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LMS Capital plc

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FY2010 Annual Report · LMS Capital plc
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100 George Street, London W1U 8NU
Telephone +44 (0)20 7935 3555

www.lmscapital.com

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LMS Capital plc

Annual Report 2010

100 George Street, London W1U 8NU
Telephone +44 (0)20 7935 3555 www.lmscapital.com

LMS Capital plc
Annual Report 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

01

02

Highlights of the year

Chairman’s statement

Business review

04

11

Operating review

Financial review

Governance

14

16

22

24

32

36

37

 Board of Directors and Investment team

 Corporate governance report

Principal risks and uncertainties

Remuneration report

Directors’ report

 Statement of directors’ responsibilities

 Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of LMS Capital plc

Financial statements

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

80

 Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of financial position

Company statement of financial position

Statements of changes in equity

 Consolidated cash flow statement

Company cash flow statement

 Notes to the financial information

 Shareholders’ information

This document includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be ‘forward-looking statements’. 
These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, 
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend 
on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. The Company cautions investors that  
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of 
operations, financial condition and liquidity may differ materially from those made in or suggested by 
the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These forward-looking statements reflect 
the Directors’ judgement at the date of this document and are not intended to give any assurances 
as to future results. Subject to the requirements of the Financial Services Authority’s Prospectus Rules, 
Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules and Listing Rules, the Company undertakes no obligation 
to update these forward-looking statements, and it will not publicly release any revisions it may make 
to these forward-looking statements that may result from events or circumstances arising after the date 
of this document.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com 

Highlights of the year

Financial

Operational

Net Asset Value per share was 
90p (31 December 2009: 84p), 
an increase of 7%;

Net Asset Value was 245.0 million  
(31 December 2009: 227.7 million);

The investment portfolio showed 
a net gain of £23.9 million (year 
ended 31 December 2009: net 
loss of £4.9 million) reflecting a 
recovery in prices of our quoted 
holdings and improved valuations 
for our fund interests;

A refined strategic focus for 
the Company:

LMS Capital will pursue direct investments in 
growing, profitable businesses where it can use 
the team’s expertise to contribute to their growth 
and performance;

This focus will primarily be in the energy, 
consumer and business services sectors 
where our investment team has 
demonstrable expertise;

Realisations from our existing quoted, direct 
and fund investments are expected to provide 
the liquidity required to implement this strategy;

The consolidated profit for 
the year from continuing 
operations (including portfolio 
subsidiaries) was £15.2 million 
(year ended 31 December 2009: 
loss of £12.4 million);

Outstanding commitments to 
funds were £40.7 million at 
the end of the year, down from 
£58.7 million at the end of 2009.

We made the following 
new investments:

Apogee, a fast growing UK print solutions 
company – we acquired a 32.8% interest for 
£7.9 million;

Nationwide Energy Partners, an energy services 
company in the US – we invested $14.1 million 
(£9.7 million) for a 59.5% stake;

Zoom Eyeworks was acquired by San Francisco 
Equity Partners – our investment was $7.0 
million (£4.7 million);

We sold a number of quoted 
investments where gains of 
£1.1 million were realised;

We exited certain legacy 
investments which were unable 
to sustain themselves as stand 
alone businesses – Citizen (Vio) 
and Corizon – and Kizoom sold 
its software business.

Annual Report 2010 

01

LMS Capital plc

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Chairman’s statement

Robert A. Rayne, Chairman

I am pleased to record 
that 2010 was a year of 
considerable progress for 
LMS Capital. Against the 
backdrop of a slowly 
improving environment, 
your Board approved a 
revised strategic approach 
for the business, the benefits 
of which are already apparent 
in the year’s results.

I am pleased to record that 2010 was a year of 
considerable progress for LMS Capital. Against the 
backdrop of a slowly improving environment, your 
Board approved a revised strategic approach for 
the business, the benefits of which are already 
apparent in the year’s results. After almost two 
years of focusing on the existing investment 
portfolio to safeguard value in difficult market 
conditions, the Company undertook a number 
of new transactions in 2010. 

Net Asset Value per share at the end of 2010 
was 90p, an increase of 7% compared to last 
year, after two years of decline. Improving market 
conditions are a significant contributor to this 
(as reflected in increased values of the quoted 
holdings and fund interests) but this year the 
write downs on non-performing investments 
which do not fit our strategy are more than 
covered by higher valuations on our core 
investments. To underline this, for the first 
time the consolidated result (including portfolio 
subsidiaries) is positive.

Results
The return on the investment portfolio for the 
year was a net gain of £23.9 million (2009: 
net loss of £4.9 million). Included in this is a 
realised net loss for the year of £1.0 million 
(2009: realised net loss of £0.1 million): we 
realised gains on sales of certain of our quoted 
holdings and on our fund distributions but a loss 
on the sale of Citizen (Vio) which is shown in the 
consolidated results as discontinued operations. 

The investment portfolio at 31 December 2010 
was valued at £253.1 million (31 December 2009: 
£215.6 million), an increase of £37.5 million or 17%.

02

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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The quoted portfolio performed well and we 
expect to make disposals as our target prices are 
reached. We have continued to take a cautious 
view of the carrying values of our unquoted 
holdings since the recovery in public markets 
has not been reflected in private transactions.

The Group as a whole (including consolidation of 
the portfolio subsidiaries) showed a consolidated 
profit for the year from continuing operations of 
£15.2 million (2009: loss of £12.4 million). 

The Board is not recommending payment of a 
dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 
(year ended 31 December 2009: nil).

Board and management
Glenn Payne was appointed Chief Executive with 
effect from 1 March 2010 and he is now leading 
the implementation of our revised strategy. 
We also welcomed Mark Sebba to the Board 
in September 2010; his experience in business 
services and consumer products will be of great 
value to the Company. 

The process of change begun in 2009 has 
continued and this places special demands on 
all our people, particularly where cost pressures 
result in headcount reductions at investee 
companies. Your Board would like to extend its 
appreciation to all the Company’s employees, as 
well as to the management teams of our investee 
companies, for their contribution to the Group’s 
progress in 2010.

Share capital
As in previous years, at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting the Company will be seeking 
authority to purchase up to 14.99% of its issued 
share capital. The Company also seeks, once 
again, to obtain a waiver in respect of the Takeover 
Code obligations which a repurchase of shares 
above a certain limit would place on the Rayne 
family shareholders. 

There were no purchases of shares by the 
Company during 2010; the current number 
of ordinary shares in issue is 272,640,952.

Outlook
2010 saw an increase in merger and acquisition 
activity in which the Company was able to 
participate. At the same time our people 
responded positively to the revised strategy and 
we have begun 2011 with a higher level of deal 
flow than 12 months ago. We plan to complete 
the exits of non-performing businesses in 2011 
and to focus on deploying capital to meet our 
stated growth objectives. 

The Company’s plan to realise its fund of funds 
and its quoted holdings will result in an increase 
in liquidity enabling it to invest in profitable and 
growing businesses. Your Board is confident that 
the Company is well positioned to take advantage 
of increased investment opportunities in the 
coming year and beyond.

Robert A Rayne
Chairman

28 March 2011

Annual Report 2010 

03

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Operating review

Glenn Payne, Chief Executive Officer

Our objective is simple: we 
aim to acquire controlling 
stakes or positions of 
influence in profitable and 
growing companies run 
by experienced managers 
operating in sectors we know 
and where we can add value.

LMS Capital is an investment company which, 
although only an independent entity since 2006, 
has a pedigree which dates back to the 1980s. 
We are not therefore a new company, but there 
are many exciting things that we are doing which 
are new this year and which we expect will make 
us bigger, better and more attractive as an 
investment to you our shareholders. I was 
appointed as your Chief Executive Officer in 
March last year and I am happy to report that 
2010 saw us map out the Company’s strategic 
direction and commence its implementation.

Our objective is simple: we aim to acquire 
controlling stakes or positions of influence in 
profitable and growing companies run by 
experienced managers operating in sectors 
we know and where we can add value.

We are now pursuing a refined strategy based on 
our assessment of who is ‘the best owner’ of the 
Company’s current three investing themes: quoted 
securities, third-party funds and direct investments. 
We believe the best owners of quoted securities 
are either our shareholders directly or hedge funds 
that can employ leverage and sophisticated 
computer systems which require round the clock 
monitoring. Similarly, the best owners of funds are 
entities that have access to either a regular stream 
of cash flows (member contributions) or committed 
capital (from investors) such as pension funds, 
or funds of funds. We are a permanent capital 
company and we shall exploit the strengths and 
advantages which this gives us.

We believe we have formulated a value proposition 
that is differentiable and that over time we expect 
to deliver superior results. We offer two important 
positives to our partners seeking a source of 
capital (usually the management of the company 
we acquire a stake in): permanence and strength.

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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LMS currently has investment professionals in 
the US and UK, so our focus will be on those 
geographies. We have deep knowledge in three 
sectors: energy, consumer and business services. 
Our relationships, networks and investments 
provide a differential capability to identify and 
evaluate new investments in these sectors and 
geographies and to create value at the portfolio 
company level through active stewardship. We 
do what we are good at where we are located.

We aim to own companies and make follow-on 
investments in companies that have and will 
produce profits that contribute to an increasingly 
valuable and profitable LMS. Across the entire 
portfolio, where we are actively engaged in the 
stewardship of the investments and can effect 
change as required, we are targeting annual 
growth in excess of 15%.

We still need time to evolve but everything we 
are doing is with the objective of creating value 
for shareholders. Our companies operate 
in economies that continue to experience 
uncertainties and so earnings growth in 2010 
has been variable but there are signs 2011 
will see a marked improvement and that our 
companies’ business models are appropriate.

• We are not just another private equity fund 

(although we are similar and compete with many) 
as unlike private equity funds we do not have 
to sell and we can always invest more money 
into our investments. Founders of companies 
typically have built their enterprise up over a 
period of time (called experience) and now that 
they have validated their business model (called 
profits) they are often in the position of needing 
capital to capture new opportunities. Debt is not 
as freely available and so an equity partner with 
similar style is sought. As a founder, selling part 
of the business is traumatic; there are many 
sleepless nights and some degree of seller’s 
remorse. We do not pretend to make the 
transaction easy: we spend a lot of time 
performing diligence on any acquisition so that 
we know what we are buying, but we offer the 
comfort that we are not going to turn around 
and sell the company in a short timeframe. 
We expect to create a long-term partnership 
such that as the company grows we will be 
there to provide intellectual and equity capital.

• We are also a publicly listed entity: just as 

you check our price and can read our audited 
financial accounts, so can our partners and 
they receive a lot of solace from the strength 
of our balance sheet and access to capital. 
Our public nature provides transparency on 
our ability to meet our promises.

We have exhibited in the past an ability to 
identify, acquire, manage and crystallise gains 
from direct investments. We have an investment 
team with deep experience in buyouts and 
from our current portfolio we expect to receive 
significant net inflows of cash over the next few 
years to support this strategy. We believe we 
are ‘the best owner’ of operating companies: 
we shall hold direct investments and actively 
engage in value creation. Recent investments 
in Updata, Apogee, Nationwide and Zoom 
(by SFEP) confirm our growing reputation as 
an equity partner of choice. As the acquirers 
and owners of these companies, we can 
control the destiny of our assets.

Annual Report 2010 

05

LMS Capital plc

 
 
We are pleased with our 
results for 2010 however 
there is much room for further 
progress. It is good that we 
are profitable, that we own 
profitable companies but 
we are targeting a better 
annual growth in value. 
Going forward we are actively 
seeking to produce superior 
value and capture gains 
from the quoted securities 
and funds to redeploy into 
direct investments.

Operating review continued

Results
2010 was a year of transition but saw a number 
of highlights:

• An improvement in the value of our quoted 
portfolio as the prices of ProStrakan and 
Weatherford grew. Our decision to hold those 
stocks through the year has been vindicated.

• Realisations and improvements in third-party 
fund valuations have been gratefully received 
as the ability of those funds to exit investments 
opened up during the year.

• Our newer direct investments saw a number 

of upward revaluations – confirmation that our 
strategy is beginning to work.

• We have turned around a number of the older 
businesses and can now focus on upside 
rather than losses, however we did make 
the difficult decision to write-down/off five 
old direct investments as their potential to 
create value had passed.

• Combining the positive news we are 

delighted to announce that LMS Capital 
produced a net profit of £17.6 million in 2010 
(2009: loss of £12.7 million).

• Importantly that result was driven by positive 
‘owned EBITDA’ (our share in the earnings of 
each of our direct portfolio companies) – we 
own profitable and growing companies that 
are creating value

• Our NAV per share at the end of 2010 was 90p, 
(2009: 84p), an increase of 7% in the year or 
15% annualised from mid-year when a number 
of the key strategic decisions were 
first announced and implemented.

Further details are set out in the Financial review 
section of this report.

06

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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We are pleased with our results for 2010 however 
there is much room for further progress. It is good 
that we are profitable, that we own profitable 
companies but we are targeting a better annual 
growth in value. Going forward we are actively 
seeking to produce superior value and capture 
gains from the quoted securities and funds to 
redeploy into direct investments. Our results are a 
significant improvement on 2009 (which showed 
a decline in NAV per share compared to the prior 
year) but the results continue to be burdened by 
losses from write-downs on legacy investments; 
that stops this year. Under our revised strategy 
we are seeking to invest in companies that should 
survive and thrive. As a partner of choice we will 
work with them to ensure they continue to grow 
as profitable businesses.

It is gratifying to report that a number of our 
consolidated portfolio companies have made big 
strides during 2010 and more importantly expect 
to be able to sustain this next year. The best 
performers in 2010 were:

• Updata continues to grow revenues and 

profits as local authorities need to improve 
the extent and reliability of their broadband 
communication infrastructure;

• Nationwide has performed in line with our 

expectations in the first seven months of our 
ownership and is rapidly signing new customers;

• Entuity has grown its revenues and had its 

second year of profitability, boosted by additions 
to its sales partner network;

• Wesupply achieved profitability in the fourth 
quarter after cutting costs and redirecting its 
sales focus to the SME marketplace.

On the minus side:

• Citizen (Vio) was unable to build critical mass 

and was sold;

• Kizoom continues to experience similar 

difficulties – it sold its software business in 
the third quarter and we are currently at 
an advanced stage to sell the remaining 
hardware business;

• We are seeking to dispose of CopperEye – 
it needs an owner that can incorporate 
their technology into a bigger platform;

• ITS has been unable to convert sufficient sales 
opportunities into orders and management 
are preparing a report on the options for the 
business, which will focus on maximising value 
for shareholders.

Our key reportable metrics are:

Net profit (£m) (Note 1)
Owned EBITDA (£m) (Note 2)
NAV per share (pence)

2007
2008
29.8 (40.8)
(9.9)
(14.2)
89
101

2009
2010
(12.7) 17.6
7.5
90

(3.0)
84

Notes:

1.  This is the profit of our investment management business as defined in 

Note 2 to our financial statements.

2.  This is our share of the EBITDA of each of the investments in our portfolio, 
including investments by San Francisco Equity Partners, based on our % 
stake. It is not derived from the consolidated financial information.

Based on the 2011 plans of our direct investments, 
we expect continuing improvement in these figures 
during 2011.

Annual Report 2010 

07

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Operating review continued

Review of investments

Funds

Quoted securities

We sold a number of our holdings during 2010 
and you should expect to see more realisations 
during 2011 as stocks hit the exit prices we have 
established. We started 2010 with 20 different 
securities and ended with 13. Of course a 
few stocks dominate this category, namely 
Weatherford and ProStrakan, in both of which 
we were one of the original investors. The board 
of ProStrakan recently announced that it was 
recommending to shareholders an offer at 130p 
per share, a significant premium to the market 
(and to our December 2010 carrying value).

We shall use the proceeds of sales of our 
quoted holdings to reinvest in direct investments. 
Our book value of quoted securities at year end 
was £63.2 million, including sales an increase of 
29% over last year’s value.

Company 

Share   Book  
price 

value £m 

31 December 2010
IRR for
the year

Weatherford  $22.8  30.0 

33% Energy

ProStrakan 

 £1.03  18.1 

19% Pharmaceuticals

GulfMark 

 $30.40  4.9 

12% Energy

We have 22 general partner relationships across 
35 funds. Many of these funds are in sectors 
we know and a number are the lead investor in 
co-investments we hold. However committing 
to funds requires us to have access to cash or 
cash equivalents to meet the uncertain timing 
of cash calls, and we have no or limited access 
or influence over those investments. We have 
ceased to make new fund commitments and 
because most of our funds are coming to the 
end of their investment period, and in many 
cases are into the harvest period, we expect to 
see cash returned to us over the next few years.

Book value of our funds at year end was 
£114.5 million net of commitments and realisations 
a gain of 4% over the past 12 months. 
Our outstanding commitments at year end 
were £40.7 million (to be met from cash and 
equivalents), down from £58.7 million at the end 
of 2009; with the reduction in size of one fund 
the outstanding commitment today is £36 million.

General 
partner 

Brockton Capital 

BV Investments   

31 December 2010
IRR for
the year

Book  
value £m 

 14.6 

9.4 

(3)%  UK property

18%  US buyouts

Chyron 

 $2.20  3.9 

12% Media/technology

Scottish Equity Partners 

 5.7 

14%  UK technology

The above holdings represent 90% of the quoted portfolio.

Spectrum Equity Investors 

 4.4 

40%  US technology

CMEA Ventures   

4.0 

24%  US technology

Amadeus Capital Partners 

 3.9 

Weber Capital Partners 

 3.1 

Brynwood Capital Partners   3.1 

(8)%  UK venture 
capital

65%  US post-IPO 

technology

40%  US consumer

Cadent Energy    

3.1 

32%  US energy

The above holdings represent 70% of the funds portfolio (excluding 
San Francisco Equity Partners).

08

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

 
  
  
Direct investments

The number of our direct investments has been 
reduced throughout the year as we actively seek 
to focus on winners and exit those that have 
another better owner. We sold Vio, Corizon and 
Kizoom Software at a net loss in the year of 
£3.2 million and are looking to dispose of the 
balance of Kizoom and CopperEye. In order to 
succeed, these companies were in need of an 
owner that could fold their technology into a bigger 
platform. These companies were start ups when 
we invested and we do not intend to pursue this 
style of investing in the future.

We acquired stakes in three new companies 
during the year: Apogee (business services), 
Nationwide Energy Partners (energy) and 
Zoom Eyeworks (consumer products, via San 
Francisco Equity Partners). Total investment in 
these businesses was £22.1 million. In all cases 
our investment thesis foresees us investing 
additional monies into these companies to 
finance growth. It is our intention to seek similar 
opportunities: profitable and growing companies 
run by experienced managers in those sectors 
where we can add value.

