LivermoreInvestments
Livermore
Investments Group
Limited
Annual Report & Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2009
1
Livermore Investments Group Limited. Annual Report 2009
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Highlights
Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s Review
Introduction
Financial Review
Dividend & Buyback
Annual General Meeting
Review of Activities
Introduction and Overview
Global Investment Environment
Livermore’s Strategy
Review of Significant Investments
Events after the reporting date
Litigation
Report of the Directors
The Board's objectives
The Board of Directors
Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
Disclosure of information to the Auditor
Substantial Shareholdings
Corporate Governance Statement
Introduction
The Board Constitution and Procedures
Board Committees
Remuneration Committee
Audit Committee
Communication with Investors
Internal Control
Independence of Auditor
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
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Remuneration Report
Directors’ Emoluments
Directors’ Interests
Interests of Directors in share options
Share Option Scheme
Remuneration Policy
Review of the Business and Risks
Risks
Share Capital
Related party transactions
Report of the independent auditor to the members of Livermore Investments Group Limited
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2009
Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2009
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2009
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2009
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2009
Notes on the Financial Statements
Shareholder Information
Registrars
Website
Direct Dividend Payments
Lost Share Certificate
Duplicate Shareholder Accounts
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Ordinary business
Special business
Corporate Directory
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Highlights
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Net Asset Value per share - USD 0.44 (GBP 0.27).
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at 31 December 2009 – USD 49.4m.
Revenues from operations – USD 7.6m.
Realized and unrealized gains of USD 15m from portfolio of financial assets – a 40% return on the net
average invested amount.
Successfully completed the construction of the residential units in Wyler Park, Bern, of which 95% are
already let.
Total Administrative expenses excluding provisions for legal and other matters were USD 4.7m, representing
3.0% of the average NAV.
Loss before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization - USD 58.7m mainly attributed to unrealized
loss of USD 26.9m on holdings in associated company (Atlas Estates Ltd.), impairment of USD 17.5m
related to DTH Boom and USD 5m related to CALS. Net loss after tax - USD 61.1m.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
6
Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s Review
Introduction
We are pleased to announce the consolidated financial results for Livermore Investments Group Limited
(“Livermore” or “the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2009. The year was marked with the onset
of a modest recovery in most developed and emerging economies. At the same time, however, countries in
Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”) continued to experience significant challenges.
As global markets rebounded from their deep slump in 2007-2008, Livermore management increased exposure
to capital markets and took advantage of dislocations in the fixed income market, generating significant
trading returns. Overall, the trading portfolio, which was comprised largely of fixed income securities and
equities, generated a return of over 40% on average invested capital.
Wyler Park, our investment property in Berne, Switzerland performed well generating over CHF 4.9m in annual
income. With all but two of the 39 apartments rented out, the annual income is expected to climb to CHF
5.4m at full occupancy. Market valuation of Wyler Park has remained stable both during and after the financial
crisis.
On the other hand, continued lack of credit and difficult operating conditions in the CEE region caused large
declines in asset values. Atlas Estates reported a 34% drop in its NAV and DTH Boom, a high-end direct-to-
home satellite TV company in Romania, was unable to raise capital for its future development. As of year-end
2009 the Company wrote off entirely its investment in DTH and valued its investment in Atlas Estates at
market value. Following these markdowns which posed the main drag on its portfolio in 2009, the Company
believes that it can put the worst of the financial crisis behind it. Post year-end, in April 2010, Fragliolig
Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Izaki Group, announced a cash offer of GBP 0.90 per share to acquire
all shares of Atlas Estates.
The cash and marketable securities portion of the portfolio increased during 2009 reflecting the improved
liquidity in capital markets and trading gains.
With continued recovery and the worst of the crisis behind us, we are confident that Livermore’s diversified
portfolio is well positioned to generate strong returns over the medium term. The Company holds certain value
investments, which form the basis for long term returns. In addition, the Company holds yielding investments
that generate sufficient cash to cover its operational expenses and support incremental investment
requirements.
Financial Review
The NAV of the Group at 31 December 2009 was approximately USD 128.6m. This represents a decrease of
USD 51.3m over the NAV at 31 December 2008. Net loss was USD 61.1m, which represents a loss per share
of USD 0.21.
Administrative expenses excluding provisions for legal and other matters were USD 4.7m (2008: USD4.5m),
representing 3.0% of the average NAV. The Company intends to maintain its lean infrastructure and cost
structure.
7
The overall decrease in the NAV is primarily attributed to the following:
31 December
2009
US $m
31 December
2008
US $m
Shareholders’ funds at beginning of year
Income from investments
Realised losses on investments
Loss on impairment of investments
Unrealised losses on investments
Unrealised exchange gains / (losses)
Administration costs including provisions for legal cases
Finance costs
Tax credit
Gain for year from discontinued operations
Decrease in net assets from operations
Purchase of own shares and dividends paid - cash and scrip
Adjustments for share option charge
Shareholders’ funds at end of year
179.9
7.6
(6.2)
(28.2)
(17.4)
4.0
(8.9)
(3.9)
0.2
1.7
(51.1)
(0.6)
0.4
128.6
276.4
17.5
(20.5)
(14.2)
(62.1)
(5.8)
(4.5)
(4.9)
1.9
0.9
(91.7)
(6.0)
1.2
179.9
Net Asset Value per share
US $0.44
US $0.62
Dividend & Buyback
During 2009, the Company purchased 1,284,005 shares to be held in treasury for a total cost of USD 641k. The
total number of shares held in treasury at 30 April 2010 was 13,425,966.
Due to the global economy, the financial crisis, and its effect on the Company portfolio, the Board decided not
to declare dividends for the year ended 31 December 2009. Future dividend payments will be considered based
on the net performance of the Group's investment portfolio.
Annual General Meeting
The Group’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 36 August 2010. The Notice for the meeting is on page
76 of this report.
Richard B Rosenberg
Chairman
8 June 2010
Noam Lanir
Chief Executive Officer
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
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ֿ
Review of Activities
Introduction and Overview
December 2009 marked the end of a remarkable year in which investor sentiment progressed from that of
total disillusionment to a conviction that the financial system would escape a total collapse. As the recovery
took hold and economic indicators showed elements of growth in the second quarter, global credit, equity and
commodity markets witnessed one of their best-ever rallies. During the year, the MSCI World Index recovered
by 27%, the S&P 500 Index rose 23.5% and the Dow Jones STOXX 600 Index climbed 28%. Emerging markets
recovered significantly with a rise in stock prices of 74.5%, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index,
and credit spreads continued to contract from the historically high levels seen towards the end of 2008.
Livermore took advantage of the reduced systemic risk, dislocation in market prices and availability of cheap
leverage and increased allocation to its financial portfolio. Active trading in fixed income and equity securities
and interest and dividend income from them helped generate a return in excess of 40% on its financial
portfolio in 2009. At the same time, difficult economic and credit conditions that persisted in Central and
Eastern Europe resulted in reduced valuations of the assets of Atlas Estates and lack of access to financing
for DTH Boom, for which management decided to impair its investment in its entirety. Livermore management
also decided, for prudent reasons, to reclassify certain losses in reserves to profit or loss.
The year-end NAV was USD 0.44 per share (2008 NAV: USD 0.62 per share). The portfolio remained well
diversified across sectors and geographies with increased exposure to financial markets as compared to 2008.
The Company has a mixture of yielding and growth assets in Europe and Asia.
In 2009, the Company generated interest and dividend income of USD 3.2m and investment property income
of USD 4.4m. The Company results (losses of USD 61.1m) relate mainly to non-cash losses from Atlas Estates
(USD 26.9m), impairments of USD 28.2m mainly attributed to DTH Boom (USD 17.5m) and CALS (USD 5m).
The remaining impairment losses represent reclassification of unrealized losses from the investments
revaluation reserve to profit or loss. The results also include fair value losses on derivative instruments of
USD 1.9m of which a fair value loss of USD 1.4m relates to the valuation of interest rate swap agreements in
connection with hedging the loan against its Wyler Park property in Switzerland. The maturity of such loans
and the respective hedging agreements is 2014. As the Company expects to hold these loans to maturity, it
expects to regain the losses on the interest rate swaps by the time the loan matures.
Administrative expenses amounted to USD 8.9m of which USD 4.2m relates to provision for legal and
other matters. Finance costs were USD 3.8m, of which USD 3.1m relates to the loan against the Wyler Park
property.
The Company does not have an external management company structure and thus does not bear the burden
of external management and performance fees. Further, the interests of Livermore’s management are aligned
with those of its shareholders as management members have a large ownership interest in Livermore shares.
Considering the strong liquidity position of Livermore, together with the robustness and diversification of its
investment portfolio and the alignment of management’s interest with those of its shareholders, management
believes the Company is well positioned to benefit from current market conditions.
9
Global Investment Environment
During first half of 2009, global financial markets showed signs of improvement following the extreme levels
of stress that were seen during the last quarter of 2008, which at one stage resulted in the near-paralysis of
credit markets. In the second half of 2009, global production and trade improved and confidence rebounded
strongly on both the financial and real economy fronts as extraordinary policy support thwarted a potential
depression.
Driving the global rebound was the extraordinary amount of monetary and fiscal policy stimulus. Central banks
expanded their balance sheets to unprecedented levels and monetary policy remained highly expansionary
with record low interest rates in most of the developed economies. Fiscal policy too provided a major stimulus
in response to the deep downturn.
Although financial markets have recovered faster than expected, financial conditions are likely to remain
more difficult than before the crisis. Specifically, money markets stabilized, and the tightening of bank lending
standards moderated. Most banks, in core markets, are now less reliant on central bank emergency facilities
and government guarantees. Nonetheless, bank lending remained sluggish, given the need to rebuild capital,
the weakness of private securitization, and the possibility of further credit write-downs, notably related to
commercial real estate. Corporate bond issuance reached record levels amid a reopening of most high-yield
markets. However, the surge in corporate bond issuance did not offset the reduction in bank credit growth
to the private sector. Sovereign debt came under pressure for some countries, as they struggled with large
government deficits and debt, and as investors increasingly differentiated across countries.
Central banks continued to keep short-term interest rates at historically low levels and signalled that they
could remain low until sustainable recovery and job growth was evidenced. Long-term interest rates were
more volatile during the period, reflecting concerns about the implications of government stimulus efforts on
future inflation expectations.
Amid a relatively rapid return to healthy growth in many emerging economies, portfolio flows into these
markets picked up, easing financial conditions and prompting nascent concerns about asset price valuations.
Commodity prices rose strongly during the early stages of the recovery, despite generally high inventories.
This was mainly due to the buoyant recovery in emerging Asia, the onset of recovery in other emerging and
developing economies more generally, and the improvement in global financial conditions.
The still low levels of capacity utilization and well-anchored inflation expectations are expected to contain
inflation pressures. In the advanced economies, headline inflation is expected to pick up slightly in 2010, as
rebounding energy prices more than offset slowing labour costs. In emerging and developing economies,
inflation is expected to edge up as some of these economies may face growing upward pressures due to more
limited economic slack and increased capital flows.
A key risk is that a premature and incoherent exit from supportive policies may undermine global growth
and its rebalancing. Another important risk is that impaired financial systems and housing markets or
rising unemployment in key advanced economies may hold back the recovery in household spending more
than expected. In addition, rising concerns about worsening budgetary positions and fiscal sustainability
could unsettle financial markets and stifle the recovery by raising the cost of borrowing for households
and companies. Yet another downside risk is that rallying commodity prices may constrain the recovery in
advanced economies.
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Annual Report 2009
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EURO ZONE: Strains on the Euro area financial system diminished and financial markets rallied across the
region thanks to macroeconomic stimulus, abatement of systemic risk by Governments and the expectation of
an economic recovery. GDP in the Euro zone declined 1.8% year-on-year. The trend, however, is encouraging
as GDP increased by 0.4% and 0.1% on a quarter-on-quarter basis in the third and fourth quarter respectively.
The GDP growth in the final quarter was driven by a positive contribution from net exports, while the
contribution from domestic demand was negative due to flat private consumption and declines in investment.
Inflation was subdued and may remain around 1% in the near term. The labour market outlook is weak which
continues to dampen demand, and many of the current growth sources are of temporary nature. Following
the fiscal impetus provided by Governments in the region, deficit levels have soared raising concerns over
sovereign debt.
CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE: The majority of economies in the region continued to be in recession and
reported declines in GDP. Romania received €20 billion of IMF financial support and reported a fall in GDP of
7%. Hungary also received €15 billion of IMF financial support and reported a fall in GDP of 4% in 2009. The
Slovakian economy declined by 5% in GDP in 2009. These weak economic conditions rose due to a slump in
foreign investment and bank finance to the region. As a result, investment and development activity in the real
estate market has been in decline. Poland, however, was one of the most resilient economies in Europe with
GDP growth of 1.5% in 2009. Equity markets performed well in Poland with the WIG index rising 46.8%.
SWITZERLAND: The GDP for Switzerland grew in the fourth quarter of 2009 by 0.7% compared to the third
quarter. The trade balance gave a positive boost to growth. Consumption and capital expenditures also
increased. On the production side many industries were able to increase their added value. GDP growth was
0.6% compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year. The seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment has
stabilised in the last few months, but like the overall output gap and other indicators, it shows continued
under-utilisation of Switzerland’s economic capacity. Inflationary pressure has therefore remained low to
date. The financial markets rallied in line with global and European markets with the SMI Index climbing
18.3% in 2009.
INDIA: Although the Indian financial system avoided a direct contagion of the credit crisis, private consumption
and capital formation slowed. The government responded with fiscal initiatives and the Reserve Bank lowered
interest rates to ease monetary policy. On signs of stability in the global financial system, the Indian economy
recovered posting a 6% year-on-year growth in GDP in the quarter ending December 2009. GDP growth is
expected to return to higher growth levels. High inflation, however, poses a downside risk. The equity markets
rallied sharply during the year, especially after the election which resulted in a single party coming to power
ending years of coalition politics, with the NIFTY Index rising 75%.
Sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF), Swiss National Bank (SNB), European Central Bank (ECB), Reserve
Bank of India (RBI), Bloomberg
11
Livermore’s Strategy
Livermore’s investment strategy is to establish a balanced and diversified portfolio of private investments with
a mid-long term investment horizon and financial investments which provide on-going liquidity.
The first part of the portfolio is focused on Switzerland and Asia and targets investments in real estate and
private equity opportunities which have usually proved profitable. Investments are focused on sectors that
Management believes will provide superior growth over the mid to long term with relatively low downside
risk.
The financial portfolio is focused on fixed income instruments which usually generate periodic cash flows and
include mainly corporate bonds and senior secured loans. This part of the portfolio is geographically focused
on the US and Europe with limited exposure to emerging markets.
