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LMS Capital plc

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FY2012 Annual Report · LMS Capital plc
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LMS Capital plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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100 George Street 
London W1U 8NU 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 3555

Website: www.lmscapital.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012LMS Capital is an investment company which, 
following a general meeting on 30 November 2011, 
is undertaking a realisation strategy with the aim 
of achieving a balance between an efficient return 
of cash to shareholders and optimising the value of 
the Company’s investments. Its investment portfolio 
consists principally of small to medium sized 
companies in the consumer, energy and business 
services sectors.

Contents

Highlights 

Chairman’s statement 

Operating review 

Financial review  

Board of Directors 

Corporate governance report 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

Remuneration report 

Directors’ report 

Statement of Directors’  
responsibilities 

Independent auditor’s report 

02

03

04

07

10

12

19

21

28

32

33

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 

35

36

37

38

39

41

42

43

77

01

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Highlights for the year

•  The Net Asset Value at 31 December 2012 was £192.1 million (31 December 2011: £245.0 million),  

per share 85 pence (31 December 2011: 90 pence).

•  In November £40 million was returned to shareholders by way of a tender offer at 84 pence per share. 

•  £43.2 million of proceeds realised in the year.

•  Unrealised gains on the unquoted and funds portfolio of £8.0 million were offset by adverse price 
movements on a number of our quoted investments of £5.5 million and unrealised currency losses  
of £5.6 million. 

•  Overheads (excluding one-off items) were reduced from £7.9 million in 2011 to £4.4 million in 2012.

•  The investment management business loss for the year was £12.2 million (2011: loss of £0.4 million).

•  At the date of this report the US dollar has strengthened relative to pound sterling such that  

the unrealised losses incurred in 2012 have reversed.

•  Outstanding fund commitments reduced from £18.9 million to £10.4 million over the year.

•  Realisations have continued in 2013; on 12 March we announced the sale of our interest in Apogee  
for cash proceeds of £16 million and Pims Group, a co-investment, has been sold with proceeds to  
us of £3.3 million. Both transactions were at or above our December 2012 carrying value.

02

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Chairman’s statement

2012 was the first year of the realisation strategy approved by shareholders at the general meeting 
on 30 November 2011. The change of strategy is intended to provide liquidity for shareholders and  
achieve a balance between an efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of  
the Company’s investments. More information on the implementation of this revised strategy is set  
out in the Operating Review. 

Your Board made satisfactory progress in implementing this change in strategy during the year and the 
Directors believe that the Company’s plans for the orderly wind-down of the business should continue to 
deliver value to shareholders. 

Results
During 2012 the Company received proceeds of £43.2 million from its investment portfolio and  
in November your Board was able to announce a first return to shareholders under the realisation  
strategy by way of a tender offer. This completed at the beginning of December and returned £40 million 
to shareholders, retiring 47.6 million shares at 84 pence per share, being 17.4% of shares in issue before the 
tender. This was a satisfactory result against the background of the uncertain economic environment.

The Board is not recommending payment of a dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011: £nil).

Net Asset Value per share at the end of 2012 was 85 pence, a decrease of 6% from a year ago. Adverse 
movements in some of our quoted investments and a 4% movement in the US dollar exchange rate 
relative to pound sterling were factors in this. At the date of this statement, we have seen a reversal  
of the negative currency impact seen last year.

The investment portfolio at 31 December 2012 was valued at £179.3 million (31 December 2011: 
£218.5 million); cash at 31 December 2012 was £20.1 million (31 December 2011: £30.6 million).  
The Company has no borrowings.

The Group as a whole (including consolidation of the portfolio subsidiaries) showed a consolidated  
loss for the year from continuing operations of £12.9 million (2011: loss of £1.0 million). 

Board and management
The change in strategy has placed special demands on a smaller management team and your Board  
would like to extend its appreciation to all the Company’s employees for their contribution in 2012.

As a consequence of the change in strategy the Board was reconstituted at the beginning of 2012. Given the 
reducing size of the Company, the consequent need to reduce overheads and the successful commencement 
of the realisation strategy, Mark Sebba and I have decided not to stand for re-election at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting. I am delighted that Martin Knight has agreed to take over as Chairman.

As the asset base of the business diminishes, continued steps are being taken to reduce overheads  
and further changes in our management structure will be implemented in the first half of 2013.

Outlook
To date in 2013 we have seen further realisations and your Board believes that the investment portfolio will 
continue to release cash to shareholders. The economic background remains uncertain, but on the basis 
that there is no significant worsening of the business environments in the UK and the US your Board expects to 
progress the orderly wind-down of the business in the coming year and will focus on optimising value and cash 
flow for the benefit of shareholders.