In addition we provided follow-on monies for 
ITS, 365iT and Wesupply. Our direct investment 
portfolio at the year end was £75.4 million which 
was an increase of £15.1 million over 2009, 
after further write-downs on the legacy portfolio 
following strategic reviews during the year. 
Our direct investment portfolio is very lightly 
geared with third-party debt at 0.4 x EBITDA.

Company 

31 December 2010
IRR for
the year

Book  
value £m 

Method Products 

 17.6 

0%  US consumer

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Updata Infrastructure 

 14.0 

84%  UK technology

HealthTech Holdings 

 12.6 

80%  US technology

Nationwide Energy Partners   9.7 

0%  US energy

Apogee Corporation 

Rave Reviews 

Penguin Computing 

Entuity 

Luxury Link 

 8.7 

 7.3 

 7.2 

 5.5 

 5.1 

14%  UK technology

3%  US consumer

22%  US technology

21%  UK technology

4%  US consumer

The above holdings represent 75% of the direct portfolio (including 
San Francisco Equity Partners).

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Annual Report 2010 

09

LMS Capital plc

 
 
  
 
 
Operating review continued

Over time you will see us 
exit some of our older 
holdings and acquire new 
ones. We shall constantly 
review our investments as 
there may always be someone 
willing to acquire our 
position at a value greater 
than we put on it and for 
some holdings there may 
be a more natural owner. 
But because we do not have 
to sell we spend our time 
thinking about growing 
and adding value rather 
than simply exiting.

Summary
The evolution of LMS to a lead investor in private 
companies is ongoing. Where previously we had a 
variety of investment themes and sector appetites 
we are now focused on direct investment only in 
three core sectors.

Over time you will see us exit some of our 
older holdings and acquire new ones. We shall 
constantly review our investments as there may 
always be someone willing to acquire our position 
at a value greater than we put on it and for some 
holdings there may be a more natural owner. 
But because we do not have to sell we spend 
our time thinking about growing and adding 
value rather than simply exiting.

Our outlook for 2011 is positive: deal flow of 
profitable, growing companies is good and most 
of our direct investments are forecasting revenue 
growth this year as markets improve.

I have the pleasure of writing this report but the 
success of your company is attributable to a team 
of professionals who are committed to growing 
LMS into a bigger, better and successful company. 
I would like to thank the Board of LMS and the 
team working on your behalf: Pieter, Scott, Ed, 
Jamie, Jamie, David, Matthew, Tom, Alison, Dawn, 
Ela, Maia, Linda, Chris, Ray, Selina and Joe for 
their assistance, effort and successes in this past 
year. We have achieved much in 2010, and look 
forward to greater success in 2011.

10

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

£245.0m

Net Asset Value at 
31 December 2010
(31 December 2009: £227.7 million)

£17.3m

Increase in Net Asset Value 
of 7%

90p

Net Asset Value per share
(31 December 2009: 84p)

Financial review

Basis of preparation of 
financial information
The Company reports its results under International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted for use 
in the European Union (‘Adopted IFRS’), and the 
consolidated financial statements include the 
consolidation of portfolio companies which are 
also subsidiaries (‘portfolio subsidiaries’). Since the 
Board manages the Company as an investment 
business, this financial review focuses on the 
results of the investment management operations. 
Note 2 to the financial information includes the 
separate results and net assets of the investment 
management business. Where appropriate, this 
review includes comments on the results and 
financial position of the portfolio subsidiaries.

Investment management

Net Asset Value at 31 December 2010 was 
£245.0 million (31 December 2009: £227.7 million), 
an increase of £17.3 million or 7%. The Net Asset 
Value per share was 90p (31 December 2009: 84p).

The Group’s return on its investment portfolio for 
the year ended 31 December 2010 was a gain 
of £23.9 million (year ended 31 December 2009: 
loss of £4.9 million) as follows:

Realised gains/(losses)
Quoted securities
Unquoted securities
Funds

Unrealised gains/(losses)
Quoted securities
Unquoted securities
Funds

Total gain/(loss)

Year ended 31 December

2010 
£’000

2009 
£’000

1,128
(3,154)
1,037
(989)

14,100
1,293
9,510
24,903
23,914

2,503
(1,867)
(755)
(119)

9,741
(8,491)
(6,007)
(4,757)
(4,876)

Annual Report 2010 

11

LMS Capital plc

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Financial review continued

Approximately 61% of the portfolio at 31 December 
2010 is denominated in US dollars (2009: 60%) 
and the above table includes the impact of 
currency movements. In the year ended 
31 December 2010 the strengthening of the 
US dollar against pound sterling resulted in an 
unrealised foreign currency gain of £5.6 million. 
During the year ended 31 December 2009 there 
was a weakening of the dollar against pound 
sterling and the unrealised loss for that year 
was £13.5 million. It is the Board’s current policy 
not to hedge the Company’s underlying non-
sterling investments.

Realised gains on quoted securities include 
£0.7 million in connection with the sale of our 
shares in BJ Services, with the balance arising 
on the sale of other, smaller holdings during the 
year. The realised losses on unquoted securities 
arose principally on the disposals of Citizen 
(trading as Vio) and Corizon.

The unrealised gains on our quoted portfolio 
reflect the net impact of the changes in the 
capital markets during the year. Of the total 
of £14.1 million, £7.4 million is attributable to 
our holding in Weatherford International and 
£2.9 million to ProStrakan Group.

The principal constituents of the net unrealised 
gain for the year on our unquoted securities are 
as follows:

Updata
HealthTech Holdings
Kizoom
Wesupply
CopperEye
ITS (US) Holdings

Other investments (net)
Total unrealised gain, net

Unrealised
gain/(loss)
£’000
6,482
5,622
(3,200)
(2,750)
(1,936)
(2,938)
1,280
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1,293

The unrealised gains/losses above reflect the 
impact on our valuation criteria of changes in the 
revenue and profitability multiples of comparable 
businesses which are used in the underlying 
calculations combined with the operating 
performance of the individual businesses 
within the portfolio.

In most cases the multiples used are similar to 
those prevailing at the end of 2009. The unrealised 
gains or losses set out above for 2010 arise 
principally as a result of the companies’ 
performance. The results of Updata and 
HealthTech Holdings have resulted in higher 
valuations for those businesses. Conversely, 
following continued disappointing results from 
Kizoom and CopperEye, we are actively seeking 
to exit these businesses and in the case of ITS 
a strategic review of the business is in progress.

The unrealised valuation gain on our fund interests 
includes £6.6 million net valuation increases and 
£2.9 million unrealised foreign currency gains. 
We utilise reports from the general partners of 
our funds as at the end of the third quarter in 
establishing our year end carrying value, with 
adjustments made for calls, distributions and 
foreign currency movements since that date. 
We also carry out our own review of individual 
funds and their portfolios to satisfy ourselves 
that the underlying valuation bases are consistent 
with our knowledge of the investments and the 
sectors in which they operate.

Income from investments in the year was 
£0.9 million (year ended 31 December 2009: 
£0.5 million) and comprises dividends on quoted 
securities and management charges made to 
portfolio companies. Administration expenses 
for the year were £6.9 million (year ended 
31 December 2009: £8.0 million, which included 
a number of one-off items); Net interest expense 
for the year was £0.2 million (year ended 
31 December 2009: net income of £0.2 million) 
reflecting the fact that the Company drew down 
all of its loan facility during the year. The tax 
charge for the year was £0.4 million (year ended 
31 December 2009: £0.3 million).

12

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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Investments
The Group’s investments are included in the 
balance sheet at fair values determined in 
accordance with the International Private Equity 
and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines.

Additions to the investment portfolio during the 
year were £38.9 million (year ended 31 December 
2009: £32.7 million) of which £17.6 million (2009: 
£7.6 million) was for new investments, £17.1 million 
(2009: £14.8 million) to meet capital calls from 
funds and £4.2 million (2009: £10.3 million) for 
follow-on investments. There were no purchases 
of quoted securities during the year (2009: nil); the 
new investments were $14.1 million (£9.7 million) 
for our stake in Nationwide Energy Partners and 
£7.9 million for our interest in Apogee Group.

Proceeds of realisations were £24.3 million (2009: 
£13.9 million) including sales of quoted securities 
of £6.2 million (2009: £6.9 million) and distributions 
from funds of £13.7 million (2008: £5.6 million).

At 31 December 2010 the Group had 
commitments of £40.7 million (31 December 2009: 
£58.7 million) to meet capital calls from its fund 
interests which the directors estimate will be called 
over the next five years. In terms of assessing the 
level of the Group’s commitment in this area, the 
Directors do not expect fund commitments to 
exceed liquid assets (being cash and quoted 
securities); at 31 December 2010 liquid assets 
were £72.5 million.

Consolidated results
Consolidated revenues for the year from continuing 
operations were £47.9 million (2009: £29.8 million), 
all in the portfolio subsidiaries. The increase over 
the previous year reflects the inclusion of Updata 
for a full year (acquired in July 2009) and of NEP 
(from acquisition at the end of May 2010).

Consolidated operating expenses of continuing 
operations were £60.2 million (2009: £46.1 million), 
including goodwill impairment charges of 
£7.7 million (2009: £4.6 million). The increase 
in operating expenses (excluding goodwill 
impairment charges) reflects principally the 
inclusion of Updata and NEP as set out above.

The consolidated profit from continuing operations 
was £15.2 million (2009: loss of £12.4 million); 
discontinued operations (being the impact of 
the sale of Citizen in September) contributed 
a loss of £2.6 million (2009: loss of £2.4 million).

Financial position
The consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 
2010 includes cash and cash equivalents of 
£13.2 million (31 December 2009: £17.0 million) and 
borrowings of £23.4 million (31 December 2009: 
£7.6 million). Cash in the investment management 
business was £9.3 million (31 December 2009: 
£14.4 million) and borrowings were £14.3 million 
under the Company’s £15 million borrowing facility 
with The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Glenn Payne
Chief Executive Officer

28 March 2011

Annual Report 2010 

13

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Board of Directors

Robert Rayne†‡
Non-Executive Chairman
Age: 62

Glenn Payne‡
Chief Executive Officer
Age: 46

Antony Sweet‡
Chief Financial Officer
Age: 56

Directorships:
Non-executive chairman of 
Derwent London plc and 
a non-executive director of 
Weatherford International Ltd, 
Chyron Corporation and Richoux 
Group plc as well as a number of 
charitable trusts and foundations.

Experience:
Robbie has expertise in a wide 
range of sectors, including 
real estate, media, consumer, 
technology and energy. 
He established the Company’s 
investment activities in the early 
1980s as investment director 
and later managing director 
and chief executive of London 
Merchant Securities plc.

Directorships:
A number of Group companies.

Experience: 
Glenn joined LMS Capital as CEO 
on 1 March 2010. Previously, he 
was a director at First Reserve 
Corporation, a leading private 
equity firm specialising in the 
energy industry. He has also 
worked at Suez Energy, a 
major global electricity and gas 
provider, as director of strategy 
and at McKinsey & Co. as a 
consultant serving electric power 
and natural gas clients. Before 
joining McKinsey, he was at 
the Atlantic Richfield Company 
(ARCO, now BP), where he 
served as a director of Business 
Development.

Directorships:
Wesupply Ltd (non-executive), 
and a number of Group 
companies.

Experience:
In addition to his finance 
responsibilities Tony oversees 
the Company’s HR requirements 
and also participates as a 
member of the Investment 
Committee. Before joining the 
Company, he was chief financial 
officer of Systems Union Group 
plc. Prior to that, he was at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (the last 
13 years as a partner) where he 
gained experience of a variety of 
sectors and geographies, working 
for large multinational companies, 
as well as smaller entrepreneurial 
businesses.

John Barnsley*#†
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director
Age: 62

Directorships:
Grainger plc, American Appraisal 
(UK) Limited and senior 
independent non-executive 
director of Northern Investors 
Company PLC.

Experience:
John was chairman of North 
London Research Committee, 
chairman of KCS Global 
Holdings Ltd and non-
executive director of Syltone 
plc. Prior to December 2001, 
he spent 22 years as a partner 
of PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
including four years as UK 
managing partner.

Richard Christou#†
Non-Executive Director
Age: 66

Directorships:
Chairman, Fujitsu EMEA PLC.

Experience:
Richard has held various 
positions within the 
telecommunications industry, 
joining ICL in 1990. In April 2002 
ICL changed its name to Fujitsu 
and he moved into the role of 
executive chairman. He is now 
president of the global business 
group at Fujitsu Ltd where he has 
responsibility for all of Fujitsu’s 
overseas regions including EMEA, 
The Americas, APAC and China.

Bernard Duroc-Danner†
Non-Executive Director
Age: 57

Directorships:
Chairman, president and chief 
executive officer of Weatherford 
International Ltd and director of a 
number of oilfield service sector 
companies.

Experience:
Previously, Bernard was a 
non-executive director of 
London Merchant Securities 
plc and president and chief 
executive officer of EVI, Inc. (now 
Weatherford International Ltd). 
Prior to which he held positions at 
Arthur D. Little and Mobil Oil Inc.

Mark Sebba*#†
Non-Executive Director
Age: 62

Directorships:
Net-A-Porter Limited

Experience:
Mark is the chief executive 
officer of Net-a-Porter, the pre-
eminent luxury global fashion 
internet magazine and retailer 
with operations in both the 
UK and US. He has extensive 
experience in business services 
to the retail sector and of 
international markets.

Prior to joining Net-A-Porter in 
2003, Mark was Finance Director 
at Video Networks Limited and 
Golden Rose Communications 
Plc. He has also worked in 
investment banking and is a 
qualified Chartered Accountant.

David Verey*#†
Non-Executive Director
Age: 60

Directorships:
Daily Mail & General Trust plc, 
Sofina S.A., a member of the 
supervisory board of Bank 
Gutmann and a senior advisor 
to Lazard & Co.

Experience:
David has over 30 years of 
experience in the industry. 
He worked for Lazard Brothers 
for 28 years becoming 
Chief Executive in 1990 and 
Chairman two years later. He is 
a past Chairman of Blackstone 
Group UK.

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Investment team

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Pieter Hooft‡
Managing Director,  
UK investments

Edward Snow‡ 
Director,  
UK investments

Jamie Rhodes
Investment Manager,  
UK investments

Jamie Szpiro 
Investment Manager,  
UK Investments

Pieter joined LMS Capital in 
November 2006 and leads the 
Group’s UK investment activities. 
Pieter has over 15 years’ 
investment experience in MBOs 
and development capital in the 
UK and across Europe. He has 
been involved in deals in a broad 
range of sectors including media, 
consumer, business services 
and industrial. As well as Apax 
Partners, Pieter has previously 
worked for JP Morgan Partners, 
Botts & Company and Bain 
and has also had operational 
experience as chairman of 
Germany’s second-largest  
chain of fitness clubs. 

Ed leads LMS Capital’s UK 
technology investing, having 
joined LMS at the start of 2007 
from Amadeus Capital Partners, 
a venture capital firm specialising 
in backing start-ups. Prior to 
Amadeus, Ed was with Deutsche 
Bank’s global markets division for 
two years. Ed also co-founded 
and later floated a vehicle 
technology start-up in the 1990s. 
Ed has investment and operational 
experience gained from a range 
of sectors including infrastructure 
software, medical technology and 
comms hardware. 

Jamie joined LMS Capital in 2004 
and works across the Group’s 
UK direct investment portfolio 
as well as being responsible for 
UK fund investments and quoted 
stocks. Jamie is a specialist in 
consumer products, retail, leisure, 
logistics and distribution and 
has extensive operational and 
entrepreneurial experience having 
funded, operated and sold three 
successive ventures in the food 
and beverage sector; including 
an award-winning restaurant in 
London and a chain of sandwich 
bars in the North of England.

Jamie joined LMS Capital 
in June 2008 from Singer & 
Friedlander where he was 
a Director in the Corporate  
and Structured finance team 
focusing on mid-market buyouts. 
Jamie has a broad range of 
financial experience spanning 
Corporate Finance, Property 
Finance and Leveraged Finance. 
He also has direct operational and 
M & A experience having been a 
senior Director of Wintrust plc, 
where he oversaw its sale and 
subsequent integration into Singer 
and Friedlander. Jamie focuses  
on new deal opportunities as well 
as managing a number of 
portfolio relationships.

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* Audit Committee
# Remuneration Committee
† Nomination Committee
‡ Investment Committee

Scott Potter 
Managing Partner,  
San Francisco Equity  
Partners (US)

David Mannix 
Vice-President,  
San Francisco  
Equity Partners

Scott joined LMS Capital in 
2003 with responsibility for 
the Group’s US private equity 
portfolio and in 2005 established 
San Francisco Equity Partners 
(SFEP), with LMS Capital as the 
founding limited partner. San 
Francisco Equity Partners is a 
private equity fund focused on 
growth equity investments in the 
consumer products, consumer 
services and business services 
industries. Scott had broad 
operational experience having 
served as SVP, Field Operations 
for Inktomi Corporation and Chief 
Executive of Quiver, a venture 
backed internet software business 
in which LMS Capital was a 
significant investor.

David joined SFEP in 2010 
focusing on investments in the 
consumer products, consumer 
services and business services 
industries. David works closely 
with SFEP’s portfolio companies 
and serves on the board of 
directors of Zoom Eyeworks.

Prior to joining SFEP, David 
has worked for The BearFund, 
Castanea Partners, RBC Capital 
Markets and as an independent 
consultant to portfolio companies 
of private equity funds.

David earned an MBA with 
Honors from the University of 
California at Berkeley and a BA 
in Economics from Stanford 
University.

Annual Report 2010 

15

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Corporate governance report

The Board of LMS Capital plc is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and business ethics.

This report is made under the Combined Code on Corporate Governance issued by the Financial Reporting Council 
(‘the Code’) in June 2008 and the period under review is the year ended 31 December 2010. A new UK Corporate 
Governance Code was introduced in June 2010 and will govern future corporate governance reports by the Company. 
Copies of both Codes are publicly available from the Financial Reporting Council’s website, www.frc.org.uk.

This report explains how the Company has applied the principles set out in Section 1 of the Code and the extent to 
which it has complied with the detailed provisions of the Code. The Board considers that the Company has complied 
with, or explained why it has not complied with, all of the provisions of the Code throughout the period under review.

Board of Directors

The Board’s role
The Board is responsible to the Company’s shareholders for the performance of the Company and for its overall strategic 
direction, its values and its governance. It provides the leadership necessary to enable the Company’s business 
objectives to be met within the framework of the internal controls detailed below.

Composition
The Board is comprised of eight directors, being six non-executive directors (including the non-executive Chairman) and 
two executive directors.

