 2007

Executive Share Option Scheme 

Savings-Related Option Scheme

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% 

329 
329 
1 
196,048 
3 
25.0% 
10 
4 
4.5% 

450.25 
355 
1,001 
489,081 
3 
25.0% 
3.5 
3.5 
4.6% 

346 
279 
710 
419,224 
3 
25.0% 
3.5 
3.5 
4.6% 

361.75 
285 
491 
309,315 
3 
25.0% 
3.5 
3.5 
4.6% 

4.0% 
76 
70 

5.2% 
50 
50 

4.0% 
77 
47 

4.0% 
77 
47 

4.0% 
77 
47 

547.5
452
43
65,608
3
25.0%
3.5
3.5
4.6%

4.0%
116
71

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.

*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.

Grant date 

May 2008 

Jun 2009  Mar 2010 

Jun 2009  Mar 2008  Mar 2010 

Jun 2009  May 2008

2005 PSP 

2009 PSP 

BCIP 

  2007 DPSP

Share price at grant  
date (pence) 
Number of employees 
Shares awarded 
Remaining potential  
awards 
Contractual life (years) 
Expected departure* 
Expected outcome of 
meeting performance criteria  41% 
Fair value per share (pence) 
199 
IFRS 2 charge per  
share award** 

3 
0% 

199 

487 
3 

346 
13 
 140,000   1,237,500    84,451  

130 
3 

 105,000   1,237,500    84,451  
3 
0% 

3 
0% 

133 
3 

130 
21 
 20,539    101,384    698,266    855,500  

534 
15 

342 
24 

 20,539  
3 
0% 

 78,300    683,354    670,500  
3 
0% 

3 
14% 

3 
0% 

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2
 70,000 

 35,000 
3
0%

41% 
113 

41% 
154 

41% 
113 

52% 
194 

41% 
154 

41% 
113 

41%
199

113 

154 

113 

194 

154 

113 

199

*Risk of forfeiture.
**Adjusted for forfeiture risk.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 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

2010 

2009 

2010 

2009

  Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price (p) 

Number 

  Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price (p) 

Number 

  Weighted 
  average 
  exercise 
Number  price (p) 

  Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price (p)

Number 

Outstanding at start of year 
Granted 
Forfeited/expired 
Exercised 

302,824  
–  
(5,000) 
–  

360  307,824  
–  
(5,000) 
–  

–  
391 
–  

360  1,276,225  
–   497,008  
348  (362,459) 
–   (127,546) 

318 1,085,473  
355  498,888  
329  (304,119) 
(4,017) 
426 

Outstanding at end of year 

297,824  

 359   302,824  

360  1,283,228  

318 1,276,225  

Exercisable  
Range of exercise prices 

297,824  
329-418 

 359   302,824  
  329-418 

360 

65,608  
  279-452 

452  236,228  
  279-452 

Weighted average
 remaining life (years)
– expected 
– contractual 

– 
1.4 

– 
2.4 

2.1 
2.1 

2.1 
2.1 

2005 PSP, 2007 DPSP & 2009 PSP 

2010 

2009 

2010 

350
279
367
348

318

348

BCIP

2009

  Weighted 
average 
price (p) 

Number 

  Weighted 
average 
price (p) 

Number 

  Weighted 
  average 
Number  price (p) 

  Weighted 
average 
price (p)

Number 

Outstanding at start of year 
Awards made 
Lapsed 
Performance achieved 

2,253,000  
698,266  
(219,912) 
–  

166  420,000  
342  2,093,000  
286   (260,000) 
–  

520  130,887  
130   84,451  
448  
(32,048) 
–  

480   239,524  
347   16,216  
520   (124,853) 
–  

534 
133 
538 

Outstanding at end of year 

2,731,354  

201  2,253,000  

166   183,290  

403   130,887  

480 

Range of award date prices 

130-487 

  130-487 

  133-534 

  133-534 

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 £0.8m (2009: £0.4m), all of  
which related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions. After tax, the total charge was £0.6m 
(2009: £0.3m).