Richard Christou
Chairman

18 March 2013

03

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Operating review

This review provides an update on progress during 2012 with the realisation strategy approved by shareholders 
in November 2011. 

Corporate strategy and investment policy 
At the general meeting on 30 November 2011 shareholders approved proposals to modify the Company’s 
objectives and its investment policy. The revised investment policy is to conduct an orderly realisation 
of the assets of the Company, to be effected in a manner that seeks to achieve a balance between an 
efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of the Company’s investments. 

Accordingly, no investments will be made in new opportunities. Follow-on investments will be made 
in existing assets to honour commitments made at the time of the initial investment and/or to which 
the Company is legally obligated, or where the investment is made to protect or enhance the value of 
an existing asset or to facilitate its orderly realisation. The portfolio as a whole will be managed with a 
view to progressively returning funds to shareholders  
over a period of time. 

At the beginning of 2012, immediately following the change in strategy, the Directors:

•  reviewed the realisation prospects for each portfolio holding in the context of seeking to achieve a balance 

between an efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of the Company’s investments;

•  established a plan to focus on the realisation of key investments;

•  reduced the operating costs of the Company – this principally took the form of headcount reductions.  

As the asset base decreases the Board will continue to seek to reduce operating costs.

Asset realisation and cost reduction plans are kept under regular review by the management team and the 
Board in the light of progress on particular investments and market developments. We continue to monitor 
opportunities within the secondary market, in particular for our fund interests. 

Realisations and cash
Realisations from the portfolio in the year totalled £43.2 million. This came from a number of sources 
as noted below and included £18.1 million from the sale of the investment in Method, held through San 
Francisco Equity Partners.

Outstanding uncalled commitments to funds were reduced by £8.5 million, reflecting not only fund  
calls in the year but also the sale at book value of a fund at an early stage of its investment period  
with a large outstanding commitment, as well as the renegotiation of commitments where possible.

In November 2012 the Directors made the first return of cash to shareholders under the realisation 
strategy by way of a tender offer, and aim to make further realisations to enable a distribution to 
shareholders during 2013. The Directors’ current expectation is that the realisation of the portfolio is likely 
to be substantially completed in some two to four years, in line with previously disclosed estimates.

Shareholders should note that whilst these are the best estimates of the Board as at the date of this 
report, they are subject to a number of uncertainties including general market conditions, the future 
performance of investee companies, the behaviour of other shareholders in investee companies (where 
the Company is a minority investor) and the level of activity in the mergers and acquisitions market across 
the geographies of the Company’s assets.

The Board will keep shareholders informed on progress through the Company’s half-yearly and annual 
reports, and significant individual realisations will be announced as appropriate. 

04

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Results and review of portfolio
NAV per share declined over the year by 5 pence. Underlying this, the unquoted investments and funds 
have shown a value increase of £8.0 million, offset by the negative share price performance of our quoted 
investments of £5.5 million and unrealised currency losses of £5.6 million. We have also implemented 
and recognised in these accounts our carried interest arrangements resulting in a non-cash charge of 
£3.1 million. Overheads including restructuring costs were £5.3 million (2011: £12.9 million).

Our key reportable metrics are:

Net (loss)/profit (£ million) 

NAV per share (pence)

Cash from realisations (£ million)

2012

(12.2) 

85

43.2

2011

(0.4)

90

62.7

2010

17.6

90

24.3

The above table sets out the results of our investment management business as defined in Note 2 to our financial statements.

Quoted investments
At the end of 2012 our quoted holdings were valued at £17.1 million (2011: £24.2 million), of which  
our interest in Weatherford International, at £14.1 million, continues to be the principal element.

The Weatherford International share price performed poorly in 2012 – the price in US dollars at the end of 
December 2012 was 24% lower than at 31 December 2011 and (excluding currency effects) this reduced our 
NAV per share year on year by 2 pence. 

Proceeds from sales of other quoted holdings during the year were £0.8 million (2011: £31.6 million, which 
included £22.9 million from the sale of our interest in ProStrakan Group). 

Fund interests
The maturity of our funds portfolio is reflected in the related cash flows during 2012. Distributions 
from funds were £32.2 million (2011: £11.7 million) and calls paid were £5.3 million (2011: £13.1 million). 
Distributions included £18.1 million from San Francisco Equity Partners (“SFEP”) following its sale of 
Method in the third quarter. 

Our uncalled fund commitments continue to decrease and at 31 December 2012 stood at a maximum  
of £10.4 million, down from £18.9 million at the end of 2011.