Brief biographies of the directors appear on page 14. The Board considers that it has an appropriate balance of expertise 
and ability available to it.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
There is a clear separation of the roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. Broadly, the Chairman is 
responsible for the effective running of the Board, whilst the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the executive 
management and performance of the Company’s operations.

Non-executive directors
Each non-executive director is appointed for a term of three years. Subject to agreement, satisfactory performances and 
re-election by shareholders, their directorships may be renewed for further terms. Mark Sebba was appointed as a non-
executive director on 28 September 2010 and will stand for election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 12 May 
2011 as required by the Company’s Articles of Association. Assuming he is successfully appointed, it will be for a term of 
three years.

In the opinion of the Board, John Barnsley, Richard Christou, Bernard Duroc-Danner, Mark Sebba and David Verey 
are each considered to be independent in character and judgement and there are no relationships or 
circumstances which are likely to affect (or could appear to affect) the directors’ judgement.

The Board is of the view that the Chairman and each of the non-executive directors committed sufficient time during 2010 
to fulfilling their duties as members of the Board.

Senior independent director
John Barnsley acts as the senior independent non-executive director. In this role he is available to shareholders if they 
have concerns which cannot be resolved by discussions with the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief 
Financial Officer or where such contact is inappropriate. In addition, the senior independent director is available to attend 
meetings with major shareholders in order to develop an understanding of their issues and concerns.

External non-executive directorships
The Board believes that executive directors should be able to accept external non-executive directorships in other 
companies in order to widen their skills and knowledge for the benefit of the Company, whilst continuing to discharge 
their executive responsibilities to the Company. Any executive director who wishes to take on an external non-executive 
directorship must obtain prior Board approval and may not take on more than one such directorship (not including those 
companies in which the Company has invested and where he represents the Company). He may retain any fees paid in 
respect of such directorships.

16

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Insurance
The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and provides the directors and officers with a qualifying 
third party indemnity within the limits allowed by the Companies Act.

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Neither the Company’s indemnity nor insurance provides cover in the event that a director is proved to have acted 
fraudulently or dishonestly.

Board procedures
There are agreed procedures for the directors to take independent professional advice, if necessary, at the Company’s 
expense. All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the 
Chairman for ensuring that board procedures are complied with and that applicable rules and regulations are followed 
and for advising and supporting the Chairman and the Board on corporate governance matters.

Powers and delegation
The Board delegates specific responsibilities to the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees, which operate 
within clearly defined terms of reference approved by the Board. These committees report regularly to the Board. 
The Board has adopted a schedule of matters reserved to it for approval. These include the approval of financial 
statements, strategic plans, annual budgets, acquisitions and disposals and major capital and operating 
expenditure proposals.

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Board meetings

Nine board meetings were held in 2010. At each scheduled meeting, the Board considers a report from the Chief Executive 
Officer on current trading and significant business issues, such as major investment or divestment proposals and strategy. 
A financial report is provided by the Chief Financial Officer and other reports and presentations are provided by senior 
management. Papers for each scheduled board meeting are usually provided four working days before the meeting.

Attendance at board meetings
The following were directors of the Company and attended the following number of meetings of the Board and (where 
they were members) its committees during the year ended 31 December 2010:

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Meetings held
Jonathan Agnew1
John Barnsley
Richard Christou
Bernard Duroc-Danner2
Glenn Payne3
Robert Rayne
Mark Sebba4
Antony Sweet
David Verey

Notes:

Board
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5
9
7
4
7
9
1
9
9

Audit
4
1
4
–
–
–
–
1
–
4

Remuneration
4
–
4
4
–
–
–
1
–
4

Nomination
2
1
2
2
1
–
2
1
–
2

1.  Mr Agnew resigned from the Board on 13 May 2010.

2.  As a result of other business commitments, Dr Duroc-Danner was not able to attend all of the Board meetings. However, he did receive the papers 
for each meeting and his feedback was provided to the Chairman and other non-executive directors for them to consider and vice-versa. Thus he 
was able to contribute to the decisions being taken by the Board.

3.  Mr Payne was appointed on 1 March 2010.

4.  Mr Sebba joined the Board on 28 September 2010 and was appointed to all of the Board Committees at that time.

Board committees

Each Board Committee has established clear and defined terms of reference detailing its responsibilities and powers. 
These are available to review on the Company’s website at www.lmscapital.com.

Annual Report 2010 

17

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Corporate governance report continued

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently comprises John Barnsley (Committee Chairman), Mark Sebba (who joined the Committee 
on 28 September 2010) and David Verey. John Barnsley is considered by the Board to have recent and relevant financial 
experience, for the purpose of the Code. A representative of the Company’s external auditors, the Chief Financial Officer 
and other directors attend meetings of the Audit Committee at the invitation of the Chairman of the Committee.

The Audit Committee met four times during 2010. Its role is to assist the Board with the discharge of its responsibilities 
in relation to internal and external audits and controls, including reviewing the Company and Group financial statements, 
considering the scope of the annual audit and the extent of the non-audit work undertaken by external auditors, advising 
on the appointment of external auditors and reviewing the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control 
systems in place within the Company.

A policy regarding the engagement of the external auditors to supply non-audit services is in place. The policy recognises 
the importance of maintaining the objectivity and independence of the external auditors by minimising their involvement 
in projects of a non-audit nature. It is, however, also acknowledged that, due to their detailed understanding of the 
Company’s business, it may sometimes be necessary to involve the external auditors in non-audit related work, principally 
comprising further assurance services relating to due diligence and other duties carried out in respect of acquisitions 
and disposals and tax services. During 2010, KPMG provided non-audit services, namely corporate and payroll taxation 
advice. The fees paid to them for this work was £28,000.

Additionally, the Audit Committee keeps under review the conduct of the external audit and its cost-effectiveness. 
The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding the reappointment or removal of the external 
auditors, their terms of engagement and the level of their remuneration. The Committee also reviews the process which 
is in place to ensure the independence and objectivity of the external auditors.

The Audit Committee also monitors the Company’s whistleblowing policy and Mr Barnsley, as the Company’s senior 
independent non-executive director, is the contact for staff who may have a concern that they cannot raise under their 
normal chain of management.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises Richard Christou, who chairs the Committee, John Barnsley, 
Mark Sebba (who joined the Committee on 28 September 2010) and David Verey. The composition and role of the 
Remuneration Committee is described more fully in the Remuneration report.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee currently comprises Robert Rayne, who chairs the Committee, John Barnsley, Richard 
Christou, Bernard Duroc-Danner, Mark Sebba (who joined the Committee on 28 September 2010) and David Verey. 
The Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in determining the composition and make-up of the Board. It is 
also responsible for periodically reviewing the Board’s structure and identifying potential candidates to be appointed 
as directors, as the need may arise. The selection process is, in the Board’s view, both rigorous and transparent in 
order to ensure that appointments are made on merit and against objective criteria set by the Committee.

The Committee will also determine succession plans for each of the directors. When considering succession planning, 
the Committee will look at the balance, structure and composition of the Board and take into account the future 
challenges and opportunities facing the Company.

The Committee meets as required, but at least once each year. During 2010, the Committee met twice. The Committee 
met in January 2010 to consider and ultimately recommend to the Board the appointment of Glenn Payne as the new 
Chief Executive Officer. At this meeting, under the Chairmanship of John Barnsley, the Committee also decided to 
recommend to the Board the appointment of Robert Rayne as Chairman to succeed Jonathan Agnew after he 
retired from the Board. Paragraph A2.2 of the Code states that a chief executive should not go on to be chairman of 
the same company; however, if exceptionally a board decides that a chief executive should become chairman it needs to 
explain the reasons to its shareholders. The Board has deemed that this is an exceptional case for the following reasons:

(1)   It allows continued access to the network and relationships developed by Robert Rayne over the last 40 years; and

(2)   It provides the Company with continued access to the advisory boards of a number of funds.

18

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Mr Rayne acted initially as an executive chairman to assist with the transition to Glenn Payne as Chief Executive Officer 
and on 1 October 2010, Mr Rayne became non-executive Chairman. Mr Rayne is also non-executive Chairman of 
Derwent London plc and a non-executive director of both Weatherford International Limited, Chyron Corporation and 
Richoux Group plc.

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The Committee also met in September 2010 to discuss and approve the appointment of Mark Sebba as a non-executive 
director. As Chief Executive Officer of Net-A-Porter his experience in business services to the retail sector and his 
international experience will be of great benefit to the Company. Prior to the Nomination Committee in September, each 
member of the Committee met with Mr Sebba on a one-to-one basis to satisfy themselves that he had the balance of 
skills and experience necessary to benefit the Board and that he was independent for the purposes of the Code. 

Investment Committee
In addition to the principal Board committees described above, there is also an Investment Committee. This currently 
comprises Glenn Payne, who chairs the Committee, Antony Sweet, Pieter Hooft, Ed Snow and Robert Rayne. 
The Committee is responsible for reviewing and implementing investment and divestment proposals. It also makes 
proposals relating to the Company’s investment policy for the Board to adopt and for regularly reporting to the Board on 
the performance and management of the Company’s investments. The Committee is scheduled to meet twice a month, 
but in practice meets more often as circumstances require.

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Board reappointments

In accordance with the Code and the Company’s Articles of Association, at least a third of the directors on the Board 
must retire and offer themselves for re-election. Messrs Barnsley and Christou will retire at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting and, being eligible, each offers himself for re-election at the meeting. Mr Sebba (who was appointed 
to the Board on 28 September 2010) will offer himself for election to the Board at the Annual General Meeting in 
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association. The biography for each director can be found on page 14.

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Board appraisal

Due to the changes in the Board composition in 2010, no appraisal took place as it was felt that such an appraisal would 
not be beneficial at that time. An appraisal will take place in 2011.

Internal control

Process
The Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, has overall responsibility for the Company’s system of internal and financial 
controls and risk management and for reviewing the effectiveness of this system. Such a system can only be designed to 
manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can therefore only provide reasonable, 
and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and will take any necessary actions 
should any significant failings or weaknesses be identified. Internal controls, included within risk management, are a 
standing agenda item for each Audit Committee meeting.

Operational matters and the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the businesses are delegated to the 
Chief Executive Officer and through him, as appropriate, to other managers acting within delegated authority limits 
and in accordance with clearly defined systems of control.

Financial matters and the responsibility for the day-to-day financial aspects of the business are delegated to the 
Chief Financial Officer and through him, as appropriate, to members of his financial team acting within delegated authority 
limits and in accordance with clearly defined systems of control. The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Board on 
financial matters at each board meeting.

Policies and procedures, which are subject to ongoing review and updated as required, are communicated across 
the Company and designed to ensure they are properly and consistently applied in relation to significant risks, investment 
decisions and management issues arising within the Company. The Board believes that this delegated management 
structure ensures a strong link between overall corporate strategy and its implementation within an effective control 
environment.

Annual Report 2010 

19

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Corporate governance report continued

The Company has no internal audit department, relying on in-house resource and external advisers, which is currently 
considered adequate. In the Audit Committee’s view, the information it has is sufficient to enable it to review the 
effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls in accordance with the ‘Internal Control Revised Guidance 
for Directors’ on the Combined Code (Turnbull).

Directors’ conflicts of interests
The Company’s Articles of Association allow the directors to authorise conflicts of interest and a register has been 
set up to record all conflict situations declared. The conflicts declared are all very minor in nature and there have been 
no conflicts which have resulted in a director having to be excluded from the decision-making process. The register is 
maintained and updated by the Company Secretary and the Board reviews it at each Board meeting.

Risk review
The Board is of the view that an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks faced by the 
Group was in place during 2010 and up to the date of this report. Risk review is a continuing process embedded within 
the business. The business is also required to have processes to formally identify risks, consider financial and non-
financial implications and, so far as possible, take action to reduce those risks. Details of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group can be found on pages 22 and 23.

Shareholder communications

The Company communicates regularly with its major institutional shareholders and ensures that all the directors, 
including the non-executive directors, have an understanding of the views and concerns of major shareholders about 
the Company. This is achieved by the executive directors maintaining contact from time to time with representatives of 
institutional shareholders to discuss matters of mutual interest relating to the Company and reporting back to the Board. 
Shareholders have the opportunity to meet any of the directors of the Company should they so wish.

Additionally, the Board uses the AGM as an occasion to communicate with all shareholders, including private investors, 
who are provided with the opportunity to question the directors. At the AGM the level of proxy votes lodged on each 
resolution is made available, both at the meeting and subsequently on the Company’s website. Each substantially 
separate issue is presented as a separate resolution. Members of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees 
are available to answer questions from shareholders.

The interim and annual results of the Company, along with all other press releases, are posted on the Company’s website, 
www.lmscapital.com, as soon as possible after they have been announced to the market. The website also contains an 
archive of all documents sent to shareholders, as well as details on the Company’s investments, strategy and share price.

Financial reporting

The directors have acknowledged, in the Statement of directors’ responsibilities set out on page 36, their responsibility 
for preparing the financial statements of the Company and the Group. The external auditors have included, in the 
Independent auditor’s report set out on pages 37 and 38, a statement about their reporting responsibilities.

The directors are also responsible for the publication of an unaudited half-year management statement for the Company, 
which provides a balanced and fair assessment of the Company and Group financial position for the first six months 
of each accounting period. In addition, as a company listed on the Main Market, the Company produces two interim 
management statements, usually in May and November, which provide an unaudited quarterly review of the Company’s 
financial position.

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Shares and voting rights

Details of the Company’s issued share capital, and the voting rights attached to the shares, can be found in the Directors’ 
report on page 34.

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Going concern

The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position are set out in the Operating review on pages 4 to 10. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, 
liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial review on pages 11 to 13. The directors have also 
considered, in preparing this statement, the Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Going Concern and Liquidity Risk Guidance for 
Directors of UK Companies 2009’.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
annual financial statements.

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Robert A Rayne
Chairman

28 March 2011

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Annual Report 2010 

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LMS Capital plc

 
 
Principal risks and uncertainties

This section provides a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on the 
Group’s strategy, performance and financial condition. The Group has an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating 
and managing risk with the aim of mitigating the impact of the risks and uncertainties to which the business is exposed. 
This process provides reasonable, rather than absolute, assurance in managing risk and cannot eliminate it.

The Group’s risk profile is a combination of two elements – the Group’s own strategy, including the actions taken within 
that strategic framework, and the effects of changes in the external economic environment in which it operates, including 
the impact on the companies in its investment portfolio. In reviewing and approving the Group’s strategy, the Board took 
into account the risks which could have a material effect on the achievement of the Group’s objectives, as well as the 
risks associated with alternative strategies. It then satisfied itself that the Group’s risk management process was 
appropriate in the context of the agreed strategy.

The Audit Committee oversees the Group’s risk management process and is provided with a report on risk management 
at each of its meetings. The management of specific risks is the responsibility of the executive directors and members of 
the Group’s senior management team.

The principal risks and uncertainties summarised below are not set out in order of probability of occurrence or materiality; 
the Group may also be adversely affected by other risks and uncertainties besides those described here.

Economic and financial risk

The Group is subject to economic factors (such as the demand and output of the environments in which its investments 
operate) which may negatively impact the performance and growth rates of the Company’s investments. The investment 
portfolio may not achieve the Company’s growth targets which may result in the Company’s Net Asset Value and net 
income declining. We seek to mitigate the potential impact of this by monitoring the trading performance and cash flows 
of our portfolio companies on a regular basis which allows us to act quickly should there be a need to do so.

Many of our investments produce little or no recurring income and the timing of realisations of unquoted investments 
(which itself may be a function of background economic conditions) cannot be ascertained with certainty. Accordingly, 
we rely on our detailed budgeting and forecasting procedures to ensure that the cash requirements of the Group are met.

A lack of liquidity in the capital markets could mean that the Company may not be able to raise funds for its corporate 
purposes, including the funding of new or existing investments. The Board regularly reviews the Company’s funding 
requirements and believes it has sufficient funds to meet its expected cash obligations for the foreseeable future. 
The Company has a revolving credit facility of £15 million, which was almost fully drawn down at 31 December 2010. 
We can also raise funds from the sale of our quoted portfolio investments if required.

The Group is subject to the impact of changes in market prices for its quoted investments, as well as to movements 
in interest rates and exchange rates. A significant proportion of our investment portfolio is denominated in a currency 
other than pounds sterling, principally US dollars. Changes in the value of the US dollar affect the valuation of the 
Company’s US investments, and therefore impact the valuation of the portfolio as a whole. The Group regards its 
exposure to exchange rate changes on the underlying investment as part of its overall investment return and monitors 
its overall exposure to foreign currencies at a portfolio level. Any realisations or distributions from US investments are 
retained in US dollars to be utilised for future investments.

The Group has made investments and by virtue of these investments may be obliged to make further capital 
contributions. Whilst the maximum amount of the future commitment is known, the timing of such capital calls 
cannot be predicted with certainty and the monitoring of this exposure is included in the Group’s budgeting and 
forecasting procedures referred to above.

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Investment risk

The Group’s investment risk arises as a result of its investment strategy, individual investment decisions and the 
performance of its investments. Before the Group makes a new investment, we undertake rigorous diligence into the 
business concerned. We understand the company’s business plan; evaluate information on its marketplace and 
competition; meet management, directors and existing shareholders and we commission reports from external experts 
as necessary. This includes consideration of potential exit routes from the proposed investment.

Our investment management process requires regular reporting of the performance and prospects of each investment. 
This is usually achieved by board representation or equivalent at each investment. The experience of the executive 
management team is a key factor in mitigating our risk of loss on individual investments. The progress of each investment 
is reported regularly to the Board.

There may not be a clear exit route for the Company from any individual investment which could result in negative liquidity 
and have a cash flow impact on the Company. If an investment is not performing well, and is absorbing too much of the 
Group’s resources (both financial and human), the Company will seek an exit from that investment. If necessary, the 
Company will seek a solvent closure of any investment where we consider this to be in the Company’s best interest.

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Operational risk

The Group has a number of internal processes and systems to ensure that it complies with all legal and regulatory 
obligations, as well as internal controls designed to ensure the integrity of its financial information and reporting. The Audit 
Committee, on behalf of the Board, regularly reviews these systems, which include reports on the Company’s risk 
management procedures.

The ability to recruit, develop and retain capable people is of fundamental importance to the Group’s strategy and 
the loss of key staff could adversely affect investment returns. The Group operates in a competitive industry and aims 
to remunerate staff in line with market practice.

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Annual Report 2010 

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LMS Capital plc

 
 
Remuneration report

Introduction

This Remuneration report describes the Company’s overall remuneration policy and gives details of the remuneration 
arrangements for directors for the year ended 31 December 2010. The report has been prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’) and the Combined Code on Corporate Governance issued by the Financial Reporting 
Council in June 2008 (‘the Combined Code’).

In accordance with the Act, a resolution to approve this report will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting.