Livermore's above investments are made directly or alongside professional managers with a proven track
record. Livermore considers having good liquidity to be paramount and had some USD 50m in cash, cash
equivalent and marketable securities as of end of the year 2009. Strong emphasis is given to keep leverage low
at the overall portfolio level and to re-invest in existing and new investments along the economic cycle.
Review of Significant Investments
Name
Wyler Park *
SRS Charminar **
Atlas Estates
Montana Tech Components
CALS
Other Real Estate Assets
Total
* Net of related loan.
Book Value US
$m
29.9
23.3
10.9
6.5
5.0
3.0
78.6
** Including related interest until February 2009.
Wyler Park – Switzerland
Wyler Park is a top quality mixed-use property located in Berne, Switzerland. It has over 16,800 square meters
of commercial area, 4,100 square meters of residential area, and another 7,800 square meters available for
additional commercial development. 100% of the commercial area is let to the Swiss Transportation Authority
(SBB), a Swiss Government company. The commercial lease is 100% linked to inflation and ends in 2019 with
two 5 year extension periods thereafter. The annual rental income from the commercial area of the project
increased in 2009 to CHF 4.36m from CHF4.26m due to indexation.
Following the successful development of 39 residential apartments in 2008, Management has completed renting
all but two of the 39 apartments. The annual rental income expected from the residential area is CHF 1.1m.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
12
Livermore is the sole owner of Wyler Park through its wholly owned Swiss subsidiary, Livermore Investments
AG. The loan outstanding on the project is CHF 79m, which is a non-recourse loan to Livermore Investments
AG backed only by this property. The loan matures in July, 2014. The valuation of the property as of year-end
2009 is CHF 110.1m.
The property generated revenues of CHF 4.9m during 2009 and maintained its value despite the downturn.
Management expects to develop the additional commercial development rights of 7,800 square meters
attached to the property in the coming years which could further enhance the value of this property.
Atlas Estates ("Atlas") – Central and Eastern Europe
As of year-end 2009 Livermore held a 21.71% minority stake in Atlas Estates Limited. Atlas Estates is managed
by an external management company which is controlled by Mr. Roni Izaki and R.P. Capital. Livermore does not
have representation on the Board of Atlas Estates or that of the external management company.
Business environment in the Central and Eastern Europe was tough in 2009, a consequence of the global
economic and credit crisis. The majority of the economies in the region continue to be in recession and credit
availability was strained. As a result, asset valuations have experienced significant reductions and currencies
have been volatile. However, Poland, where Atlas Estates has 75% of its gross assets, has managed to grow
modestly.
For the year, Atlas Estates recognized revenue of €37.3m (2008: €51.9m). Loss from operations was €47.1m
(2008: loss from operations €3.9m), predominantly due to decrease in investment property valuations of
€35.5m. Net Asset Value declined to €114m (31 December 2008: €174m) with NAV per share at €2.42
(31 December 2008: €3.68) and Adjusted NAV per share at €2.95 (31 December 2008: €4.42). The NAV decline
is due to the fall in property valuations.
As at 31 December 2009, Atlas Estates had bank loans of €260m (31 December 2008: €247.7m). Atlas reported
an increase in loans payable within one year to €156m (31 December 2008: €95.7m) due to maturing of debt
and breaches of covenant terms of certain loans. €90.4m of breaches on loans from Erste Bank have been
remedied after the reporting period through a cross collateralization agreement. Certain loans have been
extended and Atlas is negotiating to extend maturities on other loans.
On the operational side, Atlas completed development of Platinum Towers in the third quarter in line with
budget and schedule. A total of 358 out of 396 apartments have been pre-sold. Sales for 26 apartments
have been recognized, with a majority of sales to be recognized in 2010. Construction of Stage 2 of Capital
Art apartments was completed in the second quarter on time and to budget. Atlas has sold 218 out of 219
apartments in Stage 1 and pre-sold 202 out of 300 apartments in Stage 2. Stage 3 development is planned
to commence at the end of 2010. Difficult conditions for the hotel market in CEE resulted in slightly lower
occupancy levels for the Hilton Hotel in Warsaw (64% in 2009 as compared to 65% in 2008). However, strong
operating performance increased operating margins to 33% in 2009 from 20% in 2008.
In 2009, Atlas entered into an agreement to sell its assets in Slovakia. It expects to receive net proceeds of
€8m. In January 2010, Atlas obtained a credit facility of €3.1m against its Metropol asset in Hungary. Atlas
intends to utilize the proceeds for the development of its remaining assets in Warsaw, Poland, where it has
a strong presence and is likely to realize value from development activity within the next two to three years.
Further, Atlas management has taken measures to retain cash within the company and slashed dividends, cut
costs, and refinanced properties.
13
Given existing conditions, Livermore’s management is of the opinion that the market price of Atlas Estates
better represents the realizable value of Atlas Estates as compared to the NAV. In light of this, we have
conducted an impairment review and have established a provision of USD 13.3m (31 December 2008: USD 11m)
to reflect such risk. Following the provision, Atlas’ Estates position in the Company books represents a value
of €0.75per share instead of NAV of €2.42 per share. Please see note 9 for details.
SRS Charminar – India
Livermore had invested USD 20m in 2008 in a leading Indian Real Estate company, in association with SRS
Private and other investors as part of a total investment of USD 154m. The target company is a top 10 real
estate developer in India by land bank value and size. It controls over 5000 acres across Southern India, with
over 650 acres in Hyderabad.
The deal structure included a put option, which could be exercised if the IPO does not take place within 3
years or if certain terms in the agreement are not met. The put option is secured by land which was valued
at around USD 1.3 billion at the time of investment and guarantees a minimum return of approximately 30%
IRR if exercised.
As reported earlier, the manager for this investment served a put option exercise notice to the promoters in
2009. Following a dispute on the grounds of the put option notice between the promoters and the fund, the
parties agreed to invoke arbitration to be held in Mumbai.
On 14 August 2009, the arbitration process was completed and the arbitrator ruled in favour of investors. The
award entitles the investors to investment plus interest amounting to 30% IRR until 14 August 2009 and 18%
IRR thereafter. However, Livermore manegement decided, for prudent reasons, to stop accruing interest on its
investment as of February 2009.
Subsequently, the promoters agreed to settle and transfer land parcels from the company to the investors.
However, Livermore was notified by the manager of the investment that the Indian Income Tax authority had
frozen some of these assets until Q1 2010. To expedite the process of settlement, the manager has approached
the relevant Government ministries to enlist their support.
In the meanwhile, the investors have filed and won an interim order for injunction against the promoters or
the company to sell, transfer, or encumber the assets of the company. Thereafter, the promoters have filed
against the arbitral award. The legal counsel representing the investors believes that the grounds of appeal
against the award are limited under applicable laws and that the investors have a strong case to defend.
The Manager is confident that the put option will be successfully enforced and that the value of the land is
sufficient to secure the put option.
Montana Tech Components ("Montana") - Europe
Montana Tech Components AG (“MTC”) is a leading components manufacturer in the fields of Aerospace &
Industrial Components, Metal Tech and Micro Batteries. Livermore owns around 2.8% in MTC through shares
and convertible bonds on a fully diluted basis.
The Aerospace Components business segment manufactures specialized components for Airbus and Boeing
and is the market leader. The facilities are currently located in the US and in Switzerland with a new low cost
facility in Romania under development. The company has over 50% market share in the US with Boeing and is
expected to have over 45% in Europe with Airbus after the Romanian facility becomes operational. The build-
out of the Romanian facility was completed as planned in mid November 2009. The certification process with
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
14
Airbus is concluded in important areas. It is expected to be finalised by autumn 2010 with the first deliveries
expected in the first half of 2011.
Metal Tech business segment operates in a niche area with 60%-70% of world market share in an otherwise
highly fragmented industry. This business segment produces tools for identification and marking of Steel
products. It has performed to expectations due to a large order backlog.
The Micro Batteries business is a market leader in hearing aid batteries and rechargeable batteries with
a strong brand (VARTA Micro Power). Recently, VARTA has concluded a significant joint venture with the
Volkswagen group to develop batteries for hybrid cars.
In 2009, the group experienced a drop in net revenues from €350.9m in 2008 to €304.4m due to difficult
business conditions. However, as a result of restructuring measures, cost savings, and optimizations in its
value chain, the EBITDA increased from €29.4m in 2008 to €31.8m. With visible, brighter signs, the MTC
management believes that the bottom of industrial capacity usage has passed.
In April and October 2009, the company raised €28m through two rights issues at €1 per share and €1.02
per share respectively to ensure sufficient liquidity through 2011 and to take advantage of opportunities
in the current market, especially relating to a contract with Boeing. The price was deliberately kept low to
entice existing investors to invest or risk dilution. Livermore invested €740k in the offerings. In December,
the company conducted a reverse split of its shares in the ratio of 2:1. In November 2009, Ernst & Young
conducted a fairness opinion of Montana for a conversion offering to minority shareholders of a subsidiary.
The value per share after a 20% minority discount was EUR 7.04/share (after reverse split).
On 30 December 2009, Montana listed its shares on the Bern OTC (Over-The-Counter) exchange. The closing
market price for Montana equity after the reverse split was CHF 6.8/share.
CALS refinery - India
In December 2007, Livermore entered into a Total Swap Agreement (TSA) with respect to a Global Depositary
Receipt (GDR) issued by an Indian refinery company – CALS Refinery. The TSA has a capital protection structure
through a put option on the promoters.
CALS is relocating a refinery from Germany to India and the GDR was issued to part-finance the relocation
and set up of this refinery in India. CALS expects the refinery to have a capacity of 4.8 million metric tons per
annum (MMTPA).
CALS has had to delay the shipment of the refinery from Germany as it could not raise the necessary funds
following tight financial markets. Currently the company is operating at a bare minimum level due to lack of
resources. The promoters and management of CALS are making efforts to achieve financial closure.
On the operational front, the company had received the environment clearance to set up the refinery at Haldia,
West Bengal, India from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. In addition, the West Bengal Government
had approved a special package of incentives for the company and has extended the guarantee of release of the
first instalment of loan under the scheme. Earlier, CALS had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for off-take of the by-products such as LPG, Naphtha,
ATF/Kerosene, diesel, gasoline benzene, propylene and sulphur.
Following the notice of put option exercised by the TSA counterparty to the promoters of CALS, no common
ground has been found despite lengthy negotiations. Consequently, the TSA counterparty has started legal
15
action against the promoters of CALS.
Considering the legal uncertainties and the likely delay in enforcement of the put option, and also considering
the decline in price of the underlying GDR, management carried-out an impairment test based on which an
impairment loss of USD 5m (representing 50% of the total investment cost) has been recognized.
Private Equity Funds
The other private equity investments held by the Group are incorporated in the form of Managed Funds
(mostly closed end funds) mainly in the emerging economies of India and China. The investments of these
funds into their portfolio companies were mostly done in 2008 and 2009. Overall, in the second half of 2009
and thereafter the investment environment relating to most funds improved considerably and the Company
expects that exits of portfolio companies should materialize between 2011 and 2014.
Name
India Blue Mountains (India)
Elephant Capital (India)
Panda Capital (China)
JM Financials & SRS Private (India)
Blue Ridge (China)
Da Vinci (Russia)
Evolution Venture (Israel)
Total
Book Value US
$m
6.4
2.7
1.8
2.5
1.6
1.1
1.2
17.3
India Blue Mountains: A leading hotel and hospitality development fund that develops and acquires hotels
in India. The fund has acquired land and is in the process of developing four 4-star hotels in Mumbai, Pune
and Goa. All hotels will be managed by the Accor Group, who have also invested equity and hold a 26% stake
in all of the hotels.
During the period, occupancy levels of the hospitality sector in India have increased by 10-30% and hotel
rates are getting closer to the pre recession levels. Hotels across the country have average occupancy levels
of approximately 70%. There continues to be a significant shortage of 4-star hotel rooms across India and
domestic travellers who would usually stay in 5-star hotels are trading down to 4 star hotels. Following
reclassification of hospitality sector as infrastructure rather than real estate, there has been increased
construction finance available for the development of hotels.
For the initially planned Chennai project, the fund invoked the bank guarantee and has received the invested
amount. It has also invoked personal guarantees to recover the interest due, which is expected to be received
shortly. Mass concreting is completed in Pune and the foundation and raft slabs construction works are
nearing completion. Construction finance has been finalized. The fund expects a delay in the construction
timeline due to changes in local car parking regulations requiring additional parking places. For the Mumbai
project, construction finance has been raised and excavation commenced. Due to additional Floor Space Index
(FSI) availability 555 rooms can be developed as compared to the 440 rooms originally planned. The fund is
awaiting land reclassification on the Goa project.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
16
Elephant Capital plc: India-focused private equity fund, which is AIM quoted (formerly called Promethean
India plc). (Ticker: ECAP). The fund executes a value activist strategy in both public and private businesses
in India. It is building a concentrated portfolio of investments in which the fund can act as a catalyst for
change and value creation. Its portfolio investments to date include a leading tiles manufacturer in India, an
established automotive components manufacturer, a hospitality company with luxury hotels located in prime
locations in top Indian cities, a leading education company, an m-commerce player, and an online venture
with exclusive internet rights to the Indian premier cricket league.
The online cricket related venture GCV acquired the primary rights owner and online broadcaster of cricket
in North America in February 2010. It has announced a partnership with Google to monetize sponsorship
and advertising for the official premier league website. The m-commerce venture is performing well and
announced the final closing of its fundraising round with Nokia, bringing the total amount raised over this
round to USD70m, including contributions from other existing investors. The fund realized a partial amount
of its investment in the leading education company, achieving an IRR in excess of 25%. A deed of settlement
was agreed with a debtor setting out a timetable for the repayment of interest outstanding of £333,690 and
a mechanism by which the principal amount of £3.7 million will be settled within five years.
The fund has been conservative and diligent in its investment approach and has positioned itself to capitalize
on reasonable valuations in attractive opportunities.
Panda Capital: China-based Private Equity Fund focused on early-stage industrial operations in China and
Taiwan, which represent strong growth opportunities. The fund has invested in a bamboo based flooring
manufacturer, a lens moulding company, an electronic components manufacturer, an FDA approved wound
healing cream producer, and an outdoor media company.
The fund has a 100% interest in an exciting bamboo flooring company in China, which provides a low cost
alternative to hardwood flooring in shipping containers. This investment is expected to generate very attractive
returns once the shipping industry recovers from the current downturn.