Our fund holdings at the end of 2012 had a book value of £56.3 million (2011: £63.5 million), excluding 
SFEP, and include the following principal interests:

General partner
Brockton Capital

BV investments

Voreda Capital

Primus Capital

Opus Capital Venture Partners

Amadeus Capital Partners

CMEA Ventures

UK property
US buyouts
UK property
US buyouts
US venture capital
UK venture capital
US venture capital

31 December
2012
£ million
13.0

2011
£ million
15.8

8.1

5.3

5.1

3.7

3.2

2.4

10.9

5.3

4.7

3.2

3.8

3.3

The above holdings represent 72% (2011: 74%) of the funds portfolio (excluding SFEP).

At the end of 2012 the carrying value of our interest in SFEP was £20.2 million (2011: £41.4 million) and  
the principal investments in its portfolio are Yes To (£8.3 million – consumer sector), Penguin Computing 
(£4.2 million – technology sector) and Luxury Link (£4.2 million – consumer sector).

05

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Operating review continued

Direct investments
We received £6.2 million when our US co-investment Rave Reviews Cinemas was sold and £2.2 million  
from the sale of our small interest in Agilisys, a provider of outsourcing services principally to the public 
sector. We have recognised net valuation increases of £6.7 million, principally in relation to:

•  Apogee, which increased revenues and EBITDA in 2012 and was able to withstand increased competitor 
pricing pressure. We increased the carrying value of our interest to £15.0 million (2011: £11.5 million) at 
the end of 2012 and we sold our interest in the company in March 2013 for £16 million.

•  Updata, which continued to expand its operations during the year and gained a significant number  

of contract wins. Our carrying value has increased to £14.5 million (2011: £12.7 million).

Our other large holdings are as follows:

•  HealthTech Holdings has continued to perform strongly in 2012 but lower valuation multiples  
of comparable quoted companies has resulted in no significant change to our carrying value.

•  Nationwide Energy Partners has continued to increase the number of its revenue generating  
metered units, the full benefit of which will be reflected in its results in 2013 and beyond.

We made only one follow-on investment during 2012 – we increased our direct investment in Zoom 
Eyeworks (a portfolio company of SFEP) by £2.0 million in connection with the refinancing of its third 
party borrowing facility. 

Our principal direct investments at book value are:

HealthTech Holdings
Apogee Corporation
Updata Infrastructure
Nationwide Energy Partners
Entuity
Wesupply

US technology
UK technology
UK technology
US energy
UK technology
UK technology

The above holdings represent 81% (2011: 74%) of the direct portfolio. 

31 December
2012
£ million
22.3
15.0
14.5
10.0
4.0
3.3

2011
£ million
23.9
11.5
12.7
10.5
4.0
3.3

06

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Financial review

Basis of preparation of financial information
The financial statements have not been prepared on a going concern basis as the Company is seeking to 
realise the investment portfolio, return the capital to shareholders and then liquidate the Company, as 
outlined in the strategy approved by shareholders on 30 November 2011 – see note 1 to the consolidated 
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 consolidated 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
NAV at 31 December 2012 was £192.1 million (31 December 2011: £245.0 million); NAV per share was  
85 pence (31 December 2011: 90 pence). 

The Group’s return on its investment portfolio for the year ended 31 December 2012 excluding 
carried interest charges of £3.1 million was a loss of £4.1 million (2011: gain of £8.7 million) as follows:

Gains/(losses)
Quoted securities
Direct investments
Funds

Being:
Realised (losses)/gains, net
Unrealised (losses)/gains, net
Total

Year ended 31 December

2012
£’000
(6,317)
3,517
(1,295)
(4,095)

(1,034)
(3,061)
(4,095)

2011
£’000
(7,728)
12,995
3,467
8,734

6,358
2,376
8,734

Approximately 56% of the portfolio at 31 December 2012 is denominated in US dollars (31 December 2011: 
65%) and the above table includes the impact of currency movements. In the year ended 31 December 
2012, the weakening of the US dollar against pound sterling (year on year) resulted in an unrealised foreign 
currency loss of £5.6 million (2011: unrealised gain of £0.3 million). It is the Board’s current policy not to 
hedge the Company’s underlying non-sterling investments. 

The loss on our quoted portfolio reflects the net impact of the changes in the capital markets during the 
year. Of the total of £6.3 million, £5.3 million is attributable to our holding in Weatherford International. 

The net gain on our direct investments includes valuation increases of our interests in Apogee, Updata 
and Pims Group totalling £7.2 million, offset by smaller downward valuation adjustments on other 
unquoted holdings and foreign currency losses of £2.2 million.

Changes in valuations reflect 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 2011. The unrealised gains or losses for 2012 arise principally as a result of the companies’ performance. 

07

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Financial review continued

For the valuation of our fund interests 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.

As well as the investment portfolio return, the loss for the year of £12.2 million (2011: loss of £0.4 million) 
includes the items discussed below.