The information set out in the section headed ‘Directors’ remuneration in 2010’ is, in accordance with the Act, subject to 
audit by the Company’s auditors. The remainder of the information in this report is not subject to audit.

The Remuneration Committee

The Board has delegated to the Remuneration Committee responsibility for reviewing and recommending the 
remuneration strategy and policies for the Company and for setting the remuneration of the executive directors.

To achieve this, the responsibilities of the Committee are to:

•  Review and recommend annually employee compensation strategies;

•  Review and recommend remuneration policy for the Company’s annual compensation review;

•  Set the remuneration for executive directors and monitor the level and structure of remuneration for senior 

management; and

•  Approve targets for any performance-related pay schemes applicable to executive directors.

The Committee is made up of non-executive directors, the members during 2010 being:

•  Richard Christou (Committee Chairman)

•  John Barnsley

•  Mark Sebba (appointed 28 September 2010)

•  David Verey

Under the Combined Code and the terms of reference of the Committee, at least two independent non-executive 
directors must serve on the Committee. Richard Christou, John Barnsley, Mark Sebba and David Verey are considered 
by the Board to be independent non-executive directors. The Committee invites the Chairman and the executive directors 
to attend Committee meetings, when appropriate, to provide a management perspective on all aspects of employee 
compensation.

The Committee takes advice on technical aspects of compensation policy from independent external consultants 
appointed by the Committee. Clifford Chance has provided advice on long-term incentive arrangements, in addition to 
providing other corporate legal advice on an ad hoc basis. The Committee has also considered remuneration data 
provided by Deloitte, Spencer Stuart (executive recruitment specialists) and McLagan (specialists in compensation 
benchmarking for the private equity sector).

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Remuneration policy

The Company’s remuneration policy is designed to ensure that the Company is able to attract, motivate and retain the 
talent required to run the Company successfully. The Company aims to structure the remuneration of executive directors 
and senior management in such a way as to motivate them to perform in the best interests of shareholders.

The Company compensates its executive directors and senior management by balancing the following elements of 
compensation:

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•  base salary, payable in cash;

•  benefits-in-kind;

•  bonus;

•  long-term incentives; and

•  carried interest.

The mix of these components is managed to create a total compensation package which should be:

• directly linked to the Company’s overall performance and profitability;

• be based upon individual and business contribution;

• is retentive in the long term; and

• is market competitive.

The Committee reviews remuneration policy on a regular basis and, where appropriate, it will propose or implement 
changes to ensure that the Company has appropriate policies to enable it to attract executives of the highest calibre.

Base salaries The fixed compensation elements of executive directors and senior management are reviewed annually by 
the Committee, having regard to individual performance and comparative market data. Base salaries are generally around 
the median of the market compared with other entities of similar size in the private equity sector. Base salary is the only 
element of remuneration which is pensionable.

Benefits-in-kind The benefits-in-kind available to executive directors are a car allowance, pension contribution, private 
healthcare, life assurance, personal accident cover, permanent health insurance and subsidised gym membership.

Bonuses Annual bonuses, which are non-pensionable, are based upon achievement of targets set by the Committee, 
having regard to the Company’s performance and individual achievement of operational goals. The aim is to incentivise 
executive directors and senior management to achieve outstanding performance, and to ensure that a significant 
proportion of their total remuneration is provided in the form of variable compensation. The bonus target is 100% 
assuming a good market and the achievement of the targets set by the Committee.

Share-based incentives The Committee considers the grant of share-based incentives to executive directors and other 
executives. The Committee made awards under the Performance Share Plan following publication of the Company’s 
results for 2009. The Committee reviewed the share-based incentive plans currently available and deemed them sufficient 
for now, however, the Committee is mindful of the need to keep remuneration systems under review in order to provide 
the appropriate level of challenge and incentivisation.

Annual Report 2010 

25

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Remuneration report continued

Deferred Share Bonus Plan

This Plan, approved by shareholders, was established as an inducement to recruitment for key executives of the 
Company. Participants may receive only one grant. No more than 3% of the shares in issue may be awarded under this 
Plan, and in any ten year period the number of shares issued under this Plan, the Executive Share Option Plan and the 
Performance Share Plan together may not exceed 5% of the shares in issue. The rules permit an award up to a normal 
maximum of 0.5% of the shares in issue, although in exceptional circumstances the Committee may grant an award in 
excess of this.

The performance condition is that the increase in the Net Asset Value per share must exceed the increase in the Retail 
Prices Index by an average of at least 3% per annum. In the case of an award of up to 0.5% of the shares in issue, 
one third may be released on the first anniversary of the award date, the second third on the second anniversary and 
the final third on the third anniversary. Where an award exceeds 0.5%, the release takes place over a four year period. 
The Committee may decide at its discretion that, when shares are due to be released, the participant may be given the 
cash equivalent of the market value of the shares.

In the event of a change of control awards may be released early provided that the performance condition has been 
satisfied or the Remuneration Committee determines that the performance condition should be treated as satisfied, but 
the Committee may at its discretion reduce the award to take into account the length of time between the date of award 
and the date of the change of control.

Awards in the form of nil-cost options have been made as follows:

No. of shares

First release date

Final release date

Expiry date

Outstanding at 
31 December 2010

Award made on 30 March 2007(1)
Robert Rayne
Award made on 13 April 2010(2)
Glenn Payne
Antony Sweet
Total

2,864,292 30 March 2008 30 March 2011 30 March 2017

–

1,500,000
100,000

13 April 2011
13 April 2011

13 April 2014
13 April 2013

12 April 2020
12 April 2020

1,500,000
100,000
1,600,000

(1)  For those shares awarded on 30 March 2007 to Mr Rayne, the performance condition for the first release at 30 March 2008 was satisfied and the 

Committee exercised its discretion and paid cash instead of issuing shares to satisfy the exercise. The performance conditions for the second, third and 
fourth releases have not been satisfied and the options for Mr Rayne have now lapsed.

(2)  For those shares awarded on 13 April 2010, the performance condition for the first release is expected to be satisfied.

Executive Share Option Plan

Under this Plan, approved by shareholders, the Company grants share options to executive directors and other 
executives within the Company. The maximum value of a grant in any one calendar year is three times the individual’s 
basic salary, provided the participant does not receive an award under the Performance Share Plan in that year. Options 
are normally exercisable between three and ten years following the grant, subject to the performance condition having 
been satisfied. The performance condition requires that, for 25% of the shares under option to vest, the Net Asset Value 
per share of the Company must increase by at least 3% per annum above the increase in the Retail Prices Index, starting 
with the Net Asset Value per share at the end of the financial year preceding the date of grant. If the increase in the 
Net Asset Value per share exceeds the growth in the Retail Prices Index by at least 8% per annum, the option can be 
exercised in respect of all the shares under option. There is a straight-line scale of vesting for increases in Net Asset Value 
per share between 3% and 8% per annum.

In the event of a change of control awards may be released early provided that the performance condition has been 
satisfied. If the change of control occurs before the end of the full period over which performance would otherwise be 
measured, the Remuneration Committee will determine the extent to which the performance condition has been satisfied.

The performance conditions for the award of options granted in April 2008, at a price of 74.00p, have not been satisfied 
and therefore the options have lapsed. The market price of an ordinary share at 31 December 2010 was 45.00p and the 
range during the year was 40.00p to 56.25p. There are no outstanding awards of options under this Plan.

26

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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Performance Share Plan

The rules of the Plan, approved by shareholders, permit an annual award of performance shares (in the form of nil cost 
options) up to 150% of the participant’s basic salary, if no grant is made to that person under the Executive Share Option 
Plan in that year.

During 2010, the performance conditions for the Plan were changed. For those awards granted in 2009, the performance 
conditions state that for one half of the award the performance condition is that the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over 
the three year measurement period must exceed the median Total Shareholder Return of the FTSE 250 Index. At the 
50th percentile TSR, 12.5% of the total shares will vest, rising on a straight-line basis to 50% vesting at the 75th percentile 
TSR and above. For the other half of the award, the increase in the Net Asset Value per share over the period must 
exceed the increase in the Retail Prices Index (RPI) by at least 3% per annum. At RPI plus 3%, 12.5% of the total shares 
that are subject to the award will vest, rising on a straight-line basis to 50% vesting if the increase in Net Asset Value per 
share exceeds RPI by 8% per annum.

For those awards granted in 2010, and onwards, the performance conditions are that for 25% of the total award to vest, 
the performance condition is that TSR over the three year measurement period must exceed the median Total 
Shareholder Return of the FTSE All-Share Index. For the remaining 75% of the award, the increase in Net Asset Value 
per share over the period must exceed the increase in RPI by at least 3% per annum. At RPI plus 3%,18.75% of the total 
shares that are subject to the award will vest, rising on a straight-line basis to the remaining 75% vesting if the increase 
in Net Asset Value per share exceeds RPI by 8% per annum.

In the event of a change of control awards may be released early provided that the performance condition has been 
satisfied or the Remuneration Committee determines that the performance condition should be treated as satisfied, but 
the Committee may at its discretion reduce the award to take into account the length of time between the date of award 
and the date of the change of control.

During 2010 awards of shares were made as follows:

Robert Rayne

Antony Sweet

Grant date
6 April 2009
13 April 2010
6 April 2009
13 April 2010

No. of shares
662,505
683,451
329,172
259,789

First release date
6 April 2012
13 April 2013
6 April 2012
13 April 2013

Expiry date
5 April 2019
12 April 2020
5 April 2019
12 April 2020

Awards will be made in 2011 to Mr Payne (100% of basic salary) and Mr Sweet (67% of basic salary). In addition, an 
award will be made to Mr Rayne in 2011 based on 100% of his salary as an executive director during 2010. Thereafter, 
no further awards under the Plan will be made to Mr Rayne.

Carried interest The Committee aims to ensure that incentive arrangements are competitive with the private equity 
industry. The executive directors and Mr Rayne participate in the carried interest arrangements in place for staff involved 
in the management and development of the investment portfolio.

For 2009 and previous pools, carried interest will be payable in respect of pre-tax net capital gains on investments, 
excluding third party fund investments, after a preferred return to the Company, currently at the rate of 6% per annum. 
The preferred return is a threshold beyond which carried interest is payable.

For 2010 and future pools, carried interest will be payable in respect of pre-tax net capital gains on investments, after 
a hurdle of 8% is reached, which is more usual practice in the private equity sector.

The percentage of eligible capital gains which may be allocated to participants in aggregate may not exceed 20%. 
Participants are allocated a proportion of this overall maximum at the commencement of each annual pool and may be 
diluted by new joiners during the life of the pool up to a maximum of 20%. The rules also include provision for reduction 
in the proportion allocated to each participant in the event that person ceases to be an employee.

No carried interest payments were made in the year ended 31 December 2010.

Annual Report 2010 

27

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Remuneration report continued

Performance graph

The Committee considers the FTSE All-Share Index a relevant index for Total Shareholder Return and comparison 
disclosure as it represents a broad equity market index of which the Company is a member.

The performance graph below shows the Company’s Total Shareholder Return performance since the Company first 
listed on 12 June 2006 compared with that of the FTSE All-Share Index.

Total Shareholder Return graph since 12 June 2006

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

June 06

Dec 06

June 07

Dec 07

June 08

Dec 08

June 09

Dec 09

June 10

Dec 10

LMS Capital 
FTSE All-Share

Source: Datastream

28

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Service contracts

The Committee’s general policy is that all executive directors should have rolling contracts of employment with notice 
periods of 12 months from the Company and six months from the director. Each contract will terminate on the director 
reaching age 65.

The following table provides details of the executive directors’ service contracts:

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Glenn Payne
Antony Sweet

Notes:

1.  Each of these contracts is a rolling contract.

Date of appointment
1 March 2010
6 April 2006

Date of contract
22 March 2010
14 March 2007

Notice period  
from Company
12 months
12 months

Notice period  
from Director
6 months
6 months

2.  The executive directors’ service contracts enable the Company at its option to make payment in lieu of notice upon early termination of the contract. 

Following a change of control, there is provision for either the Company or the executive director to terminate employment upon payment of 95% of annual 
salary and benefits.

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Non-executive directors

The Committee’s policy is for all non-executive directors to have letters of appointment with the Company. Under their 
letters of appointment, both non-executive directors and the Company are required to give one month’s notice to 
terminate appointments. Non-executive directors are subject to the re-election requirements under the Company’s 
Articles of Association. There are no provisions for non-executive directors to receive compensation upon early 
termination.

The following table provides details of the non-executive directors’ letters of appointment:

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John Barnsley
Richard Christou
Bernard Duroc-Danner
Robert Rayne1
Mark Sebba2
David Verey

Notes:

Date of expiry  
of current term
Date of appointment
18 May 2012
7 April 2006
18 May 2012
7 April 2006
13 May 2013
7 April 2006
6 April 2006 30 September 2013
12 May 2011
13 May 2013

28 September 2010
7 September 2009

1.  Mr Rayne commenced his term as non-executive Chairman on 1 October 2010.

2.  Mr Sebba was appointed to the Board in September 2010. In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association he will offer himself for election at the 

forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Subject to him being successfully elected, his term of appointment will be for a period of three years.

Fees for non-executive directors are usually determined every two years by the Board as a whole (upon the 
recommendation of the executive directors), based on market information and in accordance with the restrictions 
contained in the Company’s Articles of Association.

The current fees for non-executive directors, which are non-pensionable, are:

Chairman 
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
Audit Committee Chairman 
Non-executive not chairing a committee 

£100,000
£45,000
£45,000
£40,000

Under Mr Rayne’s letter of appointment as non-executive Chairman he participates in the Company’s carried interest 
plan in recognition of his continued contribution to the Company’s marketing activities through his network of contacts 
developed over the last 40 years and his input and advice to the investment decision making process.

The other non-executive directors do not participate in the Company’s incentive plans. 

The letters of appointment for the non-executive directors provide for termination by either party by giving one month’s 
notice, six months in the case of Mr Rayne.

Annual Report 2010 

29

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Remuneration report continued

Directors’ remuneration in 2010

The following table shows the total remuneration earned in respect of 2010.

Jonathan Agnew2
John Barnsley
Richard Christou
Bernard Duroc-Danner
Glenn Payne3
Robert Rayne executive
Robert Rayne4 non-executive
Mark Sebba5
Antony Sweet
David Verey
Total

Notes:

Salary/fees
£000
31
45
45
40
250
276
25
10
198
40
960

Car 
allowance
£000
–
–
–
–
–
15
–
–
15
–
30

Benefits-
in-kind1
£000
–
–
–
–
3
15
5
–
10
–
33

Pension
£000
–
–
–
–
37
–
–
–
30
–
67

Bonus
£000
–
–
–
–
300
150
–
–
200
–
650

2010
Total
£000

31
45
45
40
590
456
30
10
453
40
1,740

2009
Total
£000
75
45
45
40
–
638
–
–
353
13
1,209

1.  Benefits-in-kind for executive directors are insurances and subsidised gym membership.

2.  Until date of resignation, being 13 May 2010.

3.  From date of appointment, being 1 March 2010.

4.  Under Mr Rayne’s letter of appointment as non-executive chairman, he is entitled to cover under the Company’s various insurance policies.

5.  From date of appointment, being 28 September 2010.

6.  Fees payable in respect of executive directors serving as non-executive directors of companies to which they were nominated by LMS Capital are 

not retained by them but paid to the Company.

7.  Fees payable to non-executive directors in 2010 from companies to which they were nominated as directors by LMS Capital were as follows:

  • John Barnsley £20,000

In setting executive directors’ salaries for 2011, the Committee took into account current economic and market factors as 
well as the salaries and benefits received by other employees of the Company. For 2011, Mr Payne’s salary was increased 
by £30,000 and Mr Sweet’s salary was increased by £17,000, including the consolidation of his car allowance which has 
now been removed from his service contract.

Directors’ pension entitlements

Mr Payne and Mr Sweet receive contributions into a personal pension arrangement of 15% of base salary. No other 
director receives a pension contribution.

30

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Directors’ share interests

The beneficial interests of those directors who held office at 31 December 2010 in the ordinary shares of the Company 
are set out below.

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John Barnsley
Richard Christou
Bernard Duroc-Danner
Glenn Payne
Robert Rayne
Mark Sebba
Antony Sweet
David Verey

Notes

1. At date of appointment, being 1 March 2010.

2. At date of appointment, being 28 September 2010

At 31 December 2010
317,000
169,965
550,800
100,000
8,208,356
210,000
1,702
309,000

At 31 December 2009
317,000
169,965
550,800
01
8,208,356
02
1,702
0

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The following directors had non-beneficial interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company:

•  Robert Rayne holds a non-beneficial interest in 21,748,571 ordinary shares held in trust.

Except as stated above:

•  no changes in the above directors’ interests have taken place between 31 December 2010 and the date of this report; 

and

•  the Company is not aware of any other interests of any director (or any member of his immediate family) in the ordinary 

share capital of the Company.

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Chairman, Remuneration Committee

28 March 2011

Annual Report 2010 

31

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Directors’ report

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Principal activities

LMS Capital plc is an international investment company whose shares are traded on the Main Market of the London 
Stock Exchange. The investment portfolio comprises quoted securities, third party funds and direct investments in both 
the UK and the US.

Business review

A detailed review of the Group’s activities and performance during the year, together with details of events since the year-
end and likely future developments, can be found within the following sections of this Annual Report. All the information 
detailed in these sections is incorporated by reference into this report and deemed to form part of this report:

•  Operating review on pages 4 to 10;

•  Financial review on pages 11 to 13;

•  Corporate governance report on pages 16 to 21;

•  Principal risks and uncertainties facing the business on pages 22 and 23;

•  Directors’ remuneration report on pages 24 to 31; and

•  Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements on page 36.

For the purpose of DTR 4.1.8R, this report, including those sections above incorporated by reference, is deemed to be 
the management report.

Corporate and social responsibility report

The Group has analysed and considered its social, environmental and ethical risks and found none to be material. 
The Company Secretary of LMS Capital is responsible for monitoring the Company’s corporate and social responsibility 
and feedback to the Board is provided where applicable.

As part of the due diligence undertaken when making an investment, the Company looks at the potential investment’s 
record on environmental and social matters to satisfy itself that the investment is responsibly managed in this area.

Employees
The total number of employees employed by the Group, as at 31 December 2010, was 251 (31 December 2009: 292). 
Employees are kept informed about significant business issues and the Group’s performance by means of regular 
meetings, email updates and other in-house communications.

As far as is practicable, employees participate in incentive plans linked to the long-term performance of their employing 
company. LMS Capital employees participate in its performance share plan.

Should an LMS Capital employee become disabled while in the Company’s employ, the Company will continue to employ 
that person in the same role if possible, or do its utmost to find a role suitable for that employee, including arranging 
appropriate training. The Company gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment by disabled people 
having regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities.