Blue Ridge Capital: Blue Ridge is a China focused Private Equity fund. The fund has made investments in
six portfolio companies. Portfolio companies include a distressed real estate turnaround company, a plastic
and chemicals manufacturer, a higher education company, an innovative bio-pesticide company, a software
company specializing in Oil & Gas applications and a refinery. The investments are performing well and are
expected to exit shortly with the exception of the refinery, which has been written-off.
SRS Private & JM Financials India Property Fund: These are Private Equity funds focused on Real Estate
in India. The funds have invested in residential and commercial projects as well as directly in certain real
estate companies. The assets are primarily located in and around top cities of India such as Mumbai and
Hyderabad.
Evolution Fund: Evolution is an Israel focused Venture Capital fund. It invests in early stage technology
companies. Its investments include a carrier-class Mobile Broadband Wireless (MBW) Wi-Fi solutions company,
a language enhancement products company, a software company operating in the digital radio market, a
mobile applications company, a software test tool developer, and a pre-loaded media player manufacturer.
The Wi-Fi solutions company has expanded rapidly and is expected to provide an attractive exit in the near
future.
Da Vinci CIS Private Sector Growth Fund: The fund is primarily focused on Russia and CIS countries. The fund
has made five investments. 70% of the fund corpus is invested in RTS, the leading Russian stock exchange, and
a leading software company in Russia. Both investments are performing well.
17
Financial portfolio and trading activity
Subsequent to significant intervention by the Governments to support large banks, Livermore invested in
H1 2009 at distressed market prices in a diversified portfolio of bank and corporate bonds. The market
dislocation, systemic risk reduction, and availability of cheap leverage produced excellent returns in 2009 on
the trading portfolio. In addition as the leveraged loan market improved significantly during 2009 most of the
Collateralized Loan Obligations (backed mainly by syndicated senior secured loans) performed well producing
cash dividends of USD 2m. Successful trading activity in fixed income and equities as well as dividend income
on such securities produced returns of 40% on its financial portfolio in 2009.
The following is a table summarizing the financial portfolio as of year-end 2009:
Name
Investment Grade bonds
Non-Investment Grade bonds
Public Equities
Hedge Funds & Credit Managers
Total
Book Value US
$m
23.0
9.3
3.6
15.3
51.2
Events after the reporting date
Atlas Estates: On 16 April 2010, Fragliolig Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Izaki Group, made a cash
offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Atlas Estates Limited not already owned by
Fragliolig Limited or persons acting in concert with it. The offer is for GBP 0.90 in cash for each Atlas Estates
share.
On 12 May 2010, the Offer was declared wholly unconditional as Fragliolig Limited along with its concert
parties owned or had received acceptances in respect of approximately 62.9% of the issued share capital of
Atlas Estates. The Offer remains open until 3:00pm GMT on 21 Jun 2010.
On 17 May 2010, Atlas announced its first quarter 2010 results with revenues of EUR 38.1m, net income of
EUR 7.1m and a NAV of EUR 2.75 per share as compared to EUR 2.45 per share in December 2009. The increase
in revenues and net income is primarily attributed to recognition of apartment sales that were pre-sold and
completed during the period. The increase in NAV is predominantly due to exchange rate differences.
DTH Boom: On 12 May 2010, DTH Boom filed for insolvency in Romania. The insolvency followed DTH Boom’s
unsuccessful efforts in raising growth capital as well as finding a buyer for the company with its existing
liabilities. As of year-end 2009 the Company wrote off entirely all equity and shareholders’ loans related to
this investment.
Litigation
At the time of this Report, there are two litigation matters that the Company is involved in. Further information
is provided in note 37 to the financial statements.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
18
Report of the Directors
The Board's objectives
The Board’s primary objectives are to supervise and control the management activities, business development,
and the establishment of a strong franchise in the Group’s business lines. Measures aimed at increasing
shareholders' value over the medium to long-term, such as an increase in NAV and dividends paid are used to
monitor performance.
The Board of Directors
Richard Barry Rosenberg (age 54), Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Board
Richard joined the Group in December 2004. He became Non-Executive Chairman on 31 October 2006. He
qualified as a chartered accountant in 1980 and in 1988 co-founded the accountancy practice Sedley Richard
Laurence Voulters. He has considerable experience in giving professional advice to clients in the leisure and
entertainment sector. Richard is a director of a large number of companies operating in a variety of business
segments.
Menachem Marder (age 57), Non-Executive Director
Menachem joined the Group in September 2009. He brings with him a profound background of accounting
and business experience. Menachem is a Certified Public Accountant, and was the founder and senior manager
of the accounting firm Shlomo Ziv and Partners (BDO). In addition to his work with Livermore, Menachem,
through his company, Mimtar Business Consulting LTD, provides business, economic, managerial and financial
consultancy to a wide range of firms with a specialization in company turn arounds and mergers and
acquisitions. Menachem earned an MBA with a major in Finance from Tel Aviv University, and holds a BA in
Economics and Accounting from Tel Aviv University. Menachem is a director of a large number of companies
operating in a variety of business segments.
Noam Lanir (age 43), Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Noam founded the Group in July 1998, to develop a specialist online marketing operation. Noam has led the
growth and development of the Group’s operations over the last twelve years which culminated in its IPO in
June 2005 on AIM. He is also a major benefactor of a number of charitable organisations. Prior to 1998, Noam
was involved in a variety of businesses mainly within the leisure and entertainment sector.
Ron Baron (age 42), Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer
Ron was appointed as Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer on 10 August 2007. Ron has wide
investment and M&A experience. From 2001 to 2006 Ron served as a member of the management at Bank
Leumi, Switzerland and was responsible for portfolio management activity. Prior to this he spent five years
as a commercial lawyer at Kantor, Elhanani, Tal & Co. Law Offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, advising banks and large
corporations on corporate transactions, including buy-outs and privatisations. He holds an MBA from INSEAD
Fontainebleau and a LLB (LAW) and BA in Economics from Tel Aviv University.
The Directors shall retire from office at the third Annual General Meeting after that at which they were last
elected, and if they so wish, offer themselves up for re-election to the Board. Subject to the Companies Act
19
and the Articles, the Directors to retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting in every year shall be in
addition to any Director who wishes to retire and not to offer himself for reappointment, any Director required
to retire under the Company's Articles. The interests of the Directors and their related companies in the shares
and options over shares in the Company are as shown on page 19. Details of the Directors’ remuneration and
service contracts also appear on page 19.
The Directors submit their annual report and audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31
December 2009.
Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
The Directors are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing
these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
•
•
•
•
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Group will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company’s transactions, and at any time enable the financial position of the Company to be determined with
reasonable accuracy and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable law.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets 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 corporate and financial information
included on the Group's website. Legislation in the British Virgin Islands governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Disclosure of information to the Auditor
In so far as the Directors are aware:
•
•
there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware; and
the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
20
Substantial Shareholdings
As at 30 April 2010 the Directors are aware of the following interests in 3 per cent or more of the Company’s
issued ordinary share capital:
Number of
Ordinary Shares
% of issued ordinary
share capital
% of voting rights*
Groverton Management Ltd
154,412,173
50.77
53.12
Bristol Investments Group S.A.
28,429,426
Aviv Raiz
Bank Leumi Swiss
RB Investments GmbH
Jefferies & Co
Bank Hapoalim Luxemburg
24,573,423
16,514,096
13,915,419
13,536,884
12,622,251
9.35
8.08
5.43
4.58
4.45
4.15
9.78
8.45
5.68
4.79
4.66
4.34
* after consideration of treasury shares see details at note 14.
Save as disclosed in this report and in the remuneration report, the Company is not aware of any person who
is interested directly or indirectly in 3 per cent or more of the issued share capital of the Company or could,
directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, exercise control over the Company.
Details of transactions with Directors are disclosed in note 35 to the financial statements.
21
Corporate Governance Statement
Introduction
The Company recognises the importance of the principles of good Corporate Governance and the Board is
pleased to accept its commitment to such high standards throughout the year. As an AIM quoted company,
Livermore is not required to follow the provisions of the 2008 FRC Combined Code (“the Code”). However, the
Company is keen to adopt and promote the provisions of that Code. Up to 31 December 2009 the Board has
adopted several provisions of the Code, some of which have not yet been fully implemented.
The Board Constitution and Procedures
The company is controlled through the Board of Directors, which currently comprises two Non-Executive
Directors and two Executive Directors. The Chief Executive’s responsibility is to focus on co-ordinating the
company’s business and implementing group strategy.
A formal schedule of matters is reserved for consideration by the Board, which meets approximately four times
each year. The Board is responsible for implementation of the investing strategy as described in the circular
to shareholders dated 6 February 2007 and adopted pursuant to shareholder approval at the Company’s EGM
on 28 February 2007. It reviews the strategic direction of the Group, its codes of conduct, its annual budgets,
its progress towards achievement of these budgets and any capital expenditure programmes. In addition,
the Directors have access to advice and services of the Company Secretary and all Directors are able to take
independent professional advice if relevant to their duties. The Directors receive training and advice on their
responsibilities as necessary. All Directors, in accordance with the Code, submit themselves to re-election at
least once every three years.
Board Committees
The Board delegates clearly defined powers to its Audit and Remuneration Committees. The minutes of each
Committee are circulated by the Board.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises of the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and a Non-Executive
Director. The Remuneration Committee considers the terms of employment and overall remuneration of the
Executive Directors and key members of Executive management regarding share options, salaries, incentive
payments and performance related pay. The remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is determined by the
Board.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises of the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and a Non-Executive Director
and is chaired by the Chairman of the Board. The duties of the Committee include monitoring the auditor’s
performance and reviewing accounting policies and financial reporting procedures.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
22
Communication with Investors
The Directors are available to meet with shareholders throughout the year. In particular the Executive
Directors prepare a general presentation for analysts and institutional shareholders following the interim
and preliminary results announcements of the Company. The chairman, Richard Rosenberg, is available
for meetings with shareholders throughout the year. The Board endeavours to answer all queries raised by
shareholders promptly.
Shareholders are encouraged to participate in the Annual General Meeting at which the Chairman will present
the key highlights of the Group’s performance. The Board will be available at the Annual General Meeting to
answer questions from shareholders.
Internal Control
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Company has in place a system with internal control and for
reviewing its effectiveness. In this context, control is defined in the policies and processes established to
ensure that business objectives are achieved cost effectively, assets and shareholder value safeguarded and
that laws and regulations are complied with. Controls can provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that
risks are identified and adequately managed to achieve business objectives and to minimise material errors,
frauds and losses or breaches of laws and regulations.
The Group operates a sound system of internal control, which is designed to ensure that the risk of mis-
statement or loss is kept to a minimum.
Given the Group’s size and the nature of its business, the Board does not consider that it is necessary to have
an internal audit function. An internal audit function will be established as and when the group is of an
appropriate size.
The Board undertakes a review of its internal controls on an ongoing basis.
Independence of Auditor
The Board undertakes a formal assessment of the auditor’s independence each year, which includes:
•
•
•
•
•
a review of non-audit related services provided to the Company and related fees;
discussion with the auditor of a written report detailing all relationships with the Company and any other
parties which could affect independence or the perception of independence;
a review of the auditor’s own procedures for ensuring independence of the audit firm and partners and
staff involved in the audit, including the rotation of the audit partner;
obtaining written confirmation from the auditors that they are independent;
a review of fees paid to the auditor in respect of audit and non-audit services.
23
Remuneration Report
The Directors’ emoluments, benefits and shareholdings during the year ended 31 December 2008 were as
follows:
Directors’ Emoluments
Each of the Directors has a service contract with the Company.
Director
Date of
agreement
Salary/Fees
US $000
Benefits
US $000
Share
options
expense
US $000
Total
Emoluments
2009,
US $000
Total
Emoluments
2008,
US $000
Richard Barry Rosenberg
10/06/05
Noam Lanir
Ron Baron
Menachem Marder
10/06/05
01/09/07
23/09/09
118
400
350
-
-
-
-
-
38
321
-
-
156
721
350
-
138
400
275
-
The dates are presented in day / month / year format.
Directors’ Interests
Interests of Directors in ordinary shares
Notes
As at 31 December 2009
As at 31 December 2008
Number of
Ordinary Shares
Percentage of
ordinary share
capital
Number of
Ordinary Shares
Percentage of
ordinary share
capital
154,412,171
50.773%
154,412,171
50.773%
13,915,419
15,000
4.576%
0.005%
13,911,970
15,000
4.574%
0.005%
Noam Lanir
Ron Baron
a)
b)
Richard Barry Rosenberg
Notes:
a) Noam Lanir is interested in his ordinary shares by virtue of the fact that he owns directly or indirectly all of
the issued share capital of Groverton Management Limited.
b) On 16 April 2007, a loan of USD 5m was provided to RB Investments GMBH, a company owned by Ron Baron
to purchase Livermore shares. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 6 month USD LIBOR plus 0.25%.
Interests of Directors in share options
Noam Lanir
Richard Barry Rosenberg
No of options at
31 December 2009
10,000,000
500,000
150,000
75,000
Date of
grant
19/07/06
13/05/08
19/07/06
07/12/05
Exercise
price, £
Exercise
Price, US $
Vesting period of
options
0.7775
0.30
0.7775
0.71
1.41786
One to three years*
0.58407
1.41786
1.22
One to three years *
One to three years *
One to three years *
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
24
* The options normally vest in three equal tranches, on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant.
The options are exercisable up to 10 years after the date of grant. No options were exercised during the year
ended 31 December 2009.
Share Option Scheme
The Company’s remuneration committee (the “Committee”) is responsible for administering the Share Option
Scheme. Options to acquire Shares in the Company may be granted under the Share Option Scheme to any
employee or director of the Company or member of the Group.
The option exercise price per Ordinary Share is determined by the Committee but will be no less than market
value of the Ordinary Shares on the dealing day immediately preceding the date of grant. The options are not
subject to any performance criteria (apart from continued service).
The Share Option Scheme will terminate ten years after it is adopted by the Company, or earlier in certain
circumstances.
Remuneration Policy
The Group’s policy has been designed to ensure that the Group has the ability to attract, retain and motivate
executive directors and key management personnel to ensure the success of the organization.
The following key principles guide its policy:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
policy for the remuneration of executive directors will be determined and regularly reviewed independently
of executive management and will set the tone for the remuneration of other senior executives
the remuneration structure will support and reflect the Group’s stated purpose to maximize long-term
shareholder value
the remuneration structure will reflect a just system of rewards for the participants
the overall quantum of all potential remuneration components will be determined by the exercise of
informed judgement of the independent remuneration committee, taking into account the success of the
Company and the competitive global market
a significant personal shareholding will be developed in order to align executive and shareholder
interests
the assessment of performance will be quantitative and qualitative and will include exercise of informed
judgement by the remuneration committee within a framework that takes account of sector characteristics
and is approved by shareholders
the committee will be proactive in obtaining an understanding of shareholder preferences
remuneration policy and practices will be as transparent as possible, both for participants and
shareholders
the wider scene, including pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group, will be taken into
account, especially when determining annual salary increases.