Income from investments in the year was £1.2 million (2011: £3.7 million) and comprises interest and 
dividends from portfolio companies, dividends on quoted securities and management charges made to 
portfolio companies. 

Administration expenses for the year were £5.3 million (2011: £12.9 million). The figure for 2012 includes 
one-off costs of £0.9 million, principally in connection with headcount reductions. 2011 included one-off 
costs of £5.0 million comprising £1.6 million of charges for professional fees incurred in relation to the 
change in investment policy of the Company, £0.9 million compensation payments to staff members who 
left before the end of the year and £2.5 million to provide for the costs of a management fee commitment 
regarded as onerous following the change in strategy.

Interest income for the year was £0.1 million (2011: net expense of £0.1 million) reflecting the fact that  
the Company repaid its loan facility in May 2011. There was a tax charge for the year of £1.0 million  
(2011: credit of £0.2 million), being principally withholding tax on distributions from US funds.

Investments
The Group’s investments are carried 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 £7.3 million (2011: £19.3 million) of which 
£5.3 million (2011: £13.1 million) was to meet capital calls from funds and £2.0 million (2011: £3.6 million) 
for follow-on investments. There were no new investments (2011: £2.6 million). 

Proceeds of realisations were £43.2 million (2011: £62.7 million). Distributions from funds were £32.2 million 
(2011: £11.7 million) including £18.1 million from SFEP following its sale of Method in the third quarter. 
Sales of direct investments were £9.2 million (2011: £4.8 million) and quoted securities £0.8 million (2011: 
£31.6 million which included £22.9 million from the sale of our interest in ProStrakan Group).

At 31 December 2012 the Group had commitments of £10.4 million (31 December 2011: £18.9 million) to 
meet outstanding capital calls from its fund interests. Cash in the investment management business was 
£20.1 million (31 December 2011: £30.6 million) with no debt. 

Consolidated results
Consolidated revenues for the year from continuing operations were £60.8 million (2011: £47.3 million), 
all in the portfolio subsidiaries. The increase over the previous year reflects the inclusion of 365iTMS for 
a full year (acquired in September 2011), as well as increased revenues at Entuity, Nationwide Energy 
Partners, Updata and Wesupply. 

Consolidated operating expenses of continuing operations were £62.8 million (2011: £55.9 million). The 
increase in operating expenses reflects principally the inclusion of 365iTMS (for a full year), as well as 
higher costs associated with the revenue growth at most companies.

08

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012The portfolio subsidiaries continued to make good progress during 2012: 

•  Updata’s revenues in 2012 were 8% higher compared to 2011 with the proportion of rental (contractual) 
revenues continuing to increase as installation revenues have declined. Operating profits were held back 
by investment in new contract wins which are expected to come on stream in 2013.

•  Nationwide Energy Partners grew revenues by 25% in 2012, albeit operating profits were flat. The company 
invested in new contract wins during the year with the benefit expected to be seen in the 2013 results.

•  Wesupply’s revenues were 12% ahead of last year with operating profits ahead by more than 50%. 

•  Entuity performed well with revenues up by 11% year on year and operating profits benefitting from a 

lower cost base. 

•  365iTMS started the year well but difficult trading conditions impacted revenues and profits in the 

second half of the year. The company is addressing this in 2013. 

The consolidated loss from continuing operations was £12.9 million (2011: loss of £1.0 million), the 
downturn compared to last year being in the investment management business. 

Financial position
The consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 2012 includes cash and cash equivalents 
of £26.8 million (31 December 2011: £34.9 million) and borrowings of £15.3 million (31 December 2011: 
£11.8 million). 

Nick Friedlos 
Director  

18 March 2013

Antony Sweet
Chief Financial Officer

09

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012 
 
Board of Directors

Richard Christou
Non-executive Chairman
Age: 68

Directorships:
None.

Experience:
Richard is currently an adviser to Fujitsu Limited. He 
was previously Chairman of Fujitsu EMEA plc and 
president of the global business group at Fujitsu 
where he had responsibility for all of the overseas 
regions including EMEA, the Americas, APAC and 
China. At Fujitsu he was instrumental in setting 
many of its global strategies, including its current 
brand strategy. He is a solicitor and holds a law 
degree from Trinity College Cambridge.

Nicholas Friedlos
Director
Age: 55

Directorships:
A number of Group companies.

Experience:
Nick has held financial and operational leadership 
positions in financial services businesses holding 
real estate and other assets in both the public 
markets and in private equity. He was Chief 
Financial Officer of London Merchant Securities, 
the real estate and investment business out of 
which LMS Capital was created. Nick has managed 
change in the businesses he has been involved 
with including mergers, reconstructions and 
portfolio disposals. Most recently he was Chief 
Executive Officer of Mapeley and was previously  
a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Antony Sweet 
Chief Financial Officer
Age: 58

Bernard Duroc-Danner
Non-executive Director
Age: 59

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

Experience:
Before joining the Company, Tony 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.