32

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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Environment
LMS Capital ensures that it reduces its environmental impact wherever possible. A carbon audit review was undertaken 
in 2010 for the Company by the Ethical Property Foundation and recommendations were made concerning business 
travel, the use of videoconferencing and improving the premises to make them more energy efficient. Since the audit was 
undertaken the Company has moved to and refitted new premises. As part of the refit, it installed environmentally friendly 
fittings (such as motion sensor lighting) and used recycled materials wherever possible. Some of the materials removed 
as part of the fit out were recycled by an investee company in their new premises. Any surplus office equipment resulting 
from the move was either given away to charities or disposed off in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. 
Videoconferencing facilities are available to reduce business travel where possible.

The new premises are more modern and energy efficient than the previous one and under the lease for the new premises 
the Company and its landlord have agreed to:

(1)   devise and comply with an energy management plan to aid the sustainability of resource use;

(2)   operate initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste;

(3)   maintain and share energy data and other information required to monitor energy and resource consumption to 
ensure that the premises are used and any services provided by the landlord are performed in accordance with 
an energy management plan and in a way which improves energy efficiency.

Office waste is recycled and segregated wherever possible. During 2010, the Company produced 920 bags of waste 
of which nearly 49% were recycled. The Company will endeavour to increase this percentage during 2011.

The majority of the Company’s employees travel to the office using public transport.

Charitable donations
The Group did not make any charitable donations during 2010 (2009: £3,500). LMS Capital does provide office 
accommodation and services within its premises for The Rayne Foundation (www.raynefoundation.org.uk) without 
charge. The Rayne Foundation aspires to understand and engage with the needs of UK society, and to find ways and 
means to help address those needs. It focuses on work which has wider than just local application, or which is of national 
importance, within four sectors: Arts, Education, Health & Medicine, and Social Welfare & Development.

In addition, LMS Capital provides the use of its meeting rooms and facilities to two charities: The Chicken Shed Theatre 
Company (www.chickenshed.org.uk) and The Place2Be (www.theplace2be.org.uk), for their trustee meetings and 
other functions.

Individual fund raising activities by employees of the Group are supported by their respective employer and colleagues.

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations during 2010 (2009: £nil).

Creditor payment policy
LMS Capital’s policy and practice in the UK is to agree terms of payment with suppliers at the time of contract and to 
make payment in accordance with those terms, subject to satisfactory performance. The Company does not follow 
any code or standard on payment practice. At 31 December 2010, trade creditors of the Company had an average 
of approximately 31 days outstanding (31 December 2009: 31 days). There is no creditor payment policy in force for 
the Group as a whole.

Contractual arrangements

There are no contracts or arrangements with third parties which the Board deem essential to the operation of the Company.

Annual Report 2010 

33

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Directors’ report continued

Related party transactions

In January 2011, the Company moved office to 100 George Street, London W1U 8NU. The landlord of this property 
is Derwent London plc. Robert Rayne is also non-executive Chairman of Derwent London plc. Weatherford 
International Limited, who were previously subletting a floor of Carlton House, 33 Robert Adam Street, London 
W1U 3HR (the Company’s previous office) contributed £450,000 towards the Company’s office move so that it 
could take on the lease for the whole of Carlton House. Both Robert Rayne and Bernard Duroc-Danner are 
directors of Weatherford International Limited and LMS Capital plc holds shares in Weatherford International 
Limited. Independent legal advice was sought by all parties on these transactions.

Dividends

The Board has decided not to recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2010 
(31 December 2009: £nil).

Directors

The names and biographical details of the current directors of the Company are given on page 14. In addition, further 
information about the Board is set out in the Corporate governance report on pages 16 to 21. During the year, Robert 
Rayne moved from being Chief Executive Officer to non-executive Chairman, Glenn Payne was appointed as Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 March 2010 and Mark Sebba was appointed as non-executive director on 28 September 2010.

Details of the current directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment, together with their interests in the Company’s 
shares, are shown in the Remuneration report on pages 24 to 31. Qualifying third party indemnities are in force for each 
of the directors.

Shares and voting rights

The Company’s share capital is comprised of ordinary shares of 10p each and, as at 28 March 2011, there are 
272,640,952 shares in issue. Each issued share carries one vote, accordingly the total voting rights in the Company are 
272,640,952. No shares are currently held in treasury. Only options over shares have been granted during the year and 
these are subject to performance conditions before they can be exercised – further details can be found in the 
Remuneration report on pages 24 to 31. There are no restrictions on the transfer of shares.

Substantial shareholdings

As at 28 March 2011, the Company has been notified of the following persons who, directly or indirectly, are interested in 
3% or more of the Company’s voting rights.

Name
Withers Trust Corporation Limited1
Schroders plc2
Trustees of Lord Rayne’s Will Trust1
Lady Jane Rayne1
Jupiter Asset Management Limited3
Taube Hodson & Stonex Partners LLP
Mineworkers Pension Scheme2
Mantra Investissement SCA
British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme2
Robert Rayne

1.  There are common interests in certain of these shares.

Number of shares 
or voting rights held
41,803,802
37,367,973
35,152,624
27,494,405
21,814,614
13,536,161
8,830,834
8,786,373
8,410,952
8,208,356

Percentage of 
issued share capital
15.33
13.71
12.89
10.08
8.00
4.96
3.24
3.22
3.09
3.04

2.  Schroders plc manages the shares for the Mineworkers Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and therefore these shares 

are included within their own interest.

3.  14,817,277 shares (5.43%) are managed on behalf of The Rayne Foundation who control the voting rights to these shares.

34

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Annual General Meeting

The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be held at Durrants Hotel, George Street, London W1H 5BJ at 12 noon on 
12 May 2011. The notice of meeting, which includes explanatory notes and provides full details of the resolutions being 
proposed at the Annual General Meeting, is available to view on the Company’s website, www.lmscapital.com.

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Auditors and disclosure of information to auditors

The directors who held office at the date of approval of this report each confirm that, so far as they are aware:

•  there is no relevant audit information (as defined by the Companies Act 2006) of which the Company’s auditors are 

unaware, and

•  they have each taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director of the Company to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

The auditors, KPMG Audit Plc, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and resolutions will be proposed at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting to reappoint them as auditors and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration.

By order of the Board.

Matthew Jones
Company Secretary

28 March 2011

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Annual Report 2010 

35

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the Annual Report and the financial statements

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing 
each of the Group and parent company financial statements, the directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and 

the parent company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company 
and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent 
and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors’ report, Directors’ 
remuneration report and Corporate governance statement that complies with that law and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the 

assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; and

•  the Directors’ report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the 
issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face.

For and on behalf of the Board

G Payne 
Chief Executive Officer  

28 March 2011

A C Sweet
Chief Financial Officer

36

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of LMS Capital plc

We have audited the financial statements of LMS Capital plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 set out on pages 39 
to 79. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

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

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Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 36, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at  
www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 

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

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

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU 

and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, 

as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion:

•  the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 

Companies Act 2006; and

•  the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 

is consistent with the financial statements.

Annual Report 2010 

37

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of LMS Capital plc continued

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

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

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 

been received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the directors’ statement, set out on page 21, in relation to going concern;

•  the part of the Corporate governance statement on pages 16 to 21 in this Annual Report relating to the Company’s 

compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified for our review and

•  certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on directors’ remuneration.

Anthony Cecil (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
8 Salisbury Square 
London 
EC4Y 8BB

28 March 2011

38

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Consolidated income statement

Year ended  
31 December 2010 
£’000

 Year ended 
31 December 2009 
£’000

Notes

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Continuing operations
Revenue from sales of goods and services
Gains and losses on investments
Interest income
Dividend income
Other income from investments

Operating expenses

Profit/(loss) before finance costs
Finance costs

Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Loss from discontinued operations (net of taxation)

Profit/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share – basic
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share – diluted

Continuing operations
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share – basic
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share – diluted

2
2
3
4
4

5

7

8

9

10
10

10
10

47,869
29,331
37
35
939

78,211
(60,241)

17,970
(1,234)

16,736
(1,567)

15,169

(2,634)

12,535

10,984
1,551

12,535

4.0p
3.9p

5.0p
4.9p

29,819
3,998
166
133
840

34,956
(46,102)

(11,146)
(327)

(11,473)
(926)

(12,399)

(2,352)

(14,751)

(15,148)
397

(14,751)

(5.6)p
(5.6)p

(4.7)p
(4.7)p

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The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

Annual Report 2010 

39

LMS Capital plc

 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Group

Profit/(loss) for the year
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Year ended  
31 December 2010 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 2009 
£’000

12,535
(113)

12,422

10,871
1,551

12,422

(14,751)
(200)

(14,951)

(15,348)
397

(14,951)

The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

40

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

Consolidated statement of financial position

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments 
Other long-term assets

Non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Operating and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Operating and other payables
Deferred income
Current tax liabilities

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred income
Deferred tax liabilities
Other long-term liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Merger reserve
Foreign exchange translation reserve
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Notes

31 December 
2010
£’000

31 December 
2009
£’000

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12
13

14
15
16

16
17
18
19

17
19
20

21

21

9,491
28,123
220,703
43

258,360

1,851
12,818
13,229

27,898

286,258

–
(18,812)
(13,859)
(5,014)
(2,276)

(39,961)

(4,597)
(2,084)
(614)
(172)

(7,467)

(47,428)

238,830

27,265
5,635
84,083
899
117,827

235,709
3,121

238,830

7,057
29,525
188,133
80

224,795

812
10,768
16,950

28,530

253,325

(369)
(2,394)
(7,921)
(8,704)
(1,007)

(20,395)

(4,795)
(2,116)
(401)
–

(7,312)

(27,707)

225,618

27,265
5,635
84,083
1,012
106,773

224,768
850

225,618

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The financial statements on pages 39 to 79 were approved by the Board on 28 March 2011 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

G Payne
Director

The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

Annual Report 2010 

41

LMS Capital plc

 
 
 
 
Company statement of financial position 

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiaries 

Non-current assets

Current assets
Operating and other receivables
Amounts receivable from subsidiaries
Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans
Operating and other payables
Amounts payable to subsidiaries

Current liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Notes

31 December 
2010 
£’000

31 December 
2009 
£’000

11
13

15
15
16

17
18
18

21

21

339
281,801

282,140

198
26,231
2,679

29,108

311,248

(14,281)
(2,292)
(70,018)

(86,591)

224,657

27,265
5,635
191,757

224,657

158
281,801

281,959

743
11,607
4,277

16,627

298,586

–
(1,960)
(68,760)

(70,720)

227,866

27,265
5,635
194,966

227,866

The financial statements on pages 39 to 79 were approved by the Board on 28 March 2011 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

G Payne
Director

The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

42

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

 
 
Statements of changes in equity

Group

Balance at 1 January 2009
Total comprehensive 
income for the period
Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive loss
Changes in ownership 
interests
Acquisition of non-controlling 
interest with a change in control
Transactions with owners, 
recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments

Balance at  
31 December 2009
Total comprehensive income 
for the period
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive loss
Changes in ownership 
interests
Acquisition of non-controlling 
interest with a change in control
Disposal of non-controlling 
interest without a change  
in control
Transactions with owners, 
recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments 

Balance at 
31 December 2010

Company

Share 
capital  
£’000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

Translation 
reserve 
£’000 

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Non-
controlling 
Interests 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

27,265

5,635

84,083

1,212 122,741 240,936

147 241,083

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–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
(200)

(15,148)
–

(15,148)
(200)

397
–

(14,751)
(200)

–

–

–

–

306

306

(820)

(820)

–

(820)

27,265

5,635

84,083

1,012 106,773 224,768

850 225,618

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–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

10,984

–
(113)

10,984
(113)

1,551
–

12,535
(113)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

967

967

(247)

(247)

70

70

–

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5,635

84,083

899 117,827 235,709

3,121 238,830

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Total comprehensive income for the period
Loss for the year 
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments 

Balance at 31 December 2009
Total comprehensive income for the period
Loss for the year
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments 

Balance at 31 December 2010

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capital  
£’000

Capital  
redemption  
reserve  
£’000

Retained  
earnings  
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

27,265

5,635 210,842 243,742

–

–

–

–

(15,056)

(15,056)

(820)

(820)

27,265

5,635 194,966 227,866

–

–

–

–

(3,279)

(3,279)

70

70

27,265

5,635 191,757 224,657

The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

Annual Report 2010 

43

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement 

Notes

5
12
9

11
12

9

13
24

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of intangible assets
(Gains)/losses on investments
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Translation differences
Share-based payments
Finance costs
Interest income
Income tax expense

Change in inventories
Change in operating and other receivables
Change in operating and other payables

Interest paid
Income tax paid

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Disposals of property, plant and equipment
Disposal of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed of
Other disposals
Acquisition of investments
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of investments

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Drawdown of interest bearing loans
Disposal of non-controlling interest  
without a change in control

Net cash from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents above comprise
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

16

Year ended 
31 December 2010 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 2009 
£’000

12,535

2,450
7,665
(29,331)
2,015
–
(280)
70
1,234
(37)
1,567

(2,112)
(1,039)
(1,056)
1,317

(2,890)
(1,234)
(298)

(4,422)

37
(3,737)
(1,433)
85
165
1,560
(26,991)
(7,450)
23,880

(13,884)

15,133

(247)

14,886

(3,420)
16,581
68

13,229

13,229
–

13,229

(14,751)

1,762
4,598
(3,998)
–
56
433
(422)
342
(166)
939

(11,207)
(147)
1,396
(2,219)

(12,177)
(342)
(321)

(12,840)

166
(2,749)
–
3
–
–
(18,853)
(6,116)
13,981

(13,568)

554

–

554

(25,854)
42,615
(180)

16,581

16,950
(369)

16,581

The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

44

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

 
 
Company cash flow statement

Notes

13

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries
Share-based payments
Interest income
Income tax credit

Change in operating and other receivables
Change in operating and other payables
Change in amounts due to subsidiaries

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Drawdown of interest bearing loans

Net cash from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Cash and cash equivalents above comprise
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

16

Year ended 
31 December 2010 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 2009 
£’000

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–
70
(24)
–

(3,111)
545
332
(13,366)

(15,600)

24
(303)

(279)

14,281

14,281

(1,598)
4,277

2,679

2,679
–

2,679

(15,056)

144
11,709
(422)
(60)
(2,541)

(6,226)
(446)
6
(1,121)

(7,787)

60
(14)

46

–

–

(7,741)
12,018

4,277

4,277
–

4,277

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The notes on pages 46 to 79 form part of these financial statements.

Annual Report 2010 

45

LMS Capital plc

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial information

1. Principal accounting policies

Reporting entity

LMS Capital plc (‘the Company’) is domiciled in the United Kingdom. These financial statements are presented in 
pounds sterling because that is the currency of the principal economic environment of the Company’s operations. 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2010 comprise the Company 
and its subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’).

The Company was formed on 17 March 2006 and commenced operations on 9 June 2006 when it received the 
demerged investment division of London Merchant Securities. The consolidated financial statements are prepared 
as if the Group had always been in existence. The difference between the nominal value of the Company’s shares 
issued and the amount of the net assets acquired at the date of demerger has been credited to Merger reserve.

The Company is an investment company but because it holds majority stakes in certain investments it is required 
to prepare group accounts that consolidate the results of such investments. In order to present information that is 
consistent with other investment companies, the results of the Group’s investment business on a standalone basis 
are set out in Note 2. 

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted for use in the European Union (‘Adopted IFRS’). The Company is taking advantage of the exemption in 
Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes that form 
a part of these approved financial statements.

The Group’s business activities and financial position are set out in the Operating and Financial review on pages 4 to 13. 
In addition Note 23 to the financial information includes a summary of the Group’s financial risk management processes, 
details of its financial instruments and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk. Taking account of the financial 
resources available to it the directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully 
despite the current uncertain economic outlook. After making enquiries the directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Accordingly they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the directors on 28 March 2011. 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently for all periods. Certain comparative amounts 
have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation. In addition, the comparative consolidated income 
statement has been re-presented as if an operation discontinued during the current year had been discontinued from 
the start of the comparative year (see Note 9).

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for investments held at fair value through 
profit or loss which are measured at fair value.

Changes in accounting policy and disclosure

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as follows:

IFRS 3: Business combinations (2008)
The amendments to IFRS 3 include significant changes in the accounting for business combinations, including the 
valuation of non-controlling interests, accounting for transaction costs, initial recognition and subsequent re-measurement 
of contingent consideration and business combinations achieved in stages.

The Group has applied IFRS 3: Business Combinations (2008) in accounting for business combinations with effect from 
1 January 2010. The change in accounting policy has been applied prospectively and had no material impact on the 
earnings/loss per share for the year. The Group has elected to measure any non-controlling interest at the proportionate 
interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree. 

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in 
connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

46

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Annual Report 2010

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1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ (2008)
The Group has also applied IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ (2008) with effect from 1 January 
2010 in accounting for acquisitions of and allocation of losses to non-controlling interests. The change in accounting 
policy has been applied prospectively and had no material impact on the earnings per share for the year.

Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Adopted IFRS requires management to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions 
are reviewed on an ongoing basis; revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates 
are revised and in any future periods affected. 

Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that 
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is included in the following notes:

•  Note 1 – valuation of investments held at fair value through profit or loss;

•  Note 12 – measurement of the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units containing goodwill.

Basis of consolidation

The financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings up to 
31 December 2010. The Company’s subsidiary undertakings fall into two categories:

•  Investment companies through which the Group conducts its investment activities; and

•  Certain portfolio companies which form part of the Group’s investment activities but which, by virtue of the size 
of the Group’s shareholding or other control rights, fall within the definition of subsidiaries under Adopted IFRS 
(‘portfolio subsidiaries’). The portfolio subsidiaries are included within the consolidated financial information although 
they continue to be managed by the Group as investments held for capital appreciation. Note 30 includes details 
of the companies concerned. 

Subsidiaries
The financial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that 
control commences until the date that control ceases. The portfolio subsidiaries’ financial statements are consolidated 
and restatements are made to comply with Adopted IFRS. Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a 
subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interests even if doing so causes the non-controlling interests to have 
a deficit balance. Prior to the adoption of IAS 27 (2008), losses in a subsidiary were only allocated to non-controlling 
interests to the extent that non-controlling interests do not have a deficit balance.

On acquisition the assets and liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at fair value and any excess of the cost of acquisition 
over the fair values of the identifiable net assets and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. If the cost 
of acquisition is lower than the fair value of the identifiable net assets and contingent liabilities acquired, the amount is 
credited to the income statement in the period of acquisition.