25
Review of the Business and Risks
Risks
The Board considers that the risks the Shareholders face can be divided into external and internal risks.
External risks to shareholders and their returns are those that can severely influence the investment environment
within which the Group operates, and include economic recession, declining corporate profitability, rising
inflation and interest rates and excessive stock-market speculation.
Current portfolio risks include predominantly currency risks as some of the underlying portfolio is invested
into assets denominated in non-US currencies while the Company reports in USD. In addition, the Company
is exposed to interest rate changes, credit risk, liquidity risk and volatility in the global economies and in
particular in Emerging markets (mainly India and Central and Eastern Europe), as well as access to capital
markets for certain investee companies. The mitigation of these risks is achieved by investment diversification,
both by sector and by location. The Company also engages from time to time in certain hedging activities to
mitigate these risks.
Internal risks to shareholders and their returns are related to Portfolio risks (investment and location selection
and concentration), balance sheet risk (gearing) and/or investment mismanagement risks. In particular the
Board has identified a concentration risk to Atlas Estates Ltd. as a notably large single investment risk.
Governmental and Regulatory risks in countries where Livermore is invested given increased nationalist and
protectionist policy risks. The SRS Charminar investment is specifically subject to this risk as governmental
authorities are in the process of examining irregular behaviour of the promoters.
A periodic internal review is performed to ensure transparency of Group activities and investments. All service
providers to the Group are regularly reviewed. The mitigation of the risks related to investments is effected by
investment restrictions and guidelines and through reviews at Board Meetings.
As the portfolio is invested in non USD currencies (mainly EUR, CHF and INR), it is exposed to movements in
these currencies.
On the asset side, the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk is limited to the interest bearing deposits and
portfolio of bonds in which the Group invests.
Management monitors liquidity to ensure that sufficient liquid resources are available to the Group. The
Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its fixed income portfolio, which is exposed to corporate bonds
with a particular exposure to the financial sector and to bank loans. Generally, the Group’s maximum credit
exposure is the carrying amount of trade and other receivables shown on the face of the Balance Sheet.
Share Capital
There was no change in the authorised share capital during the year to 31 December 2009. The authorised
share capital is 1,000,000,000 ordinary shares with no par value.
Related party transactions
Details of any transactions of the Group with related parties during the year to 31 December 2009 are
disclosed in Note 35 to the Financial Statements.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
26
Report of the independent auditor to the
members of Livermore Investments Group
Limited
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Livermore Investments Group Limited (the ''Company'')
and its subsidiaries (together the ''Group'') on pages 24 to 59, which comprise the consolidated statement
of financial position as at 31 December 2009 and the consolidated income statement, and consolidated
statements of comprehensive income, of changes in equity, and of cash flows for the year then ended, and a
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
The consolidated financial statements of Livermore Investments Group Limited and its subsidiaries for the year
ended 31 December 2008 were audited by another auditor whose report dated 27 May 2009 expressed an
unqualified opinion on those statements.
Board of Directors’ Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the annual report and the consolidated
financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU). This responsibility includes: designing, implementing
and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying
appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that we
comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's
preparation of the consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on
the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Board of Directors as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
audit opinion.
27
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of
Livermore Investments Group Limited and its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2009 and of their financial
performance and their cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted by the EU.
Other Matter
This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body and
for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose
or to any other person to whose knowledge this report may come to.
GRANT THORNTON
Certified Public Accountants (Cy)
Nicosia
Date: 8 June 2010
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
28
Livermore Investments Group Limited
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2009
Note
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Available- for-sale financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investment and development property
Investment in associate
Deferred tax
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Available- for-sale financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Total assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium and treasury shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity
Liabilities
Non current liabilities
Bank loans
Derivative financial instruments
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts
Short term bank loans
Trade and other payables
Provisions for legal and other cases
Current tax payable
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
Net asset valuation per share
Basic and diluted net asset valuation per share (US $)
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
12
13
5
6
14
14
16
17
18
19
20
36
21
22
274
-
55,862
5,885
106,333
10,936
1,923
181,213
7,788
5,898
19,914
23,602
57,202
238,415
-
205,889
(17,530)
(59,791)
128,568
76,436
8,576
85,012
5,198
13,987
1,295
4,200
155
24,835
109,847
238,415
352
9
80,706
6,361
104,520
39,939
1,698
233,585
8,130
2,468
28,349
8,936
47,883
281,468
-
206,530
(27,914)
1,334
179,950
74,134
8,149
82,283
8,518
7,370
3,220
-
127
19,235
101,518
281,468
0.44
0.62
These Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 June 2010.
The notes on pages 36 to 74 form part of these financial statements.
29
Livermore Investment Group Limited
Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2009
Note
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
Continuing operations
Investment income
Interest and dividend income
Investment property revenue
Loss on investments
Loss from investment in associate
Gross loss
Administrative expenses
Operating loss
Finance costs
Loss before taxation
Taxation credit
Loss for year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Gain for year from discontinued operations
Loss for the year
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted loss per share (US $) from continuing
operations
Basic and diluted loss per share (US $)
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
3,211
4,432
(31,055)
(26,869)
(50,281)
(8,931)
(59,212)
(3,782)
(62,994)
204
(62,790)
1,665
(61,125)
(0.22)
(0.21)
14,032
3,487
(50,850)
(22,712)
(56,043)
(4,556)
(60,599)
(4,057)
(64,656)
1,935
(62,721)
862
(61,859)
(0.22)
(0.22)
The notes on pages 36 to 74 form part of these financial statements.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
30
Livermore Investment Group Limited
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2009
Loss for year
Other comprehensive income:
Available for sale financial assets
•
Fair value losses
•
•
Reclassification to profit or loss due to disposals
Reclassification to profit or loss due to significant fall
in value
Share of other comprehensive loss of associate
Foreign exchange gains / (loss) from translation of:
•
associate
•
subsidiaries
Note
2009
US $000
(61,125)
2008
US $000
(61,859)
(21,873)
6,092
28,235
(2,918)
640
(151)
(58,905)
20,849
14,176
(3,030)
(2,938)
-
9
9
Total comprehensive loss for the year
(51,100)
(91,707)
The total comprehensive loss for the year is wholly attributable to the owners of the parent company.
The notes on pages 36 to 74 form part of these financial statements.
31
Livermore Investments Group Limited
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2009
Share
capital
US
$000
Share
premium
US
$000
Treasury
Shares
US
$000
Share
option
reserve
US $000
Translation
reserve
US
$000
Investments
revaluation
reserve
US $000
Retained
earnings
US
$000
Total
US
$000
Note
Balance at 1 January 2008
- 209,806 (7,171)
4,233
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,466)
73,041 276,443
-
-
-
-
-
(9,848)
(9,848)
-
-
-
5,693
(1,798)
1,167
(9,848)
(4,786)
- (61,859) (61,859)
(58,905)
- (58,905)
20,849
- 20,849
14,176
- 14,176
(3,030)
-
(3,030)
(2,938)
-
-
(2,938)
(2,938)
(26,910) (61,859) (91,707)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,693
-
-
(1,798)
-
-
-
-
-
1,167
5,693 (1,798)
1,167
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 215,499 (8,969)
5,400
(2,938)
(30,376)
1,334 179,950
Changes in equity for the
year ended
31 December 2008
Dividends paid
Shares issued under scrip
dividend
Purchase of own shares
34
14
14
Share option charge
15/28
Transactions with owners
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive
income:
Available-for-sale financial
assets
•
•
•
Fair value losses
Reclassification to profit
or loss due to disposals
Reclassification to profit
or loss due to significant
fall in value
Share of other
comprehensive loss of
associate
Foreign exchange loss
arising from translation of
associate
Total comprehensive loss for
the year
Balance at 31 December
2008
Changes in equity for the
year ended
31 December 2009
9
9
Purchase of own shares
14
-
-
(641)
-
-
-
-
(641)
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
32
Note
15/28
Share option charge
Transactions with owners
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive
income:
Available-for-sale financial
assets
•
•
•
Fair value losses
Reclassification to profit
or loss due to disposals
Reclassification to profit
or loss due to significant
fall in value
Share of other
comprehensive loss of
associate
Foreign exchange gain / loss
arising from translation of:
•
•
associate
subsidiaries
Total comprehensive loss for
the year
Balance at 31 December
2009
9
9
Share
capital
US
$000
Share
premium
US
$000
Treasury
Shares
US
$000
Share
option
reserve
US $000
Translation
reserve
US
$000
Investments
revaluation
reserve
US $000
Retained
earnings
US
$000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(641)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
359
359
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
US
$000
359
(282)
-
-
-
-
- (61,125) (61,125)
(21,873)
- (21,873)
6,092
-
6,092
28,235
- 28,235
(2,918)
-
(2,918)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
640
(151)
-
-
-
-
640
(151)
489
9,536 (61,125) (51,100)
- 215,499 (9,610)
5,759
(2,449)
(20,840) (59,791) 128,568
The notes on pages 36 to 74 form part of these financial statements.
33
Livermore Investments Group Limited
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before tax
Adjustments for
Depreciation and amortisation
Provisions for legal and other cases
Interest expense
Interest and dividend income
Loss on investment in associate
Loss on sale of investments
Equity settled share options
Exchange differences
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Changes in working capital
Decrease / (Increase) in trade and other receivables
(Decrease) in trade and other payables
Cash flows from operations
Tax paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of investments
Proceeds from investments
Payments for derivative financial instruments
Acquisition of investment and development property
Addition to associate
Proceeds from associate
Net cash from investing activities
Note
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
(61,329)
(63,794)
3/4
29
24
27
26
28
29
3
8
9
9
132
4,200
3,370
(3,211)
26,869
31,055
359
327
-
146
-
4,670
(14,032)
22,712
50,850
1,167
-
6
1,772
1,725
342
(1,950)
164
(25)
139
(45)
(6,000)
(32,714)
(36,989)
(3)
(36,992)
(63)
(58,942)
(108,422)
62,252
(1,911)
(152)
(259)
115
1,058
136,967
-
(4,214)
(1,590)
2,610
25,288
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
34
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid
Purchase of own shares
Proceeds from bank loan
Interest paid
Interest and dividend received
Net cash from financing activities
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents
Translation differences on foreign operations’ cash
and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Note
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
-
(641)
6,617
(3,370)
3,211
5,817
7,014
(6,050)
(327)
63
700
14
29
24
29
13
(4,155)
(1,798)
7,370
(4,670)
14,032
10,779
(925)
(5,908)
783
-
(6,050)
The notes on pages 36 to 74 form part of these financial statements.
35
Notes on the Financial Statements
1.
General Information
Incorporation, principal activity and status of the Company
1.1.
The Company was incorporated as an international business company and registered in the British
Virgin Islands (BVI) on 2 January 2002 under IBC Number 475668 with the name Clevedon Services
Limited. The liability of the members of the Company is limited.
1.2.
The Company changed its name to Empire Online Limited on 5 May 2005 and then changed to
Livermore Investments Group Limited on 28 February 2007.
1.3.
The principal activity of the Group changed to investment services on 1 January 2007. Before that
the principal activity of the Group was the provision of marketing services to the online gaming
industry and, since 1 January 2006, the operation of online gaming.
1.4.
The principal legislation under which the Company operates is the BVI Business Companies Act,
2004.
1.5.
The registered office and head office of the Company is located at Trident Chambers, PO Box 146,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
2.
Accounting Policies
2.1.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial information are as
follows:
a)
Basis of preparation
The audited financial statements of Livermore Investments Group Limited have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European
Union and on a going concern basis. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical
cost basis except for the following:
•
•
•
•
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value.
Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value.
Available- for- sale financial assets are measured at fair value.
Investment property is measured at fair value.
The financial information is presented in US dollars because this is the currency in which the Group
primarily operates.
The directors have reviewed the accounting policies used by the Group and consider them to be the
most appropriate.
b)
Adoption of new and revised IFRSs
As from 1 January 2009, the Company adopted all the IFRSs and International Accounting Standards
(IAS), which became effective and also were endorsed by the European Union and are relevant to
its operations. The adoption of these standards did not have a material effect on the financial
statements other than as described below.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
36
•
•
The adoption of IAS 1 (Revised 2007): “Presentation of Financial Statements” has significantly
changed the presentation of the financial statements. The adoption of the standard does not
affect the financial position or profits of the company, but gives rise to additional disclosures,
and also requires the preparation of a new statement “Statement of comprehensive income”.
The measurement and recognition of the Company’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses is
unchanged, however some items that were recognised directly in equity are now recognised
in other comprehensive income, such as for example revaluation of available-for-sale
investments.
The company has applied the amendments to IFRS 7 “Improving Disclosures about Financial
Instruments” effective from 1 January 2009. This amendment requires the company to present
certain information about financial instruments at fair value in the statements of financial
positions. In the first year of application, comparative information need not to presented for the
disclosures required by the amendment. Accordingly, the disclosure for the fair value hierarchy
is only presented for the year ended 31 December 2009.
All IFRSs issued by the international Standards Board (IASB) which are effective for the year ended
31 December 2009, have been adopted by the EU through the endorsement procedures established
by the European Commission, with the exception of certain provisions of IAS 39: “Financial
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” relating to portfolio hedge accounting.
The following Standards, Amendments and Interpretations had been issued by the date of
authorisation of these financial statements but are not yet effective for the year ended 31 December
2009:
Standards and Interpretations adopted by the EU
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improvements to IFRSs – 2008 in relation to IFRS 5(effective for annual periods beginning on or
after 1 July 2009).
Improvements to IFRSs – 2009 (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009 /
1 January 2010).
IFRS 1 (Revised): First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” (effective
for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009).
IFRS 3 (Revised): “Business Combinations” (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1
July 2009).
IAS 27 (Revised): “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” (effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 1 July 2009).
IFRIC 17: “Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners” (effective for annual periods beginning
on or after 1 July 2009).
Amendment to IFRS 2: “Group Cash-Settled Share Based Payment Transactions” (effective for
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010).
Amendment to IAS 32: “Classification of Rights Issues” ” (effective for annual periods beginning
on or after 1 February 2010).
Amendment to IAS 39: “Eligible Hedge Items” ” (effective for annual periods beginning on or
after 1 July 2009).
37
Standards and Interpretations not adopted by the EU
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improvements to IFRSs-2010 (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010 / 1
January 2011)
IFRS 9: “Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement” (effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2013).
IAS 24 (Revised): “Related Party Disclosures” (effective for annual periods beginning on or after
1 July 2011).
IFRIC 19: “Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments” (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010).