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 and President 
and Chief Executive Officer of EVI, Inc. (now 
Weatherford International). Prior to this, he held 
positions at Arthur D. Little and Mobil Oil Inc.

10

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Martin Knight
Non-executive Director
Age: 63

Neil Lerner
Non-executive Director
Age: 65

Directorships:
Chairman of Imperial Innovations Group plc and 
Cambridge Mechatronics Limited. Non-executive 
Director of Chrysalis VCT plc and Toumaz Holdings 
Limited. A Trustee of the Royal Institution.

Experience:
Martin was previously a Director of Morgan 
Grenfell & Co Limited and subsequently became 
the principal adviser to South Audley Street 
Investments. He was a governor and council 
member of Imperial College from 1992 to 2010. 

Directorships:
Non-executive Director at the Royal Brompton 
& Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and council 
member of the RNLI and SOAS.

Experience:
Neil retired in September 2006 as Risk 
Management partner for KPMG where he  
had responsibilities for managing all aspects  
of professional risk and reputation. Until 
September 2009 he was Special Advisor to  
KPMG International’s captive insurer. 

Robert Rayne
Non-executive Director
Age: 64

Directorships:
Non-executive Chairman of Derwent London plc 
and a Non-executive Director of Weatherford 
International and Chyron Corporation, 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 Officer of London Merchant Securities plc.

Mark Sebba
Non-executive Director
Age: 64

Directorships:
The Net-a-Porter Group Limited.

Experience:
Mark has been the Chief Executive Officer of The 
Net-a-Porter Group since 2003. Previously he 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. 

11

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial 
Reporting Council in June 2010 (‘the Code’). Copies of the Code are available from the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk. In September 2012 the Financial Reporting Council issued a revised 
version of the UK Corporate Governance Code which will apply to financial periods beginning on or 
after 1 October 2012. The Company will review its practices against the provisions of the new Code when 
preparing its annual report for the year ending 31 December 2013.

This report sets out how the Company has applied the principles set out in 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 all of the provisions of the Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2012, 
except as follows:

•  Robert Rayne served as Chairman of the Company in the period up to 4 January 2012, having previously 

been Chief Executive Officer. On that date he stood down as Chairman, remaining on the Board as 
a Non-executive Director. As a consequence of having previously served as an Executive Director, Mr 
Rayne was entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plans, including the Performance 
Share Plan and the carried interest plans. Details of these arrangements are set out in the Remuneration 
report on pages 21 to 27. 

•  The Board has not appointed a senior independent Non-executive Director following the resignation  

on 4 January 2012 of John Barnsley (who previously held this position). 

•  A formal performance evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual Directors was carried  

out early in 2013 rather than during 2012 and further details are set out on page 15. 

Board of Directors
How the Board Operates
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 currently comprises eight Directors: namely the Non-executive Chairman, five other Non-
executive Directors and two Executive Directors. 

On 4 January 2012, John Barnsley and David Verey, both Non-executive Directors, resigned from the 
Board. Martin Knight and Neil Lerner were appointed as Non-executive Directors on 4 January 2012 and 
Nick Friedlos was appointed as an Executive Director on 9 February 2012. Brief biographies of all of the 
Directors appear on pages 10 and 11. The Board considers that it has an appropriate balance of skills, 
knowledge and experience available to it.

The Chairman’s Role
Richard Christou is the Company’s Non-executive Chairman and he is responsible for the effective running  
of the Board. The Executive Directors are responsible for the executive management and performance of  
the Company’s operations. There is therefore a clear division of responsibilities at the head of the Company.

Executive Directors
During the year under review, no Chief Executive Officer has been appointed. Following the strategic 
changes agreed by shareholders on 30 November 2011, the Board no longer considers it necessary to 
appoint a Chief Executive Officer, in particular because the full Board wishes to participate extensively 
in the realisation of the assets of the Company. In February 2012 the Board appointed Nick Friedlos as 
Executive Director with responsibility for overseeing the orderly realisation of the assets of the Company. 

12

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Non-executive Directors
From time to time during the year the Chairman holds meetings with the Non-executive Directors without 
the Executive Directors being present. There were no matters requiring a meeting of the Non-executive 
Directors without the Chairman being present.

Each Non-executive Director is appointed for a term of three years. Subject to agreement, satisfactory 
performance and re-election by shareholders, their Directorships may be renewed for further terms.  
During the year under review, Martin Knight and Neil Lerner were appointed as Non-executive Directors on 
4 January 2012 and were both re-elected by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held in May 2012. 