Non-controlling interests are stated at their share of the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities recognised, except to the extent that applicable losses exceed non-controlling interests.

All intra Group transactions and profits or losses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Annual Report 2010 

47

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Associates
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and 
operating policies. Investments that are held as part of the Group’s investment portfolio are carried in the balance 
sheet at fair value even though the Group may have significant influence over those companies. This treatment is 
permitted by IAS 28: Investment in Associates, which requires investments held by investment companies to be 
excluded from its scope where those investments are designated upon initial recognition as investments held at fair 
value through profit or loss and accounted for in accordance with IAS 39, with changes in fair value recognised in the 
income statement in the period of the change. The Group has no interest in associates through which it carries on its 
investment management business.

Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests
Acquisitions and disposals of non-controlling interests that do not result in a change of control are accounted for 
as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such 
transactions. The adjustments to non-controlling interests are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of 
the subsidiary. Any difference between the price paid or received and the amount by which non-controlling interests 
are adjusted is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the parent.

Prior to the adoption of IAS 27 (2008), goodwill was recognised on the acquisition of non-controlling interests in a 
subsidiary, which represented the excess of the cost of the additional investment over the carrying amount of the 
interest in the net assets acquired at the date of the transaction.

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less impairment losses. On disposal of such investments the difference 
between net disposal proceeds and the corresponding carrying amount is recognised in the income statement.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets purchased separately from a business are capitalised at their cost. Intangible assets acquired as part 
of an acquisition are capitalised at their fair value where this can be measured reliably.

Concessions, patents, licences and trademarks purchased by the Group are amortised to nil by equal annual instalments 
over their useful economic lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is 
tested annually for impairment.

Investments

The Group manages its investments with a view to profit from the receipt of dividends and changes in fair value of 
equity investments. Therefore all quoted investments, unquoted equity investments and managed funds investments 
are designated at fair value through profit and loss and carried in the balance sheet at fair value. Other investments 
including loan investments are classified as loans and receivables and carried in the balance sheet at amortised cost 
less impairment.

Fair values have been determined in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation 
Guidelines. These guidelines require the valuer to make judgements as to the most appropriate valuation method to 
be used and the results of the valuations.

Each investment is reviewed individually with regard to the stage, nature and circumstances of the investment and the 
most appropriate valuation method selected. The valuation results are then reviewed and any amendment to the carrying 
value of investments is made as considered appropriate.

48

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1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Quoted investments
Quoted investments for which an active market exists are valued at the closing bid price at the balance sheet date. 

Unquoted direct investments
Unquoted direct investments for which there is no ready market are valued using the most appropriate valuation 
technique with regard to the stage and nature of the investment. Valuation methods that may be used include:

•  Investments in which there has been a recent funding round involving significant financing from external investors are 
valued at the price of the recent funding, discounted if an external investor is motivated by strategic considerations;

•  Investments in an established business are valued using revenue or earnings multiples depending on the stage of 
development of the business and the extent to which it is generating sustainable profits or positive cash flows;

•  Investments in a business the value of which is derived mainly from its underlying net assets rather than its earnings are 

valued on the basis of net asset valuation;

•  Investments in an established business which is generating sustainable profits or positive cash flows but for which 

other valuation methods are not appropriate are valued by calculating the discounted cash flow of future cash flows 
or earnings; and

•  Investments in early stage businesses not generating sustainable profits or positive cash flows and for which there 
has not been any recent independent funding are valued by calculating the discounted cash flow of the investment 
to the investors. 

Funds
Investments in managed funds are valued at fair value. The general partners of the funds will provide periodic valuations 
on a fair value basis which the Group will adopt provided it is satisfied that the valuation methods used by the funds are 
not materially different from the Group’s valuation methods.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment loss. 

Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the asset, including where appropriate the cost of materials, 
direct labour and any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use. 

Depreciation is charged using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: 

•  Freehold property 

50 years

•  Leasehold improvements 

the term of the lease

•  Plant and equipment 

3–10 years

•  Fixtures and fittings 

3–5 years

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, these components are accounted for 
as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

Leased assets

Leases in terms of which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as 
finance leases. Assets acquired by way of finance leases are stated at an amount equal to the lower of fair value and the 
present value of the future minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and any 
impairment loss.

Other leases are operating leases and are not recognised on the Group’s statement of financial position.

Annual Report 2010 

49

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Impairment of assets

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had 
a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of loans and receivables measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference 
between their carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original 
effective interest rate. 

Individually significant loans and receivables are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining loans and 
receivables are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss 
was recognised. 

Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed 
at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists then the 
asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable 
amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the profit or loss. 

For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash flows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-
generating unit to which the asset belongs.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs 
to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. 

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in 
prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. 
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. 
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of transaction. Monetary assets 
and monetary liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are reported at the rates of exchange 
prevailing at that date and exchange differences are included in the profit and loss account.

On consolidation the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations including goodwill and fair value 
adjustments arising on consolidation are translated at the closing rates ruling at the reporting date. Income and expense 
items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising on these items are 
classified as equity and transferred to the Group’s foreign exchange translation reserve. Such exchange differences 
are recognised as income or expense in the period in which the related overseas operation is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of an overseas operation are treated as assets and liabilities 
of the overseas entity and translated at the closing rate.

50

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Annual Report 2010

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1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost is based on the average cost principle. 
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of 
completion and selling expenses. The cost of inventories includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories 
and bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, 
cost includes a share of overheads based on normal working capacity. 

Operating and other receivables

Operating and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash, for the purpose of the cash flow statement, comprises cash in hand and cash equivalents, less overdrafts payable 
on demand.

Cash equivalents are current asset investments which are disposable without curtailing or disrupting the business and 
are either readily convertible into known amounts of cash at or close to their carrying values or traded in an active market. 
Cash equivalents include short-term cash deposits with original maturity of less than three months.

Financial liabilities

The Group’s financial liabilities include borrowings and operating and other payables. 

Interest bearing loans are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
interest bearing loans and borrowings are stated at amortised cost which is the initial cost less any principal repayments.

Operating and other payables with short duration are not discounted. They are measured at cost which is the fair value 
of the consideration to be paid in the future for goods and services received.

Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can 
be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. 
Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the liability.

Income

Revenue from sales of goods and services
Revenue from sales of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to 
the buyer. Revenue from sales of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the transaction at the 
reporting date. Revenue is estimated by applying to the total expected contract revenue, the proportion of total contract 
costs incurred to date over total expected costs for each contract.

Revenues from software and related services are also predominantly project based with transactions typically including 
the sale of a software license and related implementation services which are invoiced to customers on their acceptance 
of the installation. Since these projects are normally short-term in nature, revenue is generally recognised in line with 
customer acceptance.

Maintenance contracts for hardware and software are invoiced to customers in advance and these contracts typically 
cover a period of one year or more. Where such maintenance services extend beyond the reporting date the related 
income is deferred and recognised over the remaining life of the contract, generally on a straight-line basis. 

Annual Report 2010 

51

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Revenues from energy provision are recognised based on metered consumption by customers; revenues from related 
services are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the service provision at the reporting date.

Gains and losses on investments
Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments are recognised in the profit and loss account in the period 
in which they arise.

Interest income
Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest method.

Investment income
Investment income comprises investment management fees receivable from portfolio companies and dividend income. 
Dividend income is recognised on the date the Group’s right to receive payment is established.

Expenditure

Employee benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related 
services are provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or 
carried interest incentive arrangements if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay the amount 
as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Payments to defined contribution pension schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Share-based payments
The Group has issued share options and awards of performance shares to certain employees. Such options and awards 
are treated as equity-settled share-based payments and measured at fair value at the date of grant and the fair value is 
recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Fair value is calculated by use of a binomial option valuation model taking into account the terms and conditions under 
which the equity-settled share-based payments were issued. Service and non-market performance conditions attached 
to transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value.

Finance costs
Finance costs comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method.

Lease payments
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense over the term of the lease.

Minimum lease payments under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the 
outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising 
the minimum lease payments over the remaining term of the lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed.

52

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Annual Report 2010

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1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Income tax expense

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the profit or loss except 
to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred 
tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of 
assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable 
profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that they probably 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, 
based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. A deferred tax asset is 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences 
can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay 
the related dividend is recognised.

Discontinued operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of business 
or geographical area of operations that has been disposed of or is held for sale, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively 
with a view to resale. Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the operation meets 
the criteria to be classified as held for sale, if earlier. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the 
comparative consolidated income statement is restated as if the operation has been discontinued from the start of 
the comparative period.

2. Operating segments

The information below has been prepared using the definition of an operating segment in IFRS 8: Operating Segments. 
The Group determines and presents information on operating segments based on the information that is provided 
internally to the directors to enable them to assess performance and allocate resources.

As an investment company, the Group’s primary focus is on the performance of its investment management business. 
Financial information for this segment is prepared on the basis that all investments are accounted for at fair value.

The information set out below therefore presents summarised financial information for the investment management 
business on a stand alone basis, together with the adjustments arising from the summarised results and financial position 
of the portfolio subsidiaries. 

The consolidation adjustments included below reflect the adjustments necessary to restate the portfolio subsidiaries from 
the basis included in the investment management business (investments carried at fair value) to full consolidation in the 
Group’s financial statements. These adjustments include the elimination of intra-group transactions and adjustments in 
relation to goodwill.

Annual Report 2010 

53

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

2. Operating segments (continued)

Segment profit or loss

Year ended 31 December 2010

Revenues from sales of goods and services
Gains and losses on investments
Interest income
Dividend income
Other income from investments
Impairment of intangible assets

Finance costs

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Profit/(loss) for the year

Year ended 31 December 2009

Revenues from sales of goods and services
Gains and losses on investments
Interest income
Dividend income
Other income from investments

Impairment of intangible assets

Finance costs

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

(Loss)/profit for the year

Segment net assets

31 December 2010

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments 
Other non-current assets

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net assets/(liabilities)

Reconciliation

Investment 
management 
£’000

Portfolio
subsidiaries 
£’000

Discontinued 
operations 
£’000

Consolidation
adjustments
£’000

Group total 
£’000

–
23,914
24
35
920
–

(338)

17,562
–

17,562

47,869
–
13
–
(227)
–

(3,202)

(2,745)
–

(2,745)

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
(2,634)

(2,634)

Reconciliation

–
5,417
–
–
246
7,665

2,306

352
–

352

47,869
29,331
37
35
939
7,665

(1,234)

15,169
(2,634)

12,535

Investment 
management 
£’000

Portfolio
subsidiaries 
£’000

Discontinued 
operations 
£’000

Consolidation
adjustments
£’000

Group total 
£’000

–
(4,876)
159
133
361

–

–

(12,660)
–

(12,660)

29,819
–
7
–
479

–

(6,326)

7,284
–

7,284

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
(2,352)

(2,352)

–
8,874
–
–
–

(4,598)

5,999

(7,023)
–

(7,023)

Reconciliation

Investment 
management 
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries 
£’000

Consolidation 
adjustments 
£’000

29,819
3,998
166
133
840

(4,598)

(327)

(12,399)
(2,352)

(14,751)

Group total 
£’000

9,491
28,123
220,703
43

339
–
253,140
–

253,479

9,326

590

263,395

(18,429)

244,966

9,152
11,502
–
43

20,697

3,903

14,661

39,261

(60,802)

(21,541)

–
16,621
(32,437)
–

(15,816)

258,360

–

(582)

13,229

14,669

(16,398)

286,258

31,803

15,405

(47,428)

238,830

The net asset value of the investment management business at 31 December 2010 is wholly attributable to the equity 
holders of the parent.

54

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

 
 
2. Operating segments (continued)

31 December 2009

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments 
Other non-current assets

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net assets/(liabilities)

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Group total 
£’000

7,057
29,525
188,133
80

Reconciliation

Investment 
Management 
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries 
£’000 

Consolidation 
adjustments 
£’000

158
–
215,632
–

215,790

14,416

462

230,668

(2,802)

227,866

6,899
11,817
1
80

18,797

2,534

11,182

32,513

(79,519)

(47,006)

–
17,708
(27,500)
–

(9,792)

224,795

–

(64)

16,950

11,580

(9,856)

253,325

54,614

44,758

(27,707)

225,618

The net asset value of the investment management business at 31 December 2009 includes £227,719,000 attributable to 
the equity holders of the parent and £147,000 attributable to non-controlling interests.

The carrying amount and gain and losses of the investments of the investment management business can be further 
analysed as follows:

Asset type

Funds
Quoted
Unquoted

Asset type

Funds
Quoted
Unquoted

Year ended 31 December 2010

Year ended 31 December 2009

UK 
 £’000

35,164
21,091
41,361

97,616

US 
 £’000

Total 
 £’000

79,371
42,122
34,031

155,524

114,535
63,213
75,392

253,140

UK 
 £’000

30,259
17,274
39,849

87,382

US 
 £’000

73,194
34,601
20,455

128,250

Total 
 £’000

103,453
51,875
60,304

215,632

Year ended 31 December 2010

Year ended 31 December 2009

Realised  
gains/(losses)  

£’000

1,037
1,128
(3,154)

(989)

Unrealised 
gains/(losses) 
£’000

9,510
14,100
1,293

24,903

Total 
 £’000

10,547
15,228
(1,861)

23,914

Realised  
gains/(losses)  

£’000

(755)
2,503
(1,867)

(119)

Unrealised 
gains/(losses) 
£’000

(6,007)
9,741
(8,491)

(4,757)

Total 
 £’000

(6,762)
12,244
(10,358)

(4,876)

Annual Report 2010 

55

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Notes to the financial information continued

2. Operating segments (continued)

Revenues

The Group’s revenues from external customers comprise:

Continuing operations
IT services and software
Specialist manufacturing
Energy and related services

Geographical information

Continuing operations
United Kingdom
United States of America
Other countries

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

£’000

36,850
4,039
6,980

47,869

22,178
7,641
–

29,819

Revenues

Non-current assets

Year ended  
31 December 2010 
 £’000

Year ended  
31 December 2009 
£’000

31 December 2010 
£’000

31 December 2009 
£’000

31,527
12,068
4,274

47,869

16,224
7,611
5,984

29,819

93,924
164,436
–

258,360

88,298
136,497
–

224,795

Geographical information on revenue is based on the location of customers and on assets is based on the location of the 
assets. 

Major customers

Revenues from one customer of the Group’s Portfolio subsidiaries segment represents approximately 12% of the Group’s 
total revenues. In 2009, no single customer contributed more than 10% of the Group’s total revenues.

3. Interest income

Interest income comprises interest receivable on bank deposits.

4. Investment and other income

Investment and other income comprise the following:

Dividends from quoted securities
Investment management fees
Income from investments
Other

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

35
297
79
563

974

£’000

133
360
314
166

973

56

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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5. Operating expenses

Cost of sales
Administrative expenses

Operating expenses include the following:

Depreciation
Goodwill impairment loss
Intangible asset amortisation
Auditors’ remuneration: 
Fees to group auditors:
– parent company
– subsidiary companies
Non-audit related services:
– taxation advisory services
– other
Fees to non-group auditors

6. Personnel expenses

Wages and salaries
Compulsory social security contributions
Contributions to defined contribution plans
Share-based payment transactions

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

21,884
38,357

60,241

£’000

12,826
33,276

46,102

Year ended  
31 December 2010 
£’000

Year ended  
31 December 2009 
£’000

2,212
7,665
238

70
140

28
–
185

1,435
3,456
–

67
133

19
80
196

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

£’000

15,717
2,424
448
70

18,659

Year ended  
31 December 2009 
£’000

15,740
1,457
544
(178)

17,563

The Group operates carried interest incentive arrangements in line with normal practice in the private equity 
industry based on the performance of its investment management business. No amounts were payable under 
these arrangements for the year ended 31 December 2010 (year ended 31 December 2009: nil). If the Group’s 
investment portfolio were realised at its carrying amount at 31 December 2010, carried interest of £nil would become 
payable (31 December 2009: £nil).

7. Finance costs

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts
Interest on other loans
Finance lease charges

Year ended  
31 December 2010 
£’000

413
817
4

1,234

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

94
219
14

327

Annual Report 2010 

57

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

8. Taxation

Current tax expense
Current period
Adjustment for prior periods

Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total tax expense

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate – 28% (2009: 28.5%)
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses
Fair value adjustments not currently taxed
Non-deductible expenses
Non-taxable income
Deferred tax not recognised
Prior year adjustment

Total tax expense

9. Discontinued operations

In September 2010 the Group sold its entire interest in Citizen Limited.

Results of discontinued operations

Revenues
Expenses

Results from operating activities
Taxation

Results from operating activities, net of tax
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net
Tax on loss on sale of discontinued operations

Loss for the year

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

£’000

Year ended  
31 December 2009 
£’000

1,569
(2)

1,567

–

–

1,567

458
224

682

244

244

926

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

£’000

16,736

4,686
–
(7,520)
2,306
(338)
2,435
(2)

1,567

Year ended  
31 December 2009 
£’000

(11,473)

(3,270)
(123)
(1,901)
3,717
(234)
2.513
224

926

Year ended  
31 December 2010  

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

1,708
(2,324)

(616) 
(3)

 (619)
(2,015)
–

(2,634)

(1.0)p

£’000

2,706
(5,046)

(2,340)
(12)

(2,352)
–
–

(2,352)

(0.9)p

58

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

9. Discontinued operations (continued)

Cash used in discontinued operations

Net cash used in operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash from financing activities

Net cash used in discontinued operations

Effect of disposal on the financial position of the Group

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Deferred Income

Net assets 

Consideration received, satisfied in cash
Cash disposed of

Net cash inflow

10. Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share

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Year ended  
31 December 2010  

Year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

(82)
(17)
–

(99)

£’000

(413)
(201)
–

(614)

31 December 2010 
£’000

(157)
(2,561)
(338)
(54)
475
770
140

(1,725)

219
(54)

165

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The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit of £10,984,000 (year ended 31 December 
2009: loss of £15,148,000), being the profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Company, divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 272,640,952 (year ended 31 December 2009: 
272,640,952).

The calculation of earnings per ordinary share for continuing operations is based on the profit of £13,618,000 (year ended 
31 December 2009: loss of £12,796,000), being the profit for the year from continuing operations attributable to the 
owners of the Company, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 
272,640,952 (year ended 31 December 2009: 272,640,952).

The calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit of £10,984,000, being the profit for the year 
attributable to the owners of the Company, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during 
the year of 278,266,853 after taking account of the potential dilutive effect of share options issued under the Company’s 
share option plans.

The calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share for continuing operations is based on the profit of £13,618,000, 
being the profit for the year from continuing operations attributable to the owners of the Company, divided by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 278,266,853 after taking account of the potential 
dilutive effect of share options issued under the Company’s share option plans.