Amendment to IFRS 1: “Additional Exemptions for First-time Adopters” (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010).
Amendments to IFRS 1: “Limited Exemption from Comparative IFRS 7 Disclosures for First-time
Adopters” (effective from 1 July 2010).
Amendment to IFRIC 14: “Prepayments of Minimum Finding Requirement” (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011).
The Board of Directors expects that when these standards or interpretations become effective in
future periods they will not have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
c)
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and
entities (including special purpose entities) controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control is
achieved where the company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an
entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
The financial statements of all the Group companies are prepared using uniform accounting policies.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their
accounting policies into line with those used by the Group.
All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
The results and cash flows of any subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included
in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective
date of disposal.
d)
Current assets are those which, in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation Of Financial Statements
are:
•
•
•
•
expected to be realised within normal operating cycle, via sale or consumption, or
held primarily for trading, or
expected to be realised within 12 months from the balance sheet date, or
cash and cash equivalent not restricted in their use.
All other assets are non-current.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
38
e)
Investment in associate
The Group’s interests in associates, being those entities over which it has significant influence and
which are neither subsidiaries nor joint ventures, are accounted for using the equity method.
Under the equity method, the investment in an associate is carried in the statement of financial
position at cost plus post acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate
and less any impairment in the value of the individual investment. The Group’s profit or loss includes
the share of the associate’s results after tax. The Group’s other comprehensive income includes the
share of any other comprehensive income and expenses recognised by the associate.
Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of an associate, representing the excess of the cost of
investment compared to the Group’s share of the net fair value of the associate’s identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities, is included in the carrying amount of the associate and is not
amortized. To the extent that the net fair value of the associate's identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities is greater then the cost of the investment, a gain is recognised and added to
the Group’s share of the associate profit or loss in the period in which the investment is acquired.
Distributions received from an investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment.
Financial statements of associates are prepared for the same period as the Group's. Adjustments are
made to bring the associate's accounting policies in line with those of the Group.
f)
Investment property revenue
Rental income is recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term. Service charges and
management fees are recognised as the related costs are incurred and charged. Changes to rental
income that arise from reviews to open market rental values or increases that are indexed linked
on a periodic basis are recognised from the date on which the adjustment became due. Lease
incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the net consideration for the use of the
property. Lease incentives are allocated evenly over the life of the lease. Rental income and services
charged are stated net of vat and other related taxes.
g)
Investment Income
Investment income comprises interest income on funds invested, dividend income, and investment
property income. Interest income is recognised based on applicable effective interest rates.
Investment property income is recognised as it accrues. Dividend income is recognised on the date
that the Group's right to receive payment is established, which in the case of quoted securities is
the ex-dividend date.
h)
Foreign currency
The individual financial statements of each group company are presented in the currency of the
primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of
the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each group company
are expressed in USD, which is the functional currency of the parent company and the presentation
currency for the consolidated financial statements.
Transactions in foreign currencies other than each group entity’s functional currency are recorded
at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
39
denominated in non-functional currencies are translated into functional currency equivalents using
year-end spot foreign exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using
exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Non-monetary assets that are measured
in terms of historical cost in foreign currency are not re-translated.
Gains and losses arising on the settlement of monetary items and on the re-translation of monetary
items are included in the profit or loss for the year. Those that arise on the re-translation of
non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in the profit or loss of the year except for
differences arising on the re-translation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and
losses are recognised in other comprehensive income. For such non-monetary items any exchange
component of that gain or loss is also recognised in other comprehensive income.
The results and financial position of all Group entities that have a functional currency different from
US dollars are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
(i)
assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date; and
(ii)
income and expenses and also cash flows for each income statement item are translated
at an average exchange rate (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and
expenses are translated at the rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions); and
(iii)
exchange differences on the net investment in subsidiary entities with a different functional
currency to the group are recognised in other comprehensive income.
i)
Taxation
Current tax is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year.
Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences. Deferred
tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and
their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on
the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination
or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares
in subsidiaries and joint ventures is not provided if reversal of these temporary differences can be
controlled by the group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. In
addition, tax losses available to be carried forward as well as other income tax credits to the group
are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.
Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to
the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be
offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated
at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are
enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the
income statement, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity
(such as the revaluation of land) in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited
directly to equity.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
40
j)
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Carrying
amounts are reviewed at each reporting date for impairment indications.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, at annual rates estimated to write off
the cost of the assets less any estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. The annual
depreciation rates used are as follows:
Computer hardware
Fixtures and Fittings
Office renovation
Motor Vehicles
-
-
-
-
33.3%
10%
25%
25%
k)
Investment property
Certain of the Group’s properties are classified as investment property, being held for long term
investment gains and to earn rental income.
Investment properties are measured initially at cost, and thereafter are stated at fair value, which
reflects market conditions at the reporting date. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair
values of investment properties are included in the profit or loss in the year in which they arise.
Investment property is valued at fair value based on valuations provided by a certified external
appraiser.
l)
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at proceeds received, net of direct issue
costs.
Own equity instruments purchased by the Company are recorded at the consideration paid, including
directly associated assets and is deducted from total equity as treasury shares until they are sold
or cancelled. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is
included in total equity.
The share premium account includes any premiums received on the initial issuing of the share
capital. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the premium
paid.
m)
Share Options
IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment" requires the recognition of equity settled share based payments at
fair value at the date of grant.
The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to certain employees and other advisors.
The fair value of share-based payments to employees at grant date is measured using the Binomial
pricing model. The fair value of share-based payments to other advisors, are measured directly at
the fair value of the services provided.
The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting
period, based on the Group's estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the
41
effect of non market-based vesting conditions. The corresponding credit is taken to the share option
reserve.
On exercise or lapse of the options any related amounts recognised in the share option reserve are
transferred to retained earnings.
n)
Leases
Leases where a significant portion of the risk and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor
are classified as operating leases and rentals are charged to income on a straight-line basis over
the term of the lease.
o)
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs primarily comprise interest on the Group’s borrowings. Any borrowing costs directly
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are added to the cost
of the corresponding assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are
incurred and reported within “finance costs”.
p)
Financial assets
Financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of
the financial instrument.
A financial asset is derecognised only where the contractual rights to the cash flows from the
asset expire or the financial asset is transferred and that transfer qualifies for derecognition. A
financial asset is transferred if the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset have
been transferred or the Group retains the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the asset
but assumes a contractual obligation to pay the cash flows to one or more recipients. A financial
asset that is transferred qualifies for derecognition if the Group transfers substantially all the risks
and rewards of ownership of the asset, or if the Group neither retains nor transfers substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership but does transfer control of that asset.
Financial assets are measured initially at fair value plus transaction costs, except for financial assets
and financial liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss, which are measured initially at
fair value.
Financial assets are measured subsequently as described below.
All financial assets except for those at fair value through profit or loss are subject to review
for impairment at least at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired when there is any
objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. Different criteria
to determine impairment are applied for each category of financial assets, which are described
below.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised and carried at the original transaction value. An estimate
for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are
written off when identified. Where the time value of money is significant receivables are carried at
amortized cost.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
42
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand and balances with banks. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid
investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. They include unrestricted short-
term bank deposits originally purchased with maturities of twelve months or less.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets that are either classified
as held for trading or are designated by the Group to be carried at fair value through profit or
loss upon initial recognition. All assets within this category are measured at their fair value, with
changes in value recognised in the profit or loss when incurred. Upon initial recognition attributable
transactions costs are recognised in profit or loss when incurred.
From 1 January 2008 all new financial assets acquired have been designated at fair value through
profit or loss upon initial recognition, because management consider this to more fairly reflect the
way these assets are managed by the Group. The Group’s business is investing in financial assets
with a view to profiting from their total return in the form of income and capital growth. This
portfolio of financial assets is managed and its performance evaluated on a fair value basis, in
accordance with a documented investment strategy, and information about the portfolio is provided
internally on that basis to the Group’s Board of directors and other key management personnel.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets that are either designated
as such or do not qualify for inclusion in any of the other categories of financial assets. All financial
assets within this category are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in other
comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising from investments classified as available-for-sale
are recognised in the income statement when they are sold or when the investment is impaired.
In the case of impairment of available-for-sale assets, any loss previously recognised in other
comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in the profit
or loss on equity instruments are not subsequently reversed through the profit or loss. Impairment
losses recognised previously on debt securities are reversed through the profit or loss when the
increase in fair value can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was
recognised in the profit or loss.
An assessment for impairment is undertaken at least at each reporting date.
Valuation of financial assets
•
•
•
•
Cash and deposits are evaluated per holdings in banks.
Public equities, Credit Notes and Bonds are valued per their bid market prices on quoted
exchanges, or as quoted by market maker.
Hedge Funds and Private Equity funds are valued per reports provided by the funds on a periodic
basis, and if traded, per their bid market prices on quoted exchanges, or as quoted by market
maker.
Private Equities and Unlisted Investments are valued using market valuation techniques as
determined by the directors.
43
•
Derivative instruments are valued at fair value as provided by counter parties of the derivative
agreement. Derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps and forward currency
contracts.
q)
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions
of the financial instrument.
A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires.
Financial liabilities are measured initially at fair value plus transactions costs, except for financial
liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss, which are measured initially at fair value.
Financial liabilities are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate
method, except for financial liabilities held for trading or designated at fair value through profit or
loss, that are carried subsequently at fair value with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss.
The group’s financial liabilities also include financial derivative instruments. Derivative instruments
consist of interest rate swaps and forward currency contracts.
All derivative financial instruments that are not designed and effective as hedging instruments are
accounted for at fair value through profit or loss.
r)
Legal and other disputes
Provision is made where a reliable estimate can be made of the likely outcome of legal and other
disputes against the Group. In addition, provision is made for legal and other expenses arising
from claims received or other disputes. No provision is made for other possible claims or where an
obligation exists but it is not possible to make a reliable estimate. Costs associated with claims
made by the Group are charged to the profit or loss as they are incurred.
s)
Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The following areas are subject to judgment and uncertainty.
Fair value of financial instruments
Management uses valuation techniques in measuring the fair value of financial instruments, where
active market quotes are not available. Details of the bases used for financial assets and liabilities
are disclosed above. In applying the valuation techniques management makes maximum use of
market inputs, and uses estimates and assumptions that are, as far as possible, consistent with
observable data that market participants would use in pricing the instrument. Where applicable
data is not observable, management uses its best estimate about the assumptions that market
participants would make. These estimates may vary from the actual prices that would be achieved
in an arm's length transaction at the reporting date.
Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets
The Company follows the guidance in IAS 39 on determining when an investment is impaired. This
determination requires significant judgments. In making this judgment, the Company evaluates,
among other factors, the duration and extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than
its cost and the financial health and near-term business outlook for the investee, including factors
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
44
such industry and sector performance, changes in technology and financing cash flow.
The group assesses at each reporting date whether financial assets are impaired. If an impairment
has occurred, this loss is recognised to profit or loss.
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred on an unquoted equity
instrument that is not carried at fair value because its fair value cannot be reliably measured, or
on a derivative asset that is linked to and must be settled by delivery of such an unquoted equity
instrument, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate
of return of similar financial assets.
Impairment of associate
For the purpose of assessing impairment of the investment in associate, management undertakes
a number of judgements, estimates and assumptions about the recoverability of the investment.
Management recognises that such assumptions represent critical judgements that are subject to
uncertainty. In making such estimates, management determines the Group’s share of the present
value of the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the associate, including the
cash flows from the operations of the associate and the proceeds on the ultimate disposal of the
investment.
Provision for legal and other disputes
Determining whether provisions for legal and other disputes is required requires the Group to assess
the likelihood of an economic outflow occurring as a result of past events. Where an economic
outflow is considered probable, a provision has been made for the estimated outflow. Where an
outflow is considered possible, but not probable, it has only been disclosed.
Where the information required by IAS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets”
is expected to prejudice the outcome of legal and other disputes, it has not been disclosed on these
grounds.
Further details of provisions are provided in note 36.
t)
Comparatives
The Group has made reclassifications to its comparative figures, in addition to changes resulting
from the adoption of the revised IAS 1, as follows:
(iv)
(i)
(v)
(ii)
(vi)
(iii)
In the consolidated statement of financial position the deferred tax asset, which originally
occurred in 2008 and which had been included within trade and other receivables, is now
shown separately under non-current assets.
In the consolidated income statement the presentation of certain items has been re-arranged
with no change in the amounts previously reported.
Certain investments with a carrying amount at 31 December 2009 of US $1,507,155 (31
December 2008: US $1,808,850) have been reclassified from financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss to the available-for-sale category, since upon their initial recognition
when acquired in 2008, they were wrongly designated as at fair value through profit or loss.
45
The Group does not present a third statement of financial position as at 1 January 2008 since the
financial position at that date is not affected by any of the above reclassifications, and remains
unchanged from the previously published consolidated financial statements.
3.
Property, plant and equipment
Office
Renovation
US $000
Computer
Hardware
US $000
Fixtures and
Fittings
US $000
Motor
Vehicles
US $000
Total
US $000
Cost
As at 1 January 2008
Additions
Disposal
As at 1 January 2009
Additions
As at 31 December 2009
Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2008
Charge for the year
Disposal
As at 1 January 2009
Charge for the year
281
34
-
315
10
325
(7)
(76)
-
(83)
(67)
As at 31 December 2009
(150)
Net book value
As at 31 December 2009
As at 31 December 2008
175
232
125
14
(5)
134
2
136
(65)
(19)
4
(80)
(36)
(116)
20
54
80
15
(7)
88
7
95
(9)
(15)
2
(22)
(19)
(41)
54
66
-
-
-
-
26
26
-
-
-
-
(1)
(1)
25
-
486
63
(12)
537
45
582
(81)
(110)
6
(185)
(123)
(308)
274
352
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
46
4.
Intangible assets
Cost
As at 1 January 2008
Additions
As at 1 January 2009 and at 31 December 2009
Accumulated amortisation
As at 1 January 2008
Charge for the year
As at 1 January 2009
Charge for the year
As at 31 December 2009
Net book value
As at 31 December 2009
As at 31 December 2008
5.
Available-for-sale financial assets *
Non-current assets
Fixed income investments
Private equities
Financial and minority holdings **
Other investments
Current assets
Fixed income investments
Public equity investments
Hedge funds
Computer Software
US $000
147
-
147
(102)
(36)
(138)
(9)
(147)
-
9
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
10,426
18,193
22,092
5,151
55,862
10,177
5,635
4,102
19,914
10,161
19,868
45,015
5,662
80,706
13,693
5,863
8,793
28,349
* Financial assets relate to investments in bonds and equity classified as available-for-sale. Financial
assets are measured at fair value.