Director Independence and Commitment
In the opinion of the Board, the following Non-executive Directors 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: Richard Christou (who was independent upon his 
appointment as Chairman on 4 January 2012), Martin Knight, Neil Lerner and Mark Sebba. In addition, 
John Barnsley and David Verey, who are no longer Directors, were also considered to be independent. 

Robert Rayne and Bernard Duroc-Danner are Directors and shareholders of Weatherford International 
and do not participate in board discussions or decisions concerning the Company’s investment in 
Weatherford International. Notwithstanding this interest, the Board considers Bernard Duroc-Danner to 
be independent in character and judgement. Given his extensive business and energy sector experience, 
he provides a valuable contribution to board discussions and is knowledgeable about the Company’s 
investments and their markets. Robert Rayne is not considered to be independent.

The Board is of the view that the Chairman and each of the Non-executive Directors who held office 
during 2012 committed sufficient time to fulfilling their duties as members of the Board.

Senior Independent Director
Until John Barnsley’s resignation on 4 January 2012, he served as senior independent Non-executive  
Director. Since that date, no senior independent Director has been appointed. The Directors consider that 
the revised composition of the Board provides sufficient channels of communication between the Board and 
shareholders. In particular, the Non-executive Directors appointed on 4 January 2012, each of whom has 
been appointed as a chairman of a board committee, are both independent and are able to fill this role.

Director Re-elections
In accordance with the Code and the Company’s Articles of Association, all Directors are subject to 
election by shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting following their appointment. Thereafter at 
least a third of the Directors on the Board must retire and offer themselves for re-election. Accordingly, 
Richard Christou, Mark Sebba and Antony Sweet will retire at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 
Mr Christou and Mr Sebba have indicated that they will not be offering themselves for re-election; Mr 
Sweet, being eligible, will offer himself for re-election at the meeting. A brief biography for Mr Sweet  
can be found on page 10. 

Following the recent Board performance evaluation, the performance of Mr Sweet is considered to be 
effective and demonstrate commitment to the role. The Board is of the view that it is in the Company’s 
interests that he should be re-elected at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

External Non-executive Directorships
With the Board’s prior agreement, Executive Directors are permitted to accept one external Non-executive 
directorship and may retain any fees received in that role. 

13

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Corporate governance report continued

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. All declared conflicts have been approved by the 
Board. The Company has instituted procedures to ensure that Directors’ outside interests do not give rise 
to conflicts with its operations and strategy.

Board Procedures and Support
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. In 
addition, newly appointed Directors are provided with comprehensive information about the Company 
and its investee companies as part of their induction process. They are also given the opportunity to meet 
investment managers and shareholders and receive a briefing from the Executive Directors. 

Whilst no formal structured continuing professional development programme has been established 
for the Non-executive Directors, every effort is made to ensure that they are fully briefed before Board 
meetings on the Company’s business and its investments. In addition, they receive updates from time 
to time from the Executive Directors on specific topics affecting the Company and from the Company 
Secretary on recent developments in corporate governance and compliance. Each of the Non-executive 
Directors independently ensures that they update their skills and knowledge sufficiently to enable them 
to fulfil their duties appropriately.

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. The Board delegates specific responsibilities to the Audit, Nomination 
and Remuneration Committees, which operate within written terms of reference approved by the Board. 
These committees report regularly to the Board.

Board Meetings
Six scheduled Board meetings were held in 2012. At each scheduled meeting, the Board considers a report 
on current operations and significant business issues, such as major 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 during 
the week before the meeting. 

Attendance at Board Meetings
The following were Directors of the Company during 2012. They attended the following number of 
scheduled meetings of the Board and (where they were members) its committees during the year:

Meetings held

Richard Christou

Bernard Duroc-Danner

Nick Friedlos

Martin Knight

Neil Lerner

Robert Rayne

Mark Sebba

Antony Sweet

John Barnsley

David Verey

Board

Audit

Nomination Remuneration

6

6

4

6

6

6

6

6

6

–

–

3

–

–

–

3

3

–

3

–

–

–

2

2

1

–

2

2

2

2

–

–

–

5

5

–

–

5

–

–

5

–

–

–

Attendances set out above include attendance in person or by telephone or video link. In addition to the 
scheduled Board meetings specified above, the Board held 17 ad-hoc meetings during 2012. 

14

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Board Effectiveness
The Board carried out a board performance evaluation in early 2013. This encompassed a review of the 
performance of the Board, the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees and individual Directors. 
It was conducted internally by the Chairman, supported by Nick Friedlos and the Company Secretary. The 
process involved the distribution of a questionnaire to each Director; the responses were then analysed 
and a report was circulated to the Board. The outcomes of the evaluation were discussed by the Board 
at the March 2013 board meeting and it was agreed that the Board, its committees and the individual 
Directors were operating effectively.