There was no dilution effect in the preceding year.

Annual Report 2010 

59

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

11. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2009
Additions
Acquisitions through business combinations
Disposals
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Additions
Acquisitions through business combinations
Disposals
Disposals of discontinued operations
Other disposals
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2010

Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2009
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Disposals of discontinued operations
Other disposals
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2010

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2010

Land and 
buildings  
£’000

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Fixtures and 
fittings  
£’000

Total  
£’000

1,785
2
–
–
(173)

1,614

1,614
24
–
–
–
–
180

1,818

922
91
–
(92)

921

921
98
–
–
–
244

1,263

693

555

4,307
2,309
2,888
(118)
(128)

9,258

9,258
3,187
1,387
(328)
(594)
–
(125)

12,785

2,193
1,340
(61)
(40)

3,432

3,432
2,003
(274)
(441)
–
(179)

4,541

5,826

8,244

417
438
82
(7)
(4)

926

926
526
–
(364)
(9)
(318)
(21)

740

178
218
(5)
(3)

388

388
294
(333)
(5)
(278)
(18)

48

538

692

6,509
2,749
2,970
(125)
(305)

11,798

11,798
3,737
1,387
(692)
(603)
(318)
34

15,343

3,293
1,649
(66)
(135)

4,741

4,741
2,395
(607)
(446)
(278)
47

5,852

7,057

9,491

60

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

11. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

At 31 December 2010 land and buildings with a carrying amount of £555,000 (31 December 2009: £693,000) are 
subject to a registered debenture to secure bank loans.

At 31 December 2010 the carrying amount of plant and equipment includes £285,475 held under finance leases 
(31 December 2009: £278,000).

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Cost
Balance at 1 January 2009
Additions

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Additions

Balance at 31 December 2010

Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2009
Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2010

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2010

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Fixtures and 
fittings  
£’000

Total  
£’000

162
14

176

176
126

302

93
54

147

147
129

276

29

26

295
–

295

295
177

472

76
90

166

166
(7)

159

129

313

457
14

471

471
303

774

169
144

313

313
122

435

158

339

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Annual Report 2010 

61

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

12. Intangible assets

Group

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2009
Acquisitions through business combinations
Adjustment to goodwill at acquisition

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Acquisitions through business combinations
Acquisitions of intangible assets
Disposal of discontinued operations
Other disposals
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2010

Impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2009
Impairment loss
Amortisation

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Impairment loss
Disposal of discontinued operations
Amortisation
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2010

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2010

Intangible asset  

£’000

Software 
licence  
£’000

Goodwill  
£’000

Total  
£’000

–
–
–

–

–
1,916
1,433
–
–
(126)

3,223

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
(238)
2

(236)

2,088
–
–

2,088

2,088
–
–
(2,088)
–
–

–

57
–
113

170

(170)
(75)
245
–
–

–

40,656
8,733
(1,295)

48,094

48,094
7,077
–
(1,860)
(1,165)
–

52,146

15,889
4,598
–

20,487

(20,487)
(7,665)
1,142
–
–

(27,010)

42,744
8,733
(1,295)

50,182

50,182
8,993
1,433
(3,948)
(1,165)
(126)

55,369

15,946
4,598
113

20,657

(20,657)
(7,740)
1,387
(238)
2

(27,246)

–

2,987

1,918

–

27,607

25,136

29,525

28,123

The adjustment to goodwill at acquisition in 2009 relates to the acquisition of Citizen Limited in September 2008, based 
on information received prior to September 2009.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each portfolio subsidiary which represents the lowest level 
within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. The recoverable amount of each 
unit has been determined on the basis of its fair value less costs to sell which is equivalent to its value in use. 

62

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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12. Intangible assets (continued)

An analysis of goodwill is set out below:

ITS (US) Holdings Inc
Entuity Limited
Wesupply Limited
CopperEye Limited
Nationwide Energy Partners LLC
Kizoom Limited
Citizen Limited 
Updata Infrastructure UK Ltd

Goodwill 
impairment 
recognised in the 
year ended  
31 December 2010  

Goodwill 
impairment 
recognised in the 
year ended  
31 December 2009  

£’000

1,508
–
776
1,426
–
3,955
–
–

7,665

£’000

64
–
–
1,585
–
1,806
1,143
–

4,598

Carrying  
amount  
2010  
£’000

–
4,981
4,344
–
7,077
–
–
8,734

Carrying 
 amount  
2009  
£’000

1,508
4,981
5,120
1,426
–
5,121
718
8,733

25,136

27,607

The impairment loss in each year reflects the impact of decreases in the fair value of the relevant portfolio subsidiary; 
fair value is measured in accordance with the Group’s valuation policy for investments which is set out in Note 1. 
Factors impacting fair values are principally individual company performance and changes in valuation multiples for 
comparable businesses.

13. Investments 

Group

The movements in investments were as follows:

Carrying value
Balance at 1 January 2009
Purchases
Disposals
Distributions from partnerships
Fair value adjustments

Balance at 31 December 2009

Balance at 1 January 2010
Purchases
Disposals
Distributions from partnerships
Fair value adjustments
Reclassifications 

Balance at 31 December 2010

Quoted securities 
£’000

Equity  
£’000

Loans  
£’000

Funds  
£’000

Total  
£’000

Unquoted securities

46,506
1
(6,136)
–
11,505

51,876

51,876
1,104
(6,241)
–
14,935
1,538

63,212

23,703
1,561
–
–
1,014

26,278

26,278
8,023
(484)
–
6,252
(1,538)

38,531

7,036
2,500
(500)
–
(2,511)

6,525

6,525
744
(138)
–
(2,707)
–

4,424

102,301
14,791
(968)
(5,366)
(7,304)

103,454

103,454
17,120
(2,622)
(12,566)
9,150
–

114,536

179,546
18,853
(7,604)
(5,366)
2,704

188,133

188,133
26,991
(9,485)
(12,566)
27,630
–

220,703

Annual Report 2010 

63

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

13. Investments (continued)

The table below analyses investments carried at fair value at the end of the year, by the level in the fair value hierarchy 
into which the fair value measurement is categorised. The different levels have been defined as follows:

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

Level 2:  inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly 

(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3: inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

2010 
£’000

63,213
–
153,066

216,279

2009 
£’000

51,876
–
129,732

181,608

The following table shows a reconciliation from the beginning balances to the ending balances for fair value 
measurements in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

Opening balance
Total gain/(loss) in profit or loss
Purchases
Transfers to portfolio subsidiaries
Realisations
Reclassifications

Company

The movement in investments in subsidiaries was as follows:

Opening balance
Impairment loss

2010  
£’000

129,731
15,402
25,143
–
(15,672)
(1,538)

153,066

2010 
£’000

281,801
–

281,801

2009 
£’000

126,004
(6,290)
16,353
–
(6,335)
–

129,732

2009 
£’000

293,510
(11,709)

281,801

Details of subsidiaries are set out in Note 30.

The impairment loss for the year reflects the impact of changes in the values of the net assets of subsidiaries on the 
carrying value of the Company’s investment. The values of the underlying net assets in subsidiary companies are 
calculated in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies set out in Note 1.

64

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

14. Inventories

Work in progress
Finished goods

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£’000

1,671
180

1,851

Group

2009  
£’000

191
621

812

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Changes in finished goods and work in progress recognised as cost of sales amounted to a credit of £1,039,000. 
(Year ended 31 December 2009: credit of £493,000.)

15. Operating and other receivables

2010  
£’000

7,937
4,881
–

12,818

2010  
£’000

7,246
5,983

13,229
–

13,229

Group

2009  
£’000

8,518
2,250
–

10,768

Group

2009  
£’000

2,793
14,157

16,950
(369)

16,581

Trade receivables
Other receivables and prepayments
Amounts receivable from subsidiaries

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances
Short-term deposits

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

17. Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Non-current liabilities
Secured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Finance lease liabilities

Current liabilities
Secured bank loans
Other unsecured loans
Finance lease liabilities

Annual Report 2010 

2010  
£’000

–
198
26,231

26,429

2010  
£’000

341
2,338

2,679
–

2,679

2010  
£’000

2,866
1,513
218

4,597

2,080
16,664
68

18,812

Company

2009  
£’000

–
743
11,607

12,350

Company

2009  
£’000

410
3,867

4,277
–

4,277

Group

2009 
 £’000

3,255
1,270
270

4,795

765
1,566
63

2,394

65

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

17. Interest bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Terms and conditions of outstanding loans are as follows: 

Currency

Nominal 
interest rate

Maturity

Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Secured bank loan
Other secured loans
Unsecured loan
Unsecured loan
Unsecured loan
Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities

Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:

£
£
USD
USD
£
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
£
USD
USD
£
USD

LIBOR plus 2.50%
7.5%
4.36%
6.00%
LIBOR plus 3.00%
LIBOR plus 3.00%
LIBOR plus 2.625%
LIBOR plus 2.375%
7.18%
6.06%
Various
21%
4.65%
12.00%
25%
6.45%

2010

2010
2014
2020
2011
2011
2011
2011
2012
2011
2013
2010
2014
2011
2011
2014
2014

2010 
£’000

Carrying  
amount

–
3,117
742
644
5,000
9,281
441
140
11
33
–
1,805
93
1,816
240
46

23,409

Group

2009 
£’000

Carrying  
amount

91
2,540
764
612
–
–
–
–
–
–
13
1,270
100
1,466
278
55

7,189

2009

Future 
minimum lease 
payments 
£’000

Present value 
of minimum 
lease payments 
£’000

Future 
minimum lease 
payments 
£’000

Interest  
£’000

Present value 
of minimum 
lease payments 
£’000

Interest  
£’000

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

86
260
–

346

18
42
–

60

68
218
–

286

18. Operating and other payables

Trade payables

Non-trade payables and accrued expenses

Amounts payable to subsidiaries

2010 
£’000

6,040

7,819

–

13,859

80
327
–

407

Group

2009 
£’000

2,739

5,182

–

7,921

17
57
–

74

63
270
–

333

2010 
£’000

42

16,531

70,018

86,591

Company

2009 
£’000

85

1,875

68,760

70,720

66

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

19. Deferred income

Deferred income comprises amounts invoiced to customers in respect of goods or services which had not been 
delivered at the reporting date. It arises principally on maintenance contracts for hardware and software which typically 
cover a period of one year or more.

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20. Deferred tax liabilities

Recognised deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities were attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities

The Group has no unrecognised deferred tax liabilities.

Deferred tax assets

2010  
£’000

549
65

614

Group

2009  
£’000

339
62

401

The Group’s investment management business has capital losses for tax purposes of £11.2 million at 31 December 2010 
(31 December 2009: £10.9 million) available to offset future profits chargeable to tax. In addition, if the Group were to 
dispose of its investment portfolio at book value at 31 December 2010 it would realise further net capital losses for tax 
purposes of £47.4 million (31 December 2009: £55.7 million). Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect 
of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise 
the benefits.

The Group’s portfolio subsidiaries have tax losses of £96.7 million at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009: £118.9 million) 
available to offset future profits chargeable to tax.

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21. Capital and reserves 

Share capital 

Balance at beginning and end of the year

272,640,952

27,265

272,640,952

2010 
Number

2010 
£’000

2009 
Number

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Ordinary shares

2009 
£’000

27,265

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote 
per share at meetings of the Company.

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve comprises the nominal value of those shares purchased by the Company out of its own 
profits and cancelled. 

Treasury shares

The Company has no shares held in treasury.

Annual Report 2010 

67

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

21. Capital and reserves (continued)

Merger reserve

The Company commenced operations on 9 June 2006 when it received the demerged investment division of London 
Merchant Securities. Consolidated financial statements were prepared for the nine months ended 31 December 2006 to 
reflect the two step demerger process: this comprised an initial common control transaction followed by a subsequent 
demerger of the Group. The consolidated financial statements are prepared as if the Group had always been in existence. 
The difference between the nominal value of the Company’s shares issued and the amount of the net assets acquired at 
the date of demerger has been credited to merger reserve.

Foreign exchange translation reserve

The foreign exchange translation reserve comprises all foreign currency arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign operations.

22. Share-based payments

Company

Executive share option plan
The Company has a share option plan that entitles certain employees to purchase shares in the Company at the market 
price of the shares at the date of grant of the option, subject to Company performance criteria. Under the terms of the 
scheme, options may be exercised between three and ten years after the date of grant. 

Options granted under the plan are subject to the following vesting criteria. If the Net Asset Value per share of the 
Company increases by at least 3% per annum above the increase in the Retail Prices Index based on the Net Asset 
Value per share at the financial year end preceding the date of grant 25% of the shares under option will vest three years 
after the date of grant. If the increase in the Net Asset Value per share exceeds the growth in the Retail Prices Index by 
at least 8% per annum 100% of the options will be exercisable three years after the date of grant. There is a straight-line 
scale for increases in Net Asset Value per share between 3% and 8% per annum.

Movements during the year were as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at 31 December 

2010  

Number

1,859,995
–
–
(1,859,995)

–

2009  

Number

4,045,807
–
–
(2,185,812)

1,859,995

Options over 1,859,995 ordinary shares lapsed during the year as a result of performance criteria not being met 
(2009: 1,445,952). In 2009 options over 739,860 ordinary shares lapsed as a result of employees leaving the Company.

Deferred share bonus plan
The Company has a deferred share bonus plan for key executives. Shares awarded under this scheme are released 
over three or four years (depending on the size of the award) and the first release may take place no earlier than the first 
anniversary of the award subject to the increase in the Net Asset Value per share of the Company exceeding the increase 
in the Retail Prices Index by an average of at least 3% per annum.

68

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

22. Share-based payments (continued)

Movements during the year were as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 
Awards during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at 31 December 

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2010 
Number

716,073
1,870,000
–
(716,073)

1,870,000

2009 
Number

3,102,983
–
(1,193,455)
(1,193,455)

716,073

In 2009, 1,193,455 shares were released having become eligible for release on 31 March 2008; the Company elected to 
settle the release for a cash payment of £642,000. The weighted average exercise price of the shares released was nil.

Of the 1,193,455 shares which lapsed in 2009, 477,382 lapsed when the beneficiary left the Company and 716,073 
lapsed because the performance criteria were not met.

The award of 716,073 shares outstanding as at 1 January 2010 (eligible for release on 30 March 2011) has lapsed since 
performance criteria were not met. 

Assuming the performance criteria set out above are met, the awards granted during the year and outstanding at 
31 December 2010 are eligible for release as follows:

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Date

13 April 2011
13 April 2012
13 April 2013
13 April 2014

Number of shares

498,333
498,333
498,334
375,000

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The weighted average exercise price of awards outstanding at 31 December 2010 was nil (31 December 2009: nil).

Performance share plan
The Company has a performance share plan that entitles certain employees to receive an award of performance shares 
in the Company. Performance shares granted under the plan are subject to the performance criteria set out below.

In respect of awards granted in 2010: for 25% of the total award to vest, Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the three 
year measurement period must exceed the median TSR of the FTSE All-Share Index. For the remaining 75% of the 
award, the increase in Net Asset Value per share over the period must exceed the increase in the Retail Prices Index by at 
least 3% per annum. At RPI plus 3%, 18.75% of the total shares that are subject to the award will vest, rising on a straight-
line basis to the remaining 75% vesting if the increase in Net Asset Value per share exceeds RPI by 8% per annum.

In respect of awards granted in 2009: for 50% of the total award to vest, Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the three 
year measurement period must exceed the median TSR of the FTSE 250 Index. At the 50th percentile TSR, 12.5% of 
the total award will vest, rising on a straight-line basis to 50% of the total award vesting at the 75th percentile and above. 
For the other 50% of the award to vest, the increase in Net Asset Value per share over the measurement period must 
exceed the increase in the Retail Prices Index by at least 3% per annum. At RPI plus 3%, 12.5% of the total award will 
vest, rising on a straight-line basis to 50% of the total award vesting if the increase in Net Asset Value per share exceeds 
RPI by 8% per annum.

Annual Report 2010 

69

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

22. Share-based payments (continued)

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at 31 December 

2010 
Number

2,005,201
1,750,700
–
–

3,755,901

2009 
Number

–
2,455,888
–
(450,687)

2,005,201

The weighted average exercise price of awards outstanding at 31 December 2010 was nil (31 December 2009: nil).

Recognition and measurement
The fair value of services received in return for grants and awards under the Company’s share-based incentive plans 
is based on their fair value measured using a binomial valuation model. 

Awards under the performance share plan and the deferred share bonus plan granted during 2010 were valued using the 
following inputs:

Performance  
share plan

Deferred  

share bonus plan

Fair value at grant date
Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Option life
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate

£0.50
£0.51
–
30%
10 years
–
3.0%

The (credit)/expense recognised in the income statement for share-based payments is as follows:

Executive share option plan 
Deferred share bonus plan
– Equity settled
– Cash settled
Performance share plan

2010 
£’000

(260)

(170)
–
500

70

£0.50
£0.51
–
30%
10 years
–
3.0%

2009 
£’000

(186)

(844)
642
210

(178)

At 31 December 2010, non-trade payables and accrued expenses include £51,000 (2009: £398,000) in respect of 
amounts payable under the Company’s long-term incentive plans.

70

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

 
23. Financial risk management 

Financial instruments by category 

The following tables analyse the Group and Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with the 
categories of financial instruments in IAS 39. Assets and liabilities outside the scope of IAS 39 are not included in the 
tables below.

Group

31 December
2010

31 December
2009

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Assets

Investments
Operating and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total 

Liabilities

Bank overdrafts
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Operating and other payables

Total 

Company

Assets

Operating and other receivables
Amounts receivable from subsidiaries
Cash and cash equivalents

Total 

Liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Operating and other payables
Amounts payable to subsidiaries

Total 

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss 
£’000

216,279
–
–

216,279

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss 
£’000

–
–
–

–

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss 
£’000

–
–
–

–

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss 
£’000

–
–
–

–

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

–
23,409
13,859

37,268

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

198
26,231
2,679

29,108

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

14,281
2,292
70,018

86,591

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

4,424
12,818
13,229

Total
£’000

220,703
12,818
13,229

30,471

246,750

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss
£’000

181,607
–
–

181,607

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

6,526
10,768
16,950

34,244

2010

Total
£’000

–
23,409
13,859

37,268

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss
£’000

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

369
7,189
7,921

–
–
–

–

15,479

15,479

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Total
£’000

188,133
10,768
16,950

215,851

2009

Total
£’000

369
7,189
7,921

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31 December
2010

31 December
2009

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss 
£’000

–
–
–

–

Fair value 
through profit 
or loss
£’000

–
–
–

–

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

743
11,607
4,277

16,627

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

–
1,960
68,760

70,720

Total
£’000

198
26,231
2,679

29,108

2010

Total
£’000

14,281
2,292
70,018

86,591

Total
£’000

743
11,607
4,277

16,627

2009

Total
£’000

–
1,960
68,760

70,720

Annual Report 2010 

71

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

23. Financial risk management (continued)

The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

•  Credit risk

•  Liquidity risk

•  Market risk.