47
Available-for-sale financial assets, comprising principally marketable equity securities, are fair valued
annually at the close of business on 31 December. For investments traded in active markets, fair value is
determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted bid prices. For other investments, fair value is estimated
by reference to the current market value of similar instruments or by reference to the discounted cash
flows of the underlying assets. Equity investments for which fair values cannot be measured reliably are
recognised at cost less impairment.
Available-for-sale financial assets are classified as non-current, unless they are expected to be realised
within twelve months of the reporting date or unless they will need to be sold to raise operating
capital.
** Financial and minority holdings relate to significant investments (of over USD 5m) which are strategic
for the Company and are done in the form of equity purchases or convertible loans. Main investments
under this category are in the fields of real estate and media.
During the year management decided to structure and manage the Group’s portfolio based on those
investments which are considered to be long term, core investments and those which could be readily
convertible to cash, are expected to be realised within normal operating cycle and form part of the
Group’s treasury function.
During 2009 for the purpose of annual impairment and due to market conditions, management considered
the impairment of certain available-for-sale financial assets. Impairment testing indicated that the
financial assets carrying amount may not be recoverable.
The related charges in 2009, of USD 28.235m (2008 USD 14.176m), are included within loss on
investments.
6.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Non-current assets
Private equities
Real estate entities
Current assets
Fixed income investments
Public equity investments
Hedge funds
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
2,903
2,982
5,885
22,062
742
798
23,602
3,137
3,224
6,361
8,106
-
830
8,936
The Company’s portfolio is structured based on investments which are considered to be long term, core
investments and those which could be readily convertible to cash, are expected to be realised within
normal operating cycle and form part of the Group’s treasury function.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
48
7.
Fair value measurements of financial assets
The following table presents financial assets measured at fair value in the statement of financial position
in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy groups financial assets and liabilities into
three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets
and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
•
•
•
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly (ie as prices) or indirectly (ie derived from prices); and
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable
inputs).
The level within which the financial asset is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant
input to the fair value measurement.
The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are
grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows:
2009
US $000
2009
US $000
2009
US $000
2009
US $000
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Fixed income investments
32,239
10,426
-
42,665
Private equities
Financial and minority holdings
Other investments
Public equity investments
Hedge funds
Real estate entities
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps
Forward contracts
4,669
-
5,151
6,377
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,900
16,427
21,096
22,092
22,092
-
-
-
5,151
6,377
4,900
2,982
-
2,982
48,436
15,326
41,501
105,263
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,537
8,537
39
39
8,576
8,576
The methods and valuation techniques used for the purpose of measuring fair value are unchanged
compared to the previous reporting period.
The Group's financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 3 use valuation techniques based on
significant inputs that are not based on observable market data.
49
Financial assets within this level can be reconciled from beginning to ending balances as follows:
Available-for-sale
Financial
and minority
holdings
Private
equities
At fair value
through profit or loss
Real estate
Private
equities
Total
31 December 2009
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
Opening balance
43,796
15,129
4,443
Sales
Purchases
Gains losses recognised in:
-
-
-
1,157
-
3,138
(364)
66,506
(364)
1,157
•
Profit or loss
(22,484)
-
(889)
129
(23,244)
•
Other comprehensive income
Exchange difference
Settlements
Closing balance
-
780
-
(2,762)
-
-
22,092
13,524
-
15
(587)
2,982
-
-
-
(2,762)
795
(587)
2,903
41,501
Financial liabilities within this level can be reconciled from beginning to ending balances as follows:
Interest rate swaps
Forward contracts
Total
31 December 2009
Opening balance
Gains losses recognised in:
•
Profit or loss
•
Other comprehensive income
Closing balance
US $000
7,539
US $000
610
US $000
8,149
998
-
8,537
(571)
-
39
427
-
8,576
A reasonable change in any individual significant input used in the level 3 valuations is not anticipated
to have a significant change in fair values as above.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
50
8.
Investment and development property
As at 1 January 2008
Additions
Change in fair value
Exchange difference
Transfer on completion
As at 1 January 2009
Additions
Change in fair value
Exchange difference
As at 31 December 2009
Investment
property
US $000
Development
property
US $000
86,284
-
(3,323)
5,300
16,259
104,520
152
(1,358)
3,019
106,333
11,348
4,214
-
697
(16,259)
-
-
-
-
-
Total
US $000
97,632
4,214
(3,323)
5,997
-
104,520
152
(1,358)
3,019
106,333
The investment property was valued by Wuest & Partners as at 31 December 2009 on the basis of open
market value in accordance with the appraisal and valuation guidelines of the Royal Institute of Certified
Surveyors, and the European Group of Valuers’ Associations.
Wuest & Partners are independent qualified valuers with substantial relevant experience.
Wyler Park property investment loan is secured on the property itself.
9.
Investment in associate
As at 1 January
Adjustments for the period:
Share of loss for the year
Additions for the year
Sales for the year
Deemed disposal
Dividend received
Share of other comprehensive loss
Exchange differences
Impairment charge
As at 31 December
2009
US $000
39,939
(14,530)
1,668
(550)
-
-
(2,918)
640
(13,313)
10,936
2008
US $000
69,639
(10,613)
1,590
-
(1,129)
(2,610)
(3,030)
(2,938)
(10,970)
39,939
51
a)
Investment in associates -
(Guernsey), an AIM – quoted real estate investment and development company.
The Group has a 21.71% (2008: 21.21%) interest in Atlas Estates Limited
The following table illustrates summarised financial information of the Group’s investment in Atlas
Estates Ltd:
Share of the associate’s Financial Position
Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Share of gross assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities classified as held for sale
Minority interest
Share of gross liabilities
Share of net assets
Impairment provision
2009
US $000
87,312
48,595
8,275
144,182
(65,958)
(36,727)
(6,051)
(108,736)
(227)
(108,963)
35,219
(24,283)
10,936
2008
US $000
99,400
52,783
-
152,183
(44,106)
(56,810)
-
(100,916)
(358)
(101,274)
50,909
(10,970)
39,939
The Group has carried out an impairment test and has estimated that the recoverable amount of
the investment in the associate is USD 11m (31 December 2008: USD 39.9m), which represents the
investment’s fair value based on its quoted market price as at 31 December 2009 of $1.07 per share.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
52
10.
Details of Group undertakings
Details of the investments in which the Group has a controlling interest are as follows:
Name of Subsidiary
Livermore Capital Limited
Livermore Fund I Limited
Livermore Properties Limited
Place of
incorporation
British Virgin
Islands
British Virgin
Islands
British Virgin
Islands
Proportion of
voting rights
and shares held
Holding
Ordinary shares
100%
Principal activity
Fund management
(Dormant)
Ordinary shares
100%*
Hedge Fund, (Dormant)
Ordinary shares
100%
Holding of investments
Livermore Capital AG
Switzerland Ordinary shares
100%
Administration services
Livermore Investments AG
Switzerland Ordinary shares
100%*
Livermore Real Estate I AG
Switzerland Ordinary shares
100%
Real Estate
management
Real Estate
management,
(Dormant)
Enaxor S.a.r.l
Luxembourg Ordinary shares
100%
Real Estate Owner
Livermore Investments Cyprus
Limited
Cyprus
Ordinary shares
100%
Administration services
Sandhirst Ltd
Cyprus
Ordinary shares
100%
Holding of investments
* Held by a Subsidiary undertaking.
During the year Livermore Capital Limited and Livermore Fund I Limited were closed and dissolved.
53
11.
Deferred tax
The deferred tax shown in the consolidated statement of financial position relates to temporary differences
between the carrying amount and the tax base of the following items:
Investment property
Derivative financial instruments
Tax losses
Net deferred tax asset
2009
US $000
(1,332)
1,740
1,515
1,923
2008
US $000
(790)
1,350
1,138
1,698
The movement on the deferred taxation account is as follows:
At 1 January 2008
Investment
property
US $000
284
(Charged) / credited to profit or loss (note 30)
(1,074)
At 1 January 2009
(Charged) / credited to profit or loss (note 30)
Exchange difference
At 31 December 2009
(790)
(554)
12
Derivative
financial
instruments
US $000
Tax losses
US $000
Total
US $000
(542)
1,892
1,350
410
(20)
-
1,138
1,138
394
(17)
(258)
1,956
1,698
250
(25)
(1,332)
1,740
1,515
1,923
The Group expects that future taxable profits will be available in the jurisdiction where the deferred tax
assets occurred (Switzerland) so as to utilise the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets recognised
as at the end of the year.
12.
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Other debtors and prepayments
2009
US $000
-
7,788
7,788
2008
US $000
397
7,733
8,130
The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
54
13.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows comprise the following
at the reporting date:
Cash at bank
Bank overdrafts used for cash management
purposes
Cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the
consolidated statement of cash flows
14.
Share capital
Authorised share capital
2009
US $000
5,898
5,898
(5,198)
700
2008
US $000
2,468
2,468
(8,518)
(6,050)
The Company has authorised share capital of 1,000,000,000 ordinary shares with no par value, and no
restrictions.
Issued share capital
Number of shares
Share premium arising
US $000
Ordinary shares with no par value
As at 1 January 2008
Issued under the scrip dividend offer
292,777,772
11,342,629
As at 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009
304,120,401
209,806
5,693
215,499
Treasury shares
As at 1 January 2008
Additions
As at 1 January 2009
Additions
As at 31 December 2009
Number of shares
US $000
8,750,000
3,391,961
12,141,961
1,284,005
13,425,966
7,171
1,798
8,969
641
9,610
In the consolidated statement of financial position the amount included comprises of:
Share premium
Treasury shares
2009
US $000
215,499
(9,610)
205,889
2008
US $000
215,499
(8,969)
206,530
55
15.
Share options
The Company has a share option scheme for acquiring ordinary shares of the Company.
Outstanding options
At 1 January 2008
Granted in the year
At 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009
12,045,555
Number of
options
Average exercise
price GBP
Average exercise
price* USD
11,545,555
500,000
0.84
0.30
0.82
1.37
0.49
1.33
Exercisable options
At 1 January 2008
Exercisable during the year
At 1 January 2009
Exercisable during the year
As at 31 December 2009
Number of
options
Average exercise
price GBP
Average exercise
price* USD
4,548,888
3,613,333
8,162,221
3,550,000
11,712,221
0.95
0.78
0.87
0.76
0.84
1.53
1.25
1.41
1.22
1.35
Details of share options outstanding at 31 December 2009
Number of
options
Grant date
Vesting
date
Earliest
exercise
date
Expire date
of exercise
period
Exercise
price
GBP
Exercise
Price*
USD
Fair value
at grant
date USD
705,555
08/06/05
08/06/05
15/06/05
15/06/10
230,000
07/12/05
07/12/06
07/12/06
07/12/15
230,000
07/12/05
07/12/07
07/12/07
07/12/15
230,000
07/12/05
07/12/08
07/12/08
07/12/15
3,383,333
19/07/06
19/07/07
19/07/07
19/07/16
3,383,333
19/07/06
19/07/08
19/07/08
19/07/16
3,383,333
19/07/06
19/07/09
19/07/09
19/07/16
166,667
13/05/08
13/05/09
13/05/09
13/05/18
166,667
13/05/08
13/05/10
13/05/10
13/05/18
166,667
13/05/08
13/05/11
13/05/11
13/05/18
1.90
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.78
0.78
0.78
0.30
0.30
0.30
12,045,555
3.07
1.15
1.15
1.15
1.26
1.26
1.26
0.49
0.49
0.49
648,188
82,739
94,333
103,948
1,608,710
1,824,133
2,001,774
21,703
24,115
25,820
6,435,464
The fair value of options granted to employees was determined using the Binomial valuation model.
The model takes into account a volatility rate of 41-45% calculated using the historical volatility of a
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
56
peer group of similar companies and a risk free interest rate of 4.0-4.4% and it has been assumed the
options have an expected life of two years post date of vesting.
* The exercise prices as per the share option scheme are quoted in Great Britain Pounds. The indicative
equivalent USD amounts shown in the table of details above as well as the average exercise prices are
based on the exchange rates as at 31 December 2009.
16.
Bank Loans
Long term bank loan
2009
US $000
76,436
2008
US $000
74,134
The long term bank loan is related to Wylerpark property investment purchase and is secured on this
property. The increase in the loan amount from 2008 to 2009 reflects only the effects of currency
translation from CHF to USD.
Interest is payable at 3M CHF Libor + 0.85%. The Group has fixed the variable element of interest to 3.3%
using an interest rate swap (Note 17). Consequently, the loan’s effective interest rate is 4.15%.
The loan balance is repayable on 12 July 2014.
17.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate swaps
Forward contracts
2009
US $000
8,537
39
8,576
2008
US $000
7,539
610
8,149
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its bank
borrowings by swapping a proportion from floating rates to fixed rates as follows:
Notional contract amount
CHF 79,135,000
CHF 10,000,000
CHF 10,000,000
Underlying
floating rate
Contract fixed
rate
Contract
termination date
3M CHF Libor
3.30%
30 July 2014
6M CHF Libor
3.255%
17 June 2014
6M CHF Libor
3.1675%
17 November 2014
The calculation of the fair value of swaps is based on discounted cash flows of future anticipated interest
payments on the swap agreements in place compared with the discounted cash flows of anticipated
interest payments at market swap interest rates at the reporting date.
For the year ended 31 December 2009 a fair value loss of US$ 1,913,606 (2008: US$ 6,436,259) has been
recognised in the profit or loss in relation to all derivative financial instruments.
57
18.
Bank Overdrafts
Short term bank overdrafts
2009
US $000
5,198
2008
US $000
8,518
Short term bank overdrafts bear Libor + lender’s margin and have an average interest rate of 1.97%.
19.
Short term bank loans
Short term bank loans
2009
US $000
13,987
2008
US $000
7,370
Short term bank loans bear Libor + lender’s margin and have an average interest rate of 1.04%. Their
repayment period is usually one to three months and upon repayment date usually they are renewed.
20.
Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued expenses
2009
US $000
-
1,295
1,295
2008
US $000
1,370
1,850
3,220
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair
value. All amounts fall due within one year.
21.
Current tax payable
Corporation tax payable
22.
Net asset value per share
2009
US $000
155
2008
US $000
127
Net asset value per share has been calculated by dividing the net assets attributable to ordinary
shareholders by the closing number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) in issue during the relevant
financial periods.
Diluted net asset value per share is calculated after taking into consideration the potentially dilutive
shares in existence as at the year ended 31 December 2009 and the year ended 31 December 2008.