Board Committees
Each Board Committee has established terms of reference detailing its responsibilities and powers.  
These are available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.lmscapital.com. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently comprises: Neil Lerner (Committee Chairman), Martin Knight and 
Mark Sebba. Messrs Knight and Lerner joined the Committee on 4 January 2012. Prior to Neil Lerner’s 
appointment, John Barnsley chaired this committee and was considered by the Board to have recent and 
relevant financial experience for the purpose of the Code. Of the present committee members, Neil Lerner 
is considered by the Board to have recent and relevant financial experience. 

The Chairman of the Committee may invite non-members to attend committee meetings and these typically 
include: a representative of the Company’s external auditor, the Chief Financial Officer and other Directors.

The Audit Committee met three times during 2012. Its role is to assist the Board with the discharge of its 
responsibilities in relation to the Company and Group financial statements including internal controls and 
external audits. 

Additionally, the Audit Committee keeps under review the conduct of the external audit and its 
effectiveness. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding the re-appointment  
or removal of the external auditor, 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 auditor.

A policy regarding the engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit services is in place. The 
policy recognises the importance of maintaining the objectivity and independence of the external auditor 
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 auditor 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 
2012, KPMG provided non-audit services on accounting issues and in connection with the tender offer in 
November 2012. The fees paid to them for this work were £40,000 (2011: £27,000). 

The Audit Committee also monitors the Company’s whistleblowing policy. Since his appointment on  
4 January 2012, Neil Lerner has acted as the contact for staff who may have a concern that they cannot 
raise under their normal chain of management. John Barnsley had previously fulfilled this role.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee currently comprises: Richard Christou, who chairs the Committee, Bernard 
Duroc-Danner, Martin Knight, Neil Lerner, Robert Rayne and Mark Sebba. Martin Knight and Neil Lerner 
joined the Committee on 4 January 2012. John Barnsley and David Verey served as members of this 
Committee until their resignations on 4 January 2012. 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 
arises. 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. 

15

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Corporate governance report continued

In the process by which Martin Knight and Neil Lerner were appointed, an external executive search 
consultant was engaged and, prior to the decision being taken, there was an opportunity for other 
Directors to meet the proposed candidates. These appointments were handled by the Special Committee 
appointed on 24 November 2011, rather than by the Nomination Committee, in line with the delegation 
to that committee of certain specific duties by the Board following the change in strategic direction 
approved by shareholders on 30 November 2011. In reviewing potential candidates, Directors took into 
account the need to consider the benefits of diversity on the Board and considered applicants from 
diverse backgrounds. 

When considering succession planning, the Committee looks at the balance, structure and composition of 
the Board and takes into account the future challenges and opportunities facing the Company. In light of 
the Company’s realisation strategy agreed in November 2011, the Committee has not during the course 
of 2012 conducted a further review of its executive succession plan. The Nomination Committee normally 
meets as required, but at least once each year. During 2012, the Committee met twice, dealing with the 
appointment of new Directors and officers and the composition of the Board and its Committees.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises: Martin Knight, who chairs the Committee, Richard 
Christou and Mark Sebba. Martin Knight joined the Committee on 4 January 2012 and was appointed 
Committee Chairman in place of Richard Christou with effect from 10 February 2012. John Barnsley and 
David Verey served as members of this Committee until their resignations on 4 January 2012.

Further information about the Remuneration Committee is set out in the Remuneration report on  
pages 21 to 27. 

Other Committees
In addition to the principal Board Committees described above, the Special Committee was established 
as a formal committee of the Board on 24 November 2011. Its members were: Mark Sebba, who chaired 
the Committee, Richard Christou and Robert Rayne. Its remit included conducting the search for and 
appointing two new Non-executive Directors, and reviewing the executive management team in the 
context of the revised investment strategy. These duties having been completed, the Committee was 
dissolved on 4 January 2012.

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 at least once a year 
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 business are delegated 
to the Executive Director with responsibility for overseeing the orderly realisation of the assets of the 
Company 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.

16

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Policies and procedures, which are subject to ongoing review and updated as required, are communicated 
across the Company and designed to ensure that 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.

The Company has no internal audit department, relying on in-house resource and external advisers to gain 
comfort on internal controls. 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. 

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 2012 and up to the date of this report. During 2012 the Audit 
Committee regularly reviewed the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control 
systems. 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 risks potentially facing the Group can be found on 
pages 19 and 20.