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, its policies for measuring and 
managing risk, and its management of capital. 

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of the financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet 
its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and its cash and cash 
equivalents. 

Operating and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

2010  
£’000

12,818
13,229

26,047

2009 
£’000

10,768
16,950

27,718

Operating and other receivables
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. Each new 
customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before payment and delivery terms are offered. The conduct of 
customer accounts is reviewed regularly.

The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents an estimate of incurred losses in respect of operating 
and other receivables. This allowance includes a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures 
and a collective loss component for groups of similar assets. This is determined based on historical payment data 
statistics and is intended to cover losses that have been incurred but not yet identified.

The maximum exposure to credit risk for operating and other receivables by geographic region was:

UK
United States
Other regions

The ageing of trade receivables was:

Not past due
Past due 0–30 days
Past due 31–120 days
More than 120 days

Gross 
£’000

2,767
1,322
2,975
1,221

8,285

2010

Impairment  

£’000

–
–
–
348

348

2010  
£’000

8,418
3,090
1,310

12,818

Gross  
£’000

4,270
2,969
462
1,008

8,709

2009  
£’000

7,954
1,853
961

10,768

2009

Impairment  

£’000

–
–
–
191

191

72

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

23. Financial risk management (continued)

Cash and cash equivalents
The Group limits its credit risk exposure by only depositing funds with highly rated institutions. Given these ratings the 
Group does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations and therefore no allowance for impairment is made 
for bank deposits.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. Its financing 
requirements are met through a combination of liquidity from the sale of investments, the use of cash resources and bank 
borrowing facilities. The Company has a £15,000,000 facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland which is fully drawn. 
Interest is payable at the percentage rate per annum, which is the aggregate of the margin (3.0% per annum), London 
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the mandatory cost. 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities:

31 December 2010

Bank overdrafts
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Finance lease liabilities
Operating and other payables

31 December 2009

Bank overdrafts
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Finance lease liabilities
Operating and other payables

Market risk

Carrying 
amount 
£’000

Contractual 
cash flows 
£’000

6 months  
or less  
£’000

6–12 
 months  
£’000

1–2  
years 
 £’000

2–5  
years  
£’000

More than  
5 years  
£’000

–
23,123
286
13,859

37,268

–
23,408
290
13,897

37,595

–
16,303
35
13,886

30,224

–
1,264
35
9

1,308

–
106
150
1

257

–
5,238
70
1

5,309

–
497
–
–

497

Carrying 
amount 
£’000

Contractual 
cash flows 
£’000

6 months  
or less  
£’000

6–12 
 months  
£’000

1–2  
years 
 £’000

2–5  
years  
£’000

More than  
5 years  
£’000

369
6,856
333
7,921

15,479

369
10,011
407
7,921

18,708

369
376
38
7,921

8,704

–
2,659
42
–

2,701

–
515
83
–

598

–
5,410
244
–

5,654

–
1,051
–
–

1,051

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Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will 
affect the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The Group aims to manage this risk within 
acceptable parameters while optimising the return.

Currency risk
The Group is exposed to currency risk on those of its investments which are denominated in a currency other than the 
Group’s functional currency which is pounds sterling. The only other significant currency within the investment portfolio 
is the US dollar; approximately 66% of the investment portfolio within the Group’s investment management business is 
denominated in US dollars.

The Group does not hedge the currency exposure related to its investments. The Group regards its exposure to 
exchange rate changes on the underlying investment as part of its overall investment return, and does not seek to 
mitigate that risk through the use of financial derivatives. 

The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases which are denominated in a currency other than the 
Group’s functional currency. The currency in which these transactions are denominated is principally US dollars. 

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Annual Report 2010 

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LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

23. Financial risk management (continued)

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows:

Investments
Operating and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Finance lease liabilities
Operating and other payables

Gross exposure

Forward exchange contracts

Net exposure

Market risk

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

GBP 
£’000

67,805
8,051
5,827
–
(10,013)
(240)
(7,218)

USD 
£’000

146,663
4,689
7,325
–
(13,110)
(45)
(6,642)

64,212

138,880

–

–

Other 
£’000

6,235
78
77
–
–
–
–

6,390

–

GBP 
£’000

59,881
7,568
15,342
(369)
(3,901)
(278)
(6,504)

USD 
£’000

128,252
3,092
1,528
–
(2,955)
(55)
(1,380)

71,739

128,482

–

–

64,212

138,880

6,390

71,739

128,482

Other 
£’000

–
108
80
–
–
–
(37)

151

–

151

At 31 December 2010 the rate of exchange was USD1.55 = £1.00 (31 December 2009: USD1.62 = £1.00). The average 
rate for the year ended 31 December 2010 was USD1.54 = £1.00 (year ended 31 December 2009: USD1.57 = £1.00).

A 10% strengthening of the US dollar against the pound sterling would have increased equity by £13.5 million at 
31 December 2010 (31 December 2009: increase of £10.9 million) and increased the profit from continuing operations 
for the year ended 31 December 2010 by £14.9 million (year ended 31 December 2009: decreased the loss by 
£13.9 million). This assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. 

Interest rate risk
At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Group’s interest bearing financial instruments was:

Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets
Financial liabilities

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets
Financial liabilities

2010  
£’000

2009  
£’000

–
23,409

23,409

13,229
–

13,229

–
7,558

7,558

16,950
–

16,950

An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have decreased equity by £4,000 
(31 December 2009: increase of £246,000) and decreased the profit from continuing activities by £4,000 
(year ended 31 December 2008: decreased the loss by £246,000).

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

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23. Financial risk management (continued)

Fair values
The carrying amounts of financial assets (excluding investments) and liabilities, shown in the statement of financial 
position, approximate their fair values.

The fair values of financial liabilities are based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted 
at the market rate of interest at the reporting date.

Other market price risk
Equity price risk arises from equity securities held as part of the Group’s portfolio of investments. The Group’s 
investments comprise quoted investments (quoted on the main stock exchanges in London, US, Canada and AIM) 
and equity and debt instruments in unquoted businesses. A proportion of its unquoted investments are held through 
funds managed by external managers. 

As is common practice in the venture and development capital industry, the investments in unquoted companies are 
structured using a variety of instruments including ordinary shares, preference shares and other shares carrying special 
rights, options and warrants and debt instruments with and without conversion rights. The investments are held for resale 
with a view to the realisation of capital gains. Generally, the investments do not pay significant income. 

The Group’s management of risk in its investment portfolio focuses on diversification in terms of geography and sector, 
as well as type and stage of investment.

If the investment valuation declined by 10% from the amount at the balance sheet date, with all other variables held 
constant, the profit for the year ended 31 December 2010 would have decreased by £22.1 million (year ended 
31 December 2009: increased the loss by £18.8 million). An increase in the valuation of investments by 10% at 
the balance sheet date would have an equal and opposite effect on the profit/loss for the year. 

Capital management

The Group’s total capital at 31 December 2010 was £239 million (31 December 2009: £225.6 million) comprising 
equity share capital and reserves. The Group had borrowings at 31 December 2010 of £23.4 million (31 December 
2009: £7.6 million).

The Board monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Group’s capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes:

•  The planned level of gearing, which takes into account planned investment activity;

•  The possible buy-back of equity shares for holding in treasury or cancellation, which takes account of the discount 

of the share price to net asset value per share;

•  The annual dividend policy.

The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are unchanged from the preceding accounting year.

Annual Report 2010 

75

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

24. Acquisitions of subsidiaries

The following acquisition was made during the year ended 31 December 2010:

Nationwide Energy Partners LLC

In May 2010 the Group acquired a 55.4% interest in Nationwide Energy Partners LLC ‘NEP’); the acquisition had the 
following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets 
Operating and other receivables
Loans and borrowings
Operating and other payables
Long-term liabilities 

Net identifiable assets and liabilities
Intangible assets (goodwill)

Net assets acquired
Non-controlling interest

Consideration paid

Pre-acquisition  
carrying amounts  

£’000

1,761
1,571
2,682
(1,086)
(2,569)
(192)

2,167
7,077

9,244
(967)

8,277

The operating and other receivables comprise gross contractual amounts due of £2,922,551, of which £240,859 was 
expected to be uncollectable at acquisition date. The non-controlling interest is calculated based on the proportionate 
interest of the non-controlling interest in the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired.

Of the total consideration, £7,450,000 was paid on completion and the remainder is payable in May 2011.

The goodwill is attributable to the expected profitability of the acquired business. None of the goodwill is expected 
to be deductible for tax purposes.

NEP is an energy service provider in Columbus, Ohio and provides owners of multi unit residential properties with 
outsourced meter reading, billing and collection services for water and electricity accounts. 

In July 2010 the Group made an additional investment in NEP of £1.2 million and increased its interest in the company 
to 59.5%. 

In the seven months to 31 December 2010 the company contributed a profit of £21,661 to the consolidated results of 
the Group. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2010, management estimates that consolidated revenue would 
have been £52,515,254 and the consolidated profit for the period would have been £12,218,062.

The following acquisition was made during the year ended 31 December 2009:

Updata Infrastructure (UK) Limited 

In July 2009 the Group acquired 53.3% of the issued share capital of Updata Infrastructure Holdings Limited (‘Updata 
Holdings’), which immediately prior to this investment by the Group had acquired 100% of the issued share capital of 
Updata Infrastructure UK Limited. The consideration paid by the Group was equivalent to its share of the consolidated 
net assets of Updata Holdings. 

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LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

24. Acquisitions of subsidiaries (continued)

The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date:

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Fair value of  
net assets acquired  

Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Operating and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and borrowings
Operating and other payables

Net identifiable assets and liabilities
Intangible assets (goodwill)

Net assets acquired
Non-controlling interest

Consideration paid

£’000

2,970
346
3,855
83
(3,809)
(5,673)

(2,228)
8,733

6,505
(306)

6,199

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The consideration was paid in cash on completion.

The goodwill is attributable to the expected profitability of the acquired business.

Updata designs, builds and manages carrier-class networks. In the six months to 31 December 2009 the company 
contributed a profit of £1,400,000 to the consolidated results of the Group. 

In July 2010 the Group sold some shares in Updata and there was a partial repayment of loans which reduced the 
Groups interest to 47.8%. However, the Group still regards Updata as a subsidiary since it controls the composition 
of the company’s board of directors.

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25. Operating leases

Leases as lessee

Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

26. Capital commitments

Outstanding commitments to funds

Group  
£’000

572
1,473
650

2,695

2010

Company  

£’000

280
1,155
650

2,085

Group  
£’000

640
1,147
–

1,787

2010  
£’000

40,711

40,711

2009

Company 
£’000

400
600
–

1,000

2009  
£’000

58,709

58,709

The outstanding commitments to funds comprise unpaid calls in respect of funds where a member of the Group is a 
limited partner.

Annual Report 2010 

77

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Notes to the financial information continued

27. Contingent liabilities

The Company has guaranteed the indebtedness of certain of the Group’s investments; the amount outstanding under 
these arrangements at 31 December 2010 was £1.2 million (31 December 2009: £1.8 million).

28. Related party transactions

With effect from 1 May 2007 the Company entered into a lease agreement with Derwent London plc in respect of the 
premises comprising its head office and registered office. Under the terms of the lease the Company pays an annual rent 
of £400,000 to Derwent London plc plus certain service charges.

Under an arrangement with Derwent London plc the Company is entitled to charge that company £50,000 per annum 
as a recharge of office and related costs of Mr Robert Rayne. Mr Rayne is Chairman of Derwent London plc. Amounts 
outstanding under this arrangement at 31 December 2010 were £nil (31 December 2009: £14,000).

With effect from 29 September 2007 the Company entered into a sub-lease agreement with Weatherford UK under 
which the latter is a sub-tenant of part of the Company’s head office premises at an annual rental of £200,000 plus 
service charges. Mr Rayne and Dr Duroc-Danner are directors of Weatherford International, the ultimate parent 
undertaking of Weatherford UK. Amounts outstanding under these arrangements at 31 December 2010 were £6,500 
(31 December 2008: £47,000).

The Company surrendered its lease with Derwent London plc in January 2011 in respect of the premises comprising 
its head office and former registered office (33 Robert Adam Street). The Company entered a new lease agreement with 
Derwent London plc for new premises (100 George Street, its current registered office). Under the terms of the lease the 
Company pays an annual rent of £288,752 to Derwent London plc plus certain service charges. Rent is payable from 
16 January 2011 at a reduced rate of £144,495 for the first 12 months and thereafter at £288,752 per annum.

Compensation arrangements for key management are set out in the Remuneration report on pages 24 to 31.

29. Subsequent events

There were no events subsequent to the balance sheet date that would materially affect the interpretation of these 
financial statements.

78

LMS Capital plc 

Annual Report 2010

30. Subsidiaries

The subsidiaries comprising the Group’s investment management business (as set out in Note 2) are as follows:

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Name

Country of incorporation

Holding %

International Oilfield Services Limited 
LMS Capital (Bermuda) Limited
LMS Capital (ECI) Limited
LMS Capital (General Partner) Limited
LMS Capital (GW) Limited
LMS Capital Group Limited
LMS Capital Holdings Limited
LMS NEP Holdings Inc
Lioness Property Investments Limited
Lion Property Investments Limited
Lion Investments Limited
Lion Cub Investments Limited
Lion Cub Property Investments Limited
Tiger Investments Limited 
LMS Tiger Investments Limited
LMS Tiger Investments (II) Limited
Westpool Investment Trust plc

Bermuda
Bermuda
England and Wales
Bermuda
Bermuda
England and Wales
England and Wales
United States
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Activity

Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Dormant
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding
Investment holding

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In addition to the above, the Group’s carried interest arrangements are operated through three limited partnerships 
(LMS Capital 2007 LP, LMS Capital 2008 LP and LMS Capital 2009 LP) which are registered in Bermuda.

The following companies form part of the Group’s investment activities but, by virtue of the size of the Group’s 
shareholding or other control rights, fall within the definition of subsidiaries under IFRS. These portfolio subsidiaries 
are included within the consolidated financial information although they continue to be managed by the Group as 
investments held for capital appreciation.

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Holding %

Activity

Name

CopperEye Limited

Entuity limited

Kizoom Limited

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Nationwide Energy Partners LLC

United States of America

ITS (US) Holdings Inc

United States of America

Updata Infrastructure (UK) Limited

England and Wales

Wesupply Limited

England and Wales

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68

94

59.5

100

47.8

85

Specialised search solutions for 
business transaction data
Network management software

Urban digital networks and 
intelligent transport systems
Energy services provider

Specialist engineering design 
and fabrication
Carrier-class networks

Supply chain  
management software

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During the year to 31 December 2010 Offshore Tool and Energy Corporation was dissolved and ITS (US) Holdings Inc 
was formed. The assets of Offshore Tool and Energy Corporation were transferred to ITS (US) Holdings Inc as part of a 
restructuring process.

Annual Report 2010 

79

LMS Capital plc

 
 
Shareholders’ information

Registered office

Company website

100 George Street
London W1U 8NU
Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 3555
Email: webenquiries@lmscapital.com
Website: www.lmscapital.com

Company registered in England

Number 5746555

Company Secretary

Matthew Jones FCIS

Registrars

Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
Tel: (UK) 0871 664 0300
(Outside UK) +44 (0)20 8639 3399
Email: ssd@capitaregistrars.com

Shareholder enquiries

All administrative enquiries relating to shareholders, such 
as notification of change of address or the loss of a share 
certificate, should be made to the Capita Registrars, 
whose address is given above.

Electronic shareholder communications

The Company has opted to send shareholder 
communications via the Company website rather than via 
the post. This is more environmentally friendly and cost 
efficient. If you would like to receive paper copies of these 
communications, please write to Capita Registrars, whose 
address is given above.

Share dealing service

A telephone dealing service has been arranged with 
Stocktrade, which provides a simple way of buying or 
selling LMS Capital plc ordinary shares. Full details can 
be obtained by telephoning 08456 010995, quoting 
the reference: ‘Low Co 0236’. For further information, 
please visit: www.stocktrade.co.uk/LMS/

80

LMS Capital plc 

The Company’s website provides further information on the 
Company’s investments, its strategy and its share price, as 
well as an archive of all press releases, presentations and 
shareholder documents. You can sign up to be notified by 
email when press releases are announced. For further 
information, please visit www.lmscapital.com

Brokers

J.P. Morgan plc
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA

Winterflood Securities Limited
The Atrium Building
Cannon Bridge
25 Dowgate Hill
London EC4R 2GA

Auditors

KPMG Audit Plc
8 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8BB

Bankers

Barclays Bank plc
1 Churchill Place
London E14 5HP

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
36 St. Andrew Square
Edinburgh EH2 2YB

Solicitors

Clifford Chance LLP
10 Upper Bank Street
London E14 5JJ

Ashurst LLP
Broadwalk House
5 Appold Street
London EC2A 2HA

Financial calendar 2011

Annual General Meeting: 12 May

Interim Management Statements: May and November

Half-year results: July*

Year-end 31 December

* This date is provisional and may change.

Annual Report 2010

Overview

01

02

Highlights of the year

Chairman’s statement

Business review

04

11

Operating review

Financial review

Governance

14

16

22

24

32

36

37

 Board of Directors and Investment team

 Corporate governance report

Principal risks and uncertainties

Remuneration report

Directors’ report

 Statement of directors’ responsibilities

 Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of LMS Capital plc

Financial statements

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

80

 Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of financial position

Company statement of financial position

Statements of changes in equity

 Consolidated cash flow statement

Company cash flow statement

 Notes to the financial information

 Shareholders’ information

This document includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be ‘forward-looking statements’. 
These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, 
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend 
on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. The Company cautions investors that  
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of 
operations, financial condition and liquidity may differ materially from those made in or suggested by 
the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These forward-looking statements reflect 
the Directors’ judgement at the date of this document and are not intended to give any assurances 
as to future results. Subject to the requirements of the Financial Services Authority’s Prospectus Rules, 
Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules and Listing Rules, the Company undertakes no obligation 
to update these forward-looking statements, and it will not publicly release any revisions it may make 
to these forward-looking statements that may result from events or circumstances arising after the date 
of this document.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com 

100 George Street, London W1U 8NU
Telephone +44 (0)20 7935 3555

www.lmscapital.com

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LMS Capital plc

Annual Report 2010

100 George Street, London W1U 8NU
Telephone +44 (0)20 7935 3555 www.lmscapital.com

LMS Capital plc
Annual Report 2010