Net assets attributable to ordinary
shareholders (US $000)
2009
128,568
2008
179,950
Closing number of ordinary shares in issue
290,694,435
291,978,440
Basic net asset value per share (US $)
0.44
0.62
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
58
Closing number of ordinary shares including
the effect of potentially diluted shares
2009
2008
290,694,435
292,478,440
Diluted net assets value per share (US $)
0.44
0.62
Number of Shares
Closing number of ordinary shares in issue
290,694,435
291,978,440
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options
-
500,000
Closing number of ordinary shares including
the effect of potentially dilutive shares
290,694,435
292,478,440
The Share options do not impact the diluted net asset value per share for 2009 as their exercise price
was higher than the average market price of the Company’s shares on the London Stock Exchange
(AIM division) during the year ended 31 December 2009.
23.
Segment Information
Management consider investment activity to be the Group’s only material class of business.
The Group does not have any external customers.
24.
Interest and dividend income
Interest from investments
Dividend income
25.
Investment property revenue
Gross rental income
Direct expenses
2009
US $000
1,172
2,039
3,211
2009
US $000
4,751
(319)
4,432
2008
US $000
8,676
5,356
14,032
2008
US $000
3,995
(508)
3,487
59
26.
Loss on investments
Loss on sale of investments
Investment property revaluation
Foreign exchange gain / (loss)
Loss due to significant fall in value of
available-for-sale instruments
Fair value gains / (losses) on financial assets
through profit or loss
Fair value losses on derivative instruments
2009
US $000
(6,092)
(1,358)
3,480
(28,235)
3,064
(1,914)
(31,055)
2008
US $000
(20,849)
(3,323)
(3,759)
(14,176)
(2,307)
(6,436)
(50,850)
The investments disposed of during the year resulted in the following realised gains/(losses)
(i.e. in relation to their original acquisition cost):
Available-for-sale
At fair value through profit or loss
27.
Loss from investment in associate
Atlas Estates Ltd
Share of loss for the year
Deemed disposal
Gain on bargain purchase
Loss on disposal
Impairment charge
2009
US $000
(6,092)
433
(5,659)
2009
US $000
(26,869)
(14,530)
-
1,409
(435)
(13,313)
(26,869)
2008
US $000
(20,849)
93
(20,756)
2008
US $000
(22,712)
(10,613)
(1,129)
-
-
(10,970)
(22,712)
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
60
28.
Administrative expenses
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
Operational expenses
Directors’ fees and expenses
Share option expense
Consultants’ fees and expenses
Other salaries and expenses
Office cost
Other administration costs
Depreciation and amortisation of assets
Provision for legal and other matters –
charge for the year
Audit fees
Audit fees prior year
2,059
913
359
259
408
247
198
132
4,200
72
84
8,931
Throughout 2009 the Group employed 8 staff (2008: 8).
29.
Finance costs
Bank interest and fees
Bank interest on investment property loan
Bank custody fees
Foreign exchange (loss) / gain
2009
US $000
290
3,080
85
327
3,782
957
870
1,167
534
410
251
108
140
-
119
-
4,556
2008
US $000
1,562
3,108
170
(783)
4,057
61
30.
Taxation
Current tax charge
Deferred tax credit
The tax credit for the year can be reconciled
to the accounting loss as follows:
Loss before tax
Tax effect of applicable corporation tax rates
Effect of current year losses
Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax
purposes
Effect of tax losses brought forward
Property tax
Deferred tax credit
Tax for the year
2009
US $000
46
(250)
(204)
(62,994)
(260)
275
8
-
23
(250)
(204)
2008
US $000
21
(1,956)
(1,935)
(64,656)
(1,774)
1,877
-
(124)
42
(1,956)
(1,935)
The Company is an international business company based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and, under
its laws, is not subject to corporation tax. Corporation tax is calculated with reference to the results of
the Company’s subsidiaries.
31.
Discontinued operations
The gains from discontinued operations represent adjustments made as a result of resolution of
uncertainties in relation to operations discontinued in 2007.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
62
32.
Loss per share from continuing operations
Basic loss per share has been calculated by dividing the net loss for the year from continuing operations
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of the parent during the relevant financial
periods.
Diluted loss per share is calculated after taking into consideration other potentially dilutive shares in
existence during the year ended 31 December 2009 and the year ended 31 December 2008.
2009
2008
Loss for the year from continuing operations ($000)
(62,790)
(62,721)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
291,602,250
285,572,172
Basic loss per share (US $)
(0.22)
(0.22)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares including the effect
of potentially dilutive shares
291,602,250
286,072,172
Diluted loss per share (US $)
Number of Shares
(0.22)
(0.22)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
291,602,250
285,572,172
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options
-
500,000
Weighted average number of ordinary shares including the effect
of potentially dilutive shares
291,602,250
286,072,172
The Share options do not impact the diluted loss per share for 2009 as their exercise price was higher
than the average market price of the Company’s shares on the London Stock Exchange (AIM division)
during the year ended 31 December 2009.
63
33.
Loss per share
Basic loss per share has been calculated by dividing the net loss for the year attributable to ordinary
shareholders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of the parent
during the relevant financial periods.
Diluted loss per share is calculated after taking into consideration other potentially dilutive shares in
existence during the year ended 31 December 2009 and the year ended 31 December 2008.
Loss for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders of the
parent ($000)
2009
2008
(61,125)
(61,859)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
291,602,250
285,572,172
Basic loss per share (US $)
(0.21)
(0.22)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares including the effect
of potentially dilutive shares
291,602,250
286,072,172
Diluted loss per share (US $)
Number of Shares
(0.21)
(0.22)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
291,602,250
285,572,172
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options
-
500,000
Weighted average number of ordinary shares including the effect
of potentially dilutive shares
291,602,250
286,072,172
The Share options do not impact the diluted loss per share for 2009 as their exercise price was higher
than the average market price of the Company’s shares on the London Stock Exchange (AIM division)
during the year ended 31 December 2009.
34.
Dividends
Dividends paid during the year per share (US $)
Dividends paid during the year (US $)
2009
US $000
-
-
2008
US $000
0.033
9,848
The Directors do not propose the payment of any dividend in respect of the year 2009.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
64
35.
Related party transactions
Amounts owed by key management
Interest receivable on key management balances
Amounts owed to Directors
Administration services provided by Tradal Limited
Paid in respect of key management services *
Share option expense of key management
2009
US $000
5,000
2008
US $000
5,500
-
(38)
-
797
359
1,156
225
(63)
117
840
1,167
2,007
* These payments were made in respect of members of key management either directly to them or to
companies to which they are related. Payments to key management members are for salary and fees.
Tradal Ltd is a related party by virtue of common ownership with Livermore Investments Group Limited.
Loans with a balance at 31 December 2009 of USD 5,000,000 (31 December 2008: USD 5.5m) were
made to key management during the year ended 31 December 2007 for the acquisition of shares in
the Company. Interest is payable on these loans at US LIBOR plus 0.25% and the loans are secured
on the shares acquired. The loans are repayable on the earlier of the employee leaving the Company
or November 2010. These loans are classified as financial assets available for sale in the consolidated
statement of financial position.
36.
Provisions
Corporate guarantee
The Company provided a corporate guarantee to DTH-Boom TV in the amount of €2.1m (USD 2.9m) as
part of a shareholders’ guarantee required by a financing bank as condition to a loan facility provided to
DTH-Boom. DTH-Boom has financial difficulties and is in breach of its loan covenants.
No further information is provided as the Directors consider it could prejudice the outcome of any
claim.
Litigation
For litigation refer to note 37.
The movement in the provisions for the year is as follows:
Legal and other matters
At 1 January 2009
Provided for the year
At 31 December 2009
US $000
-
4,200
4,200
65
37.
Litigation
Ex employee vs Empire Online Ltd
In Q3 2007 an ex employee of Empire Online Limited (the Company’s former name) filed a law suit against
one of its Directors and the Company in the Labor Court in Tel Aviv. According to the lawsuit the plaintiff
claims compensation relating to the sale of all commercial activities of Empire Online Limited until the
end of 2006, and the dissolution of the company and the terms of termination of his employment with
Empire Online Limited.
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit in Israel, the Company filed a claim against the plaintiff in the Court in
Cyprus based upon claims concerning breach of faith of the plaintiff towards his employers. As of yet,
both litigation procedures are in progress both in Israel and in Cyprus.
Secretline vs Livermore
In Q3 2009, Secretline Investments Ltd. (“Secretline”), a supplier of DTH Boom, filed a claim against the
Company and certain other DTH Boom shareholders in the District Court in Tel Aviv. The claim is related
to guarantees provided by Livermore and certain other DTH Boom shareholders to Secretline to secure a
payment from DTH Boom to Secretline. Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, however, DTH had filed a claim
against Secretline in Romania concerning breach of their contract. Since this claim in Romania has a
direct impact on Secretline’s claim against Livermore, the Tel Aviv court has decided to suspend the
hearing until a decision on the case against Secretline in Romania has been reached.
The procedures are at a preliminary stage, and Livermore's claims are partially subject to DTH`s claims in
the pending litigation in Romania.
No further information is provided on the above cases as the Directors consider it could prejudice the
outcome of any claim.
38.
Commitments
The Group has no capital or other commitments as at 31 December 2009.
39.
Events after the reporting date
Atlas Estates: On 16 April 2010, Fragliolig Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Izaki Group, made a
cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Atlas Estates Limited not already
owned by Fragliolig Limited or persons acting in concert with it. The offer is for GBP 0.90 in cash for each
Atlas Estates share.
On 12 May 2010, the Offer was declared wholly unconditional as Fragliolig Limited along with its concert
parties owned or had received acceptances in respect of approximately 62.9% of the issued share capital
of Atlas Estates. The Offer remains open until 3:00pm GMT on 21 Jun 2010.
DTH Boom: On 12 May 2010, DTH Boom filed for insolvency in Romania. The insolvency followed DTH
Boom’s unsuccessful efforts in raising growth capital as well as finding a buyer for the entire company.
As of year-end 2009 the Company wrote off entirely all equity and shareholders’ loans related to this
investment
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
66
40.
Financial risk management objectives and policies
Background
The Group’s financial instruments comprise of available for sale financial assets, financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss, derivatives, cash balances and receivables and payables that arise directly
from its operations.
Risk objectives and policies
The objective of the Group is to achieve growth of shareholder value, yet in line with reasonable risk,
taking into consideration that the protection of long-term shareholder value is paramount. The policy of
the Board is to provide a framework within which the investment manager can operate and deliver the
objectives of the Group.
Risks associated with financial instruments
Tax risk
Since the Group trades in a number of jurisdictions, there is a risk that certain tax authorities consider
that it should be subject to tax in those countries. The Directors have considered these risks and concluded
that no further tax provision is required.
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risks arise in two distinct areas which affect the valuation of the investment portfolio,
1) where an investment is denominated and paid for in a currency other than US Dollars; and 2) where
an investment has substantial exposure to non-US Dollar underlying assets or cash flows. Although the
Company reports in USD, certain of the Company's assets are in non-USD currencies and the Company in
general does not hedge its currency exposure. The Company discretionally partially hedges against foreign
currency movements affecting the value of the investment portfolio based on its view on the relative
strength of certain currencies. The management monitors the effect of foreign currency fluctuations
through the pricing of the investments by the various markets. The level of investments denominated in
foreign currencies held by the Group at 31 December 2009 is the following:
2009
US $m
Financial
assets
2009
US $m
2009
US $m
Liabilities
Net value
2008
US $m
Financial
assets
2008
US $m
2008
US $m
Liabilities
Net value
US Dollar (USD)
British Pounds (GPB)
Euro (EUR)
Swiss Francs (CHF)
Indian Rupee (INR)
Others
Total
63.4
4.6
14.6
10.4
25.6
0.3
(13.6)
(2.4)
(4.6)
49.8
2.2
10.0
(41.0)
(30.6)
(-)
(-)
25.6
0.3
57.3
118.9
(61.6)
88.9
16.5
18.6
7.2
3.6
0.1
(15.2)
(2.3)
(2.5)
73.7
14.2
16.1
(31.5)
(24.3)
(-)
(-)
3.6
0.1
134.9
(51.5)
83.4
67
Some of the USD denominated investments are backed by underlying assets which are invested in non-
USD assets.
A 10% increase of the rate of United States Dollar (USD) against the following currencies at 31 December
2009 would have the following impact. A 10% decrease of USD against the following currencies would
have an equal but opposite impact.
2009
US $m
2009
US $m
2008
US $m
2008
US $m
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
British Pounds (GPB)
Euro (EUR)
Swiss Francs (CHF)
Indian Rupee (INR)
Total
234
1,000
(3,060)
2,559
733
-
-
-
-
-
1,420
1,610
(2,436)
360
954
-
-
-
-
-
The above analysis assumes that all other variables in particular, interest rates, remain constant. The
analysis does not include the impact arising from the translation of foreign operations from their
functional to the presentation currency.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its interest-bearing instruments which are affected by
changes in market interest rates. The Group has borrowings of USD 76.4m (2008: USD 74.1m) related to
a real estate asset (Wylerpark, Bern), which have been fixed through the use of an interest rate swap.
The Group has banking credit lines which are available on short notice for the Company to use in their
investment activities, the costs of which are based on variable rates plus a margin. When an investment
is made utilising the facility, consideration is given to the financing costs which would impact the
returns. The level of banking facilities used is monitored by both the Board and the management on a
regular basis. The level of banking facilities utilised at 31 December 2008 was USD 19.2m (2008: USD
15.8m). On 31 March 2010, the banking facilities utilised were USD 12.2m.
Interest rate changes will also impact equity prices. The level and direction of changes in equity prices
are subject to prevailing local and world economics as well as market sentiment all of which are very
difficult to predict with any certainty. As at 31 December 2009 the Group had no financial liabilities that
bore an interest rate risk, other than the previously disclosed bank facilities.
The Group has floating rate financial assets consisting of bank balances that bear interest at rates based
on the banks floating interest rate.
The Group's interest bearing assets and liabilities are as follows:
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
68
Financial assets – subject to:
•
fair value changes
•
interest changes
Total
Financial liabilities – subject to:
•
fair value changes
•
•
interest changes
both fair value and
changes
interest
Total
2009
US $m
14.7
23.4
38.1
-
95.6
8.5
104.1
2008
US $m
13.1
10.9
24.0
-
90.0
7.5
97.5
Changes in market interest rates will affect the valuation of fixed rate interest bearing instruments. A 1%
change in market interest rates would result in an estimated 4.24% change in the net asset value.
Particularly an increase of 1% (100 basis points) in interest rates would have the following impact. An
equivalent decrease would have an equal but opposite impact, except for the financial liabilities’ fair
value impact in profit or loss that would have been US$ (2.9)m (31 December 2008: US$ (3.2)m).