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 Annual General Meeting as an occasion to communicate with all 
shareholders, including private investors, who are provided with the opportunity to question the 
Directors. At the Annual General Meeting 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. The chairmen of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees are available to answer questions from shareholders and all Directors attend.

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 32, their 
responsibility for preparing the financial statements of the Company and the Group. The external auditor 
has included, in the independent auditor’s report set out on pages 33 and 34, 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, the Company produces two interim 
management statements, usually in May and November, which provide an unaudited quarterly review of 
the Company’s financial position.

17

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Corporate governance report continued

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 6. The financial position of 
the Company, its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Financial review on pages 7 to 9. 

On 30 November 2011 the shareholders approved a change in the investment policy of the Company with 
the objective of conducting an orderly realisation of the assets of the Company in a manner that seeks to 
achieve a balance between an efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of the 
Company’s investments. As the Directors intend to liquidate the Company following the realisation and 
settlement of the remaining net assets, which may be over a number of years, the consolidated financial 
statements have not been prepared on a going concern basis. 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 for the foreseeable future.

Richard Christou
Chairman

18 March 2013

18

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 derives from 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. 
The Board has taken into account the impact of the change in strategy agreed at the general meeting 
on 30 November 2011 in assessing the risks which could have a material effect on the achievement of the 
Group’s revised objectives. This change has principally impacted communication with stakeholders and 
counterparties and staff retention and incentivisaton (see further details below). The Board is satisfied 
that the Group’s risk management process is appropriate in the context of the revised 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 market demands of the sectors in which its 
investments operate) which may negatively impact the performance and growth rates of the Company’s 
investments, 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.

A lack of liquidity in the capital markets could mean that the Company may not be able to realise its 
investments in line with planned timings and values. This could impact the timing and amount of capital 
returned to shareholders under the Company’s asset realisation strategy. Difficulties could arise in 
agreeing the Company’s plans to realise investments with investee companies’ management and investing 
partners leading to realisations being lower and/or later than planned. 

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 underlying economic conditions) cannot be ascertained 
with certainty. We rely on our detailed budgeting and forecasting procedures to ensure that the 
cash requirements of the Group are met. The Board regularly reviews the Company’s working capital 
requirements and believes it has sufficient liquid resources to meet its expected cash obligations for the 
foreseeable future. 

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. It is the Board’s current policy not to hedge the Company’s underlying non-sterling investments.

19

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Principal risks and uncertainties continued

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. The monitoring of this exposure is included in the Group’s 
budgeting and forecasting procedures referred to above.

Investment risk
The Group’s investment risk arises as a result of individual investment decisions and the performance of 
its investments. Our investment management process requires regular monitoring 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 including an 
update on expected realisation timing and value. 

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 Company has 
instituted procedures to ensure that Directors’ outside interests do not give rise to conflicts with its 
operations and strategy.

The ability to access and attract people with the appropriate skills is of fundamental importance to the 
Group’s strategy, since failure to do so could adversely affect investment returns. Headcount changes and/
or reductions as a result of cost saving measures require careful management to minimise their impact on 
the Group’s investment management processes.

20

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 2012. The report has been 
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”) and the UK Corporate Governance Code 
issued by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2010 (“the Code”). 

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 2012” is subject to audit by the 
Company’s auditor. 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 Company’s remuneration strategy and policies 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 current members of the Committee are: Martin Knight (Committee Chairman), Richard Christou and 
Mark Sebba. John Barnsley and David Verey resigned from the Committee when they resigned as Directors 
on 4 January 2012. Martin Knight was appointed a member of the Committee on that date and became 
Chairman of the Committee at the conclusion of its meeting on 9 February 2012. Richard Christou served 
as Committee Chairman until Martin Knight’s appointment as Committee Chairman. 

Under the Code and the terms of reference of the Committee, at least two independent Non-executive 
Directors must serve on the Committee. Martin Knight and Mark Sebba are considered by the Board 
to be independent Non-executive Directors. The Committee invites Executive Directors to attend 
Committee meetings when appropriate in order to provide a management perspective on all aspects  
of employee compensation.

The Committee takes advice, where it considers it appropriate, on technical aspects of compensation 
policy from independent external consultants appointed by the Committee. Clifford Chance has advised 
the Committee on matters from time to time during the year.

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:

•  base salary, payable in cash;

•  benefits-in-kind;

•  bonus;

•  long-term incentives; and

•  carried interest.

21

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Remuneration report continued

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

•  directly linked to the Company’s overall performance;

•  based upon individual and business contribution;

•  aligned to the requirements of the Company’s realisation strategy; and

•  market competitive.

The Committee reviews remuneration policy on a regular basis. 

During the year the Committee considered alternative incentive arrangements to align management’s 
interests with those of shareholders in the wind-