96 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21. Cash generated from operations

Operating profit/(loss) 
Depreciation  
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment provisions (Note 5(a)) 
Share-based payments 
Onerous lease provisions 
Cash spend on onerous leases 
Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Gain on disposal of investment in joint venture 
Pension charge 
Pension credit 
Pension contributions in cash 
Rationalisation costs 
Cash spend on rationalisation costs 
Increase in inventories 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables and provisions   

2010 
£m 

37.7  
24.0  
5.3  
2.2  
0.8  
–  
(1.4) 
0.3  
–  
1.7  
(4.6) 
(5.7) 
2.3  
(1.5) 
(1.6) 
(3.9) 
2.6  

58.2  

Group 

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  

22. Non-controlling interests

At beginning of year 
Share of profit after tax 

At end of year 

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  

2010 
£m 

(1.0) 
0.9  
–  
–  
0.2  
–  
(0.9) 
–  
–  
0.1  
(4.6) 
(5.7) 
–  
–  
–  
0.1  
0.5  

(10.4) 

2010 
£m 

–  
0.1  

0.1  

Company

2009 
£m

– 
0.9 
– 
– 
– 
1.7 
(0.6)
(1.7)
– 
0.2 
– 
(4.5)
– 
(0.3)
– 
(0.6)
(2.8)

(7.7)

2009 
£m

– 
– 

– 

2010 
£m

26.6 
(8.4)

18.2 

(51.8)
(0.1)
(1.4)
(0.2)
(61.8)
(1.9)

(99.0)

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2009 
£m 

Cash flows 
£m 

Currency 
translation 
£m 

31.5  
(11.0) 

20.5  

(1.6) 
(0.1) 
(1.4) 
(0.3) 
(148.5) 
(0.9) 

(132.3) 

(5.7) 
2.6  

(3.1) 

(50.2) 
–  
–  
0.1  
86.7  
1.9  

35.4  

0.8  
–  

0.8  

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(2.9) 

(2.1) 

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 gain of £6.2m (2009: loss of £1.7m). This net gain/(loss) is 
recognised in other comprehensive income.

Financial statements 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 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. Acquisitions

During the year, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital or trading assets of the following businesses:

Division 

Name 

Date of acquisition 

Purchase consideration
Cash paid 
Deferred consideration 

Total purchase consideration 
Fair value of net assets acquired 

Goodwill 

Aviation  Distribution  Distribution 

  Transilvania 
Handling 

Reed 
Trinity 
Aviation 
Field 
Limited 
  Services SRI  Marketing 
  29/09/2010  30/06/2010  31/10/2010 
£m 

£m 

£m 

1.0 
0.3 

1.3 
1.3 

 –  

1.3 
0.1 
0.2 
(0.3) 

1.3 

0.3 
 –  

0.3 
 –  

0.3 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

 –  

0.4 
0.1 

0.5 
0.7 

(0.2) 

 –  
 –  
1.3 
(0.6) 

0.7 

Total 
£m

1.7
0.4

2.1
2.0

0.1

1.3
0.1
1.5
(0.9)

2.0

The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisitions are as follows:

Non-current assets

Intangible assets (contracts) – fair value 

  Property, plant and equipment 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 

Fair value of net assets acquired 

The acquired businesses contributed revenues of £2.0m from the date of acquisition. If the businesses had 
been acquired on 1 January 2010 revenues contributed would have been £6.8m. The results from acquisitions 
were not material.

In 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 Ltd, acquired in 2008, up to May 2011.

98 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26. Related party transactions

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

Related party 

Swissport Menzies Handling Ute 
Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Ltd 
Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo Private Ltd 
Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd 
EM News (NI) Ltd 
EM News (Ireland) Ltd 

Group 
share- 
holding 
% 

Sales to 
related 
party 
£m 

39 
51 
49 
29 
50 
50 

0.9  
0.5  
0.4  
0.2  
0.5  
0.8  

Amounts 
owed 
to related 
party at 
31 Dec 
2010 
£m 

Amounts 
owed 
by related 
party at 
31 Dec 
2010 
£m

–  
–  
–  
–  
4.5  
–  

0.6 
0.1 
– 
0.1 
– 
0.1 

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 

2010 
£m 

2.2 
–  
0.2 

2.4 

2009 
£m

3.6
0.2
0.1

3.9

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 2010 was £0.3m (2009: £0.5m). 

The amounts owed to/(due by) the Parent Company from dealings with subsidiary companies is disclosed in 
Notes 14 and 15. 

27. Subsidiary companies

The principal subsidiaries, Menzies Distribution Ltd, Menzies Group Holdings Ltd, Princes Street (Jersey) Ltd, 
John Menzies Finance Ltd, Menzies Aviation plc and Menzies Aviation Holdings Ltd are ultimately wholly 
owned by the Company and operate mainly in the United Kingdom. The issued share capital of these 
subsidiaries is mainly in the form of equity shares. 

The Company is taking the exemption under S410 Companies Act 2006 to disclose details about principal 
subsidiaries only. 

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 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 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2007 
£m 

2006 
£m

1,255.0  
582.6  

1,837.6  

 1,218.5  
507.2  

 1,166.2  
500.9  

 1,147.3  
393.8  

 1,132.0 
318.4 

1,725.7  

1,667.1  

1,541.1  

1,450.4

28.8  
24.6  

53.4  
(1.2) 

52.2  
0.1  
(5.1) 
(2.3) 

44.9  
(7.4) 
–  

37.5  

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 

13.0p 
57.9p 
47.8p 

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

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Financial statements

 
 
 
 
Notice of annual general 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, 20 May 2011 at 12.15pm (the 
‘Meeting’) to transact the following business:

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 £4,969,446 (such amount to be reduced  
by the aggregate nominal amount of any equity 
securities (as defined by Section 560 of the  
2006 Act) allotted under paragraph (b) below  
in excess of £4,969,446; and 

(b)  comprising equity securities up to an aggregate 

Ordinary Resolutions:
To consider and, if thought fit, pass Resolutions  
1-10, 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 2010 and the Report of the 
Auditors thereon.

2. Remuneration Report
To approve the Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
for the financial year ended 31 December 2010.

3. Dividend
To declare a final dividend on the Company’s 
Ordinary Shares of 14p each for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2010.

4-7. Election and re-election of Directors
4. To elect Eric Born as a Director

5. To re-elect Dermot Jenkinson as a Director

6. To re-elect Ian Harrison as a Director

7. To re-elect Paul Dollman 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.

nominal amount of £9,938,892 (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) this authority shall expire at the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company or, if earlier, on 30 June 2012 save  
that the Company shall be entitled to make offers  
or agreements before the expiry of such authority 
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 authority conferred 
by this Resolution had not expired. This authority  
is in substitution for and to the exclusion of all 
unexercised existing authorities previously granted  
to the Directors under the 2006 Act but without 
prejudice to any allotment of shares or grants of 
rights already made, offered or agreed to be made 
pursuant to such authorities.

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 Notice of annual general meeting

Special Resolutions:
To consider, and if thought fit, pass Resolutions 
11-14, each of which will be proposed as a  
Special Resolution:

11. Authority to disapply pre-emption rights
That, subject to the passing of Resolution 10 in the 
Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Company 
dated 7 April 2011 (the ‘Section 551 Resolution’) 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 Sections 560 (1)-(3) of the 2006 Act) 
wholly for cash pursuant to the authority conferred 
by the Section 551 Resolution 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  
the Section 551 Resolution 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 the Section 551 Resolution 
(otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this 
Resolution) to any person or persons of equity 
securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£745,416, representing approximately 5% of the 
issued ordinary share capital of the Company  
as at 23 March 2011, 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 2012 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 
Sections 570-573 of the 2006 Act 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 
pursuant to Section 701 of the 2006 Act to make 
market purchases (within the meaning of Section 
693(4) of 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  
5,963,335, representing approximately  
10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital as at 23 March 2011; 

(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 2012, 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  

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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.

13. Purchase of own Preference Shares  
by Company
That the Company be and is hereby authorised 
pursuant to Section 701 of the 2006 Act to make 
market purchases (within the meaning of Section 
693(4) of the 2006 Act) 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 23 March 2011;

(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 a 9% Cumulative 
Preference 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 2012, 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.

By order of the Board
J F A Geddes
Company Secretary 
7 April 2011

EXPLANATORY NOTES

The following information provides additional 
background information to several of the Resolutions 
proposed:

Resolutions 4-7 – Election of Directors
Biographical details of the Directors to be elected  
and re-elected can be found on pages 22 and 23 of 
the Annual Report and Accounts for financial year 
2010. In accordance with the Articles of Association 
and the Combined Code on Corporate Governance 
Dermot Jenkinson and Ian Harrison (who have 
served longer than nine years) will retire at the 
Meeting and seek re-election. Paul Dollman retires 
by rotation in accordance with the Articles of 
Association, and Eric Born, who retires having been 
appointed since the last AGM and being eligible, 
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 of the Annual Report and Accounts for 
the financial year ended 31 December 2010), 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
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidelines 
issued in December 2008 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.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company  
held on 21 May 2010, the Directors followed these 
guidelines and were given authority to allot relevant 
securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£10,035,650, representing two-thirds of the issued 

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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Notice of annual general meeting

share capital of the Company as at 26 March 2010. 
This authority is due to expire at the end of this  
year’s AGM. 

The Board considers it appropriate that Directors 
again be granted authority to allot shares in the 
capital of the Company up to a maximum nominal 
amount of £9,938,892 representing the guideline 
limit of approximately two-thirds of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 23 March 2011.  
Of this amount, 19,877,784 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 2012. The Directors have no present 
intention of exercising this authority.

As at 23 March 2011, the Company holds 711,226 
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 Sections 560 (1)-(3) 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 £9,938,892 
(representing approximately two-thirds of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital 
excluding Treasury Shares) as at 23 March 2011; 
and

(b)  in any other case up to a maximum nominal 

value of £745,416, representing approximately 
5% of the issued share capital of the Company 
as at 23 March 2011 (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 2012.

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 5,963,335 Ordinary Shares 
(representing approximately 10% of the issued 
ordinary share capital as at 23 March 2011) and 
1,394,587 9% Cumulative Preference Shares 
(representing 100% of the issued 9% Cumulative 
Preference Shares as at 23 March 2011).

The authorities, if granted, will expire at the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting  
of the Company, or, if earlier, 30 June 2012. 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 23 March 2011, the Company holds 711,226 
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.

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. 

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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. 

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  
18 May 2011 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 23 March 2011, the Company’s issued 

share capital comprised 60,344,582 Ordinary 
Shares of 25p each, and the Company held 
711,226 of its own Ordinary Shares of 25p each 
in Treasury. 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 23 March 2011 is 59,633,356.

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  

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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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 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)  copies of the Directors’ service contracts with 

the Company;

(b)  the terms of appointment of the Non-Executive 

Directors of the Company.

Notice of annual general meeting

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 Shareholder 
information 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 

106 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

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:

0870 703 6303

Call: 
Web:  www.investorcentre.co.uk
Email:  www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus
Write:  The John Menzies plc Registrar, 

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. 

020 7930 3737 

Call: 
Web:  www.sharegift.org

Computershare Investor Services PLC, The 
Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZZ

Analysis of shareholding
at 31 December 2010

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.

Shareholding 

1-1,000 
1,001-5,000 
5,001-10,000 
10,001-100,000 
Over 100,000 

Number 

% of 
of holders   holders 

Number 
of shares 

% of 
shares

3,445  82.44 

1.29
778,612 
1.69
487  11.65  1,016,445 
0.76
1.46 
458,156 
2.49  3,912,061 
6.48
1.96  54,175,499  89.78

61 
104 
82 

Total 

4,179  100.00  60,340,773  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 2011 and  
3 October 2011.

Ordinary Dividends
A Final Dividend of 14p per share was proposed  
by the directors on 7 March 2011, and will paid on  
24 June 2011 to shareholders on the Register as  
at the close of business on 27 May 2011.

Any Interim Dividends for 2011 will be paid on  
25 November 2011 to shareholders on the register 
on 28 October 2011.

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John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

107

 
 
 
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 
+44 (0) 131 225 8555 
Tel: 
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
4 New Square, Bedfont Lakes, 
Feltham, Middlesex TW14 8HA  
Tel: 
+44 (0) 20 8750 6000 
Fax:  +44 (0) 20 8750 6001

Corporate calendar
(Provisional dates)

8 March 2011
Preliminary announcement of Results

1 April 2011
Payment of dividend on 9% Cumulative  
Preference Shares

7 April 2011
Annual Report and Notice of AGM released

20 May 2011
Annual General Meeting and Management 
Statement issued

27 May 2011
Record date for Final Dividend on Ordinary Shares

24 June 2011
Payment of dividend on Ordinary Shares

16 August 2011
Announcement of Interim Results

3 October 2011
Payment of dividend on 9% Cumulative  
Preference Shares

28 October 2011
Record date for Interim Dividend on Ordinary Shares

15 November 2011
Management Statement issued

25 November 2011
Payment of Interim Dividend on Ordinary Shares

108 

John Menzies plc Annual Report 2010 

Shareholder information

 
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

Designed and produced by Corporate Edge
www.corporateedge.com

This report is printed on Regency Satin and Challenger Offset which 
are produced using ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) FSC certified pulp 
and sourced from an ISO 14001 Mill. The printing process is managed 
to prevent pollution.

Printed by Cousin. A carbon neutral company with ISO 14001 
accreditation, Cousin recycles all solvents used in the printing process, 
making any waste ph neutral, and also holds FSC certification.

John Menzies plc

Annual Report 2010 

Including Notice of Annual General Meeting

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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