2009
US $000
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
2008
US $000
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
722
234
4,380
1
5,337
118
-
-
-
118
244
109
5,132
28
5,513
280
-
-
-
280
Financial assets
•
fair value changes
•
interest changes
Financial liabilities
•
fair value changes
•
interest changes
The above analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular currency rates, remain constant.
69
Equity price risk
By the nature of its activities, most of the Group’s investments are exposed to market price fluctuations.
The Board monitors the portfolio valuation on a regular basis and consideration is given to hedging or
adjusting the portfolio against large market movements.
The Group had no single major financial instrument that in absolute terms and as a proportion of the
portfolio could result in a significant reduction in the NAV and share price. Due to the very low exposure
of the Group to public equities, and having no specific correlation to any market, the market risk is
negligible. The portfolio as a whole does not correlate exactly to any Index.
Management of risks is primarily achieved by having a diversified portfolio to spread the market risk. A
10% uniform change in the value of the Group's portfolio of financial instruments (excluding private
equities and financial and minority holdings) would result in a 4.29% change in the net asset value, and
would have the following impact (either positive or negative, depending on the corresponding sign of
the change):
2009
US $000
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
2008
SU $000
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
Profit or loss
Other
comprehensive
income
642
2,471
3,113
3,044
-
3,044
71
1,025
1,096
3,868
-
3,868
Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial assets designated at
fair value through profit or loss
Derivatives
The Investment Manager may use derivative instruments in order to mitigate market / price risk or to take
a directional investment. These provide a limited degree of protection against a rise in interest rates and
would not materially impact the portfolio returns if a large market movement did occur.
Credit Risk
The Group invests in a wide range of securities with various credit risk profiles including investment
grade securities and sub investment grade positions. The investment in debt instruments is usually in
investment grade securities, however, the Group may invest also in sub investment grade or unrated
debt instruments. The investment manager mitigates the credit risk via diversification across issuers.
However, the Group is exposed to a migration of credit rating, widening of credit spreads and default of
any specific issuer.
The Group only transacts with regulated institutions on normal market terms which are trade date
plus one to three days. The levels of amounts outstanding from brokers are regularly reviewed by the
management. The duration of credit risk associated with the investment transactions is the period between
the date the transaction took place, the trade date and the date the stock and cash are transferred, the
settlement date. The level of risk during the period is the difference between the value of the original
transaction and its replacement with a new transaction. The Group is exposed to credit risk in respect of
its interest bearing investments of USD 32.2m.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
70
At 31 December the credit rating distribution of the Group's asset portfolio subject to credit risk (bonds,
bank balances and receivables) was as follows:
Rating
2009 Amount
Percentage
2008 Amount
Percentage
US $000
US $000
AA
AA+
AA-
A
A-
BBB
BBB+
BBB-
B
BB
BB+
BB-
CCC+
Not Rated
6,266
1,360
1,939
17,449
3,730
1,642
3,015
3,096
846
2,079
221
258
3,850
173
45,924
14%
3%
4%
38%
8%
3%
7%
7%
1%
4%
1%
1%
8%
1%
100%
4,964
3,115
-
12,060
-
-
6,781
-
806
802
-
-
-
3,587
32,115
15%
10%
-
38%
-
-
21%
-
3%
2%
-
-
-
11%
100%
71
Liquidity Risk
The only significant financial liability of the Group is the bank loan of CHF 79m (USD 76.4m) used for
purchase of a real estate property, which has a maturity in 2014 and is fully financed by the rental income
from that same property. The loan is collateralized by property valued at CHF 110.1m (USD 106.3m) in
December 2009. The loan is non-recourse, i.e. the holding company and its assets (apart from the Wyler
Park property) are neither pledged for this loan nor liable for recovery in case of default. The following
table summarizes the Group's financial liabilities according to their maturity duration.
31 December 2009
Less than
1 year
Between
1 and 2 years
Between
2 and 5 years
Over
5 years
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables
Total
20,027
2,904
5,495
28,426
842
2,868
-
3,710
78,612
7,850
-
86,462
-
-
-
-
31 December 2008
Less than
1 year
Between
1 and 2 years
Between
2 and 5 years
Over
5 years
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Trade and other payables
Total
17,009
2,840
3,220
23,069
1,121
2,230
-
3,351
3,363
6,678
-
74,788
1,653
-
10,041
76,441
A large proportion of the Group’s portfolio is invested in mid term private equity investments with low
or no liquidity. The investments of the Company in publicly traded securities are subject to availability of
buyers at any given time and may be very low or non existent subject to market conditions.
The management take into consideration the liquidity of each investment when purchasing and selling
in order to maximise the returns to Shareholders by placing suitable transaction levels into the market.
Special consideration is given to investments that represent more than 5% of the investee.
At 31 December 2009, the Company had liquid investments totalling USD 49.4m, comprised of USD 5.9m
in cash and cash equivalents, USD 32.2m in fixed income investments, USD 6.4m in public equities and
USD 4.9m in hedge funds.
During the year management decided to structure and manage the Group’s portfolio based on those
investments which are considered to be long term, core investments and those which could be readily
convertible to cash, are expected to be realised within normal operating cycle and form part of the
Group’s treasury function.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
72
The following table lists the Group's financial assets based on their maturity.
31 December 2009
Less than
1 year
Between
1 and 2 years
Between
2 and 5 years
Over
5 years
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
Available-for-sale financial assets
19,914
20,767
27,145
Financial assets designated at fair value
through profit or loss
23,602
1,114
1,789
7,950
2,982
31 December 2008
Less than
1 year
Between
1 and 2 years
Between
2 and 5 years
Over
5 years
US $000
US $000
US $000
US $000
Available-for-sale financial assets
28,349
22,062
50,590
Financial assets designated at fair value
through profit or loss
8,936
1,402
1,735
8,054
3,224
Capital Management
The Group considers its capital to be its issued share capital and reserves.
Re-purchase of own shares
The Board regularly monitors its share discount policy and the level of discounts, and whilst it has the
option to re-purchase shares, it considers that the best means of attaining a good rating for its shares is
to concentrate on good shareholder returns.
However, the Board believes that the ability of the Company to re-purchase its own Ordinary shares in
the market may potentially enable it to benefit all equity shareholders of the Company. The re-purchase
of Ordinary shares at a discount to the underlying net asset value would enhance the net asset value per
share of the remaining equity shares.
Under this policy, in 2009, the Company bought 1,284,005 of its Ordinary shares.
Net debt to equity
The Group also manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern while
maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the balance between its net debt and
equity.
Net debt to equity ratio is calculated using the following amounts as included on the consolidated
73
statement of financial position, for the reporting periods under review:
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Short bank loans
Net Debt
Total equity
Net debt to equity ratio
2009
US $000
(5,898)
5,198
76,436
13,987
89,723
128,568
0.70
2008
US $000
(2,468)
8,518
74,134
7,370
87,554
179,950
0.49
The increase of the ratio in 2009 is mainly attributable to the total comprehensive losses of USD 51.1m
that decreased total equity. The Board believes that the ratio remains at an acceptable level.
Financial assets by category:
Non current assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Current assets
Loans and other receivables:
Trade and receivables
Cash and cash equivalent
Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities by category:
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortised cost:
Bank overdrafts
Short term bank loans
Trade and other payables
Non current liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortised cost:
Bank loan
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss:
2009
US $000
55,862
5,885
7,788
5,898
19,914
23,602
2008
US $000
80,706
6,361
8,130
2,468
28,349
8,936
2009
US $000
2008
US $000
5,198
13,987
5,495
8,518
7,370
3,220
76,436
74,134
Derivative financial instruments
8,576
8,149
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
74
Shareholder Information
Registrars
All enquiries relating to shares or shareholdings should be addressed to:
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham RoadBeckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
Telephone: 0870 162 3100
Facsimile: 020 8639 2342
Change of Address
Shareholders can change their address by notifying Capita Registrars in writing at the above address.
Website
www.livermore-inv.com
The Company’s website provides, amongst other things, the latest news and details of the Company’s activities,
share price details, share price information and links to the websites of our brands.
Direct Dividend Payments
Dividends can be paid automatically into shareholders’ bank or building society accounts. Two primary benefits
of this service are:
•
•
There is no chance of the dividend cheque going missing in the post; and
The dividend payment is received more quickly because the cash sum is paid directly into the account on
the payment date without the need to pay in the cheque and wait for it to clear.
As an alternative, shareholders can download a dividend mandate and complete and post to Capita
Registrars.
Lost Share Certificate
If your share certificate is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact Capita Registrars on 0870 162 3100
who will advise on the process for arranging a replacement.
Duplicate Shareholder Accounts
If, as a shareholder, you receive more than one copy of a communication from the Company you may have your
shares registered in at least two accounts. This happens when the registration details of separate transactions
differ slightly. If you wish to consolidate such multiple accounts, please call Capita Registrars on 0870 162
3100.
Please note that the Directors of the Company are not seeking to encourage shareholders to either buy or sell
the Company’s shares.
75
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 10 Snow Hill, London,
EC1A 2AL on 25 August 2010 at 10am for the purposes of the following:
Ordinary business
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as Resolutions of
Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To receive and adopt the Report of Directors, the financial statements and the report of the Auditor for
the year ended 31 December 2009.
To re-elect Mr. Menachem Marder who, having been appointed since the date of the last Annual General
meeting of the Company, retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company.
To re-appoint Grant Thornton Cyprus as auditor of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this
meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which financial statements are laid before
the Company.
To authorise the Directors to determine the auditor’s remuneration.
That for the purposes of article 5.1 of the Articles of Association of the Company:
(a)
(b)
the Directors be and are generally and unconditionally authorised to allot up to a maximum
aggregate amount of 95,929,163 new ordinary shares of no par value of the Company to such
persons and at such times and on such terms as they think proper during the period expiring at the
end of the Annual General Meeting of the Company in 2011 (unless previously revoked or varied by
the Company in general meeting); and
the Company be and is hereby authorised to make prior to the expiry of such period any offer
or agreement which would or might require such ordinary shares to be issued in pursuance of
any such offer or agreement notwithstanding the expiry of the authority given by this resolution;
so that all previous authorities of the Directors pursuant to the said article 5.1 be and are hereby
revoked.
Special business
As a special business to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as
Special Resolutions:
6.
THAT, subject to the passing of resolution 5 set out in the Notice convening this Meeting, the Directors
be and are empowered in accordance with article 5.2 of the Articles of Association of the Company to
allot new ordinary shares of no par value of the Company for cash, pursuant to the authority conferred
on them to allot such shares by that resolution 5 as if the pre-emption provisions contained in article
5.2 did not apply to any such allotment, provided that the power conferred by this resolution shall be
limited to:
(a)
the allotment of ordinary shares in connection with an issue or offering in favour of holders of
ordinary shares and any other persons entitled to participate in such issue or offering where the
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
76
shares respectively attributable to the interests of such holders and persons are proportionate (as
nearly as may be) to the respective number of ordinary shares held by or deemed to be held by
them on the record date of such allotment, subject only to such exclusions or other arrangements
as the Directors may consider necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal
or practical problems under the laws or requirements of any recognised regulatory body or stock
exchange in any territory; and
(b)
the allotment of up to an aggregate amount of 14,534,721 of such ordinary shares.
and this power, unless renewed, shall expire at the end of the Annual General Meeting of the Company
in 2011 or, if earlier, 15 months from the date of the passing of this resolution (unless previously revoked
or varied by the Company in general meeting) but shall extend to the making, before such expiry, of an
offer or agreement which would or might require ordinary shares to be allotted after such expiry and
the Directors may allot such shares in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred
hereby had not expired.
7.
That, in accordance with its articles of association, the Company be and is hereby generally and
unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 163 of the
Companies Act 1985 (as amended)) on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc of ordinary
shares of no par value (“ordinary shares”) in the capital of the Company provided that:
(a)
the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 29,069,443;
(b)
(c)
the authority hereby conferred (unless previously renewed or revoked) shall expire at the conclusion
of the annual general meeting of the Company next following the meeting at which this resolution
is passed; and
the Company may, under the authority hereby conferred and prior to the expiry of that authority,
make a contract to purchase its own shares which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the
expiry of that authority and may make a purchase of its own shares in pursuance of such contract.
A member of the Company unable to attend the Meeting may be represented at the Meeting by a proxy
appointed in accordance with the Notes attached hereto.
By order of the Board
Chris Sideras
Company Secretary
Trident Chambers
PO Box 146
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
8 June 2010
77
Notes
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
A member entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting convened by the above Notice is entitled to
appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, to vote in his place. A proxy need not be a
member of the Company. Completion of the Form of Proxy will not prevent you from attending and
voting in person.
To appoint a proxy you should complete the Form of Proxy enclosed with this Notice of Annual
General Meeting. To be valid, the Form of Proxy, together with the power of attorney or other
authority (if any) under which it is signed or a notarially certified or office copy of the same, must
be delivered to the offices of Capita Registrars, Pxs, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham,
Kent BR3 4TU by no later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting or any adjourned
meeting.
In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior holder who tenders a vote whether in person or by
proxy shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders and, for this purpose,
seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the register of members of
the Company in respect of the relevant joint holding.
In the case of holders of depository interests representing ordinary shares in the Company, a form of
direction must be completed in order to appoint Capita IRG Trustees Limited, the Depository, to vote
on the holder's behalf at the meeting or, if the meeting is adjourned, at the adjourned meeting. To
be effective, a completed and signed form of direction (and any power of attorney or other authority
under which it is signed) must be delivered to the Company's Transfer Agent, Capita Registrars, Pxs,
The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU by no later than 72 hours before the
time fixed for the meeting or any adjourned meeting.
LivermoreInvestments
Annual Report 2009
78
Nominated Adviser & Broker
Matrix Corporate Capital LLP
One Vine Street
London
W1J 0AH
England
Principal Bankers
Leumi Bank
Claridenstrasse 34
8022
Zurich
Switzerland
Bank Hapoalim
18 Boulevard Royal
BP 703
L-2017
Luxembourg
FIBI Bank
Seestrasse 61
Zurich 8027
Switzerland
Corporate Directory
Secretary
Chris Sideras
Registered Office
Trident Chambers
PO Box 146
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Company Number
475668
Registrars
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
England
Auditor
Grant Thornton
41-49 Agiou Nicolaou Str
Nicosia
Cyprus
Solicitors
Travers Smith
10 Snow Hill
London
EC1A 2AL
England
79
Livermore Investments Group Limited. Annual Report 2009
Livermore Investments Group Ltd.
Trident Chambers
PO Box 146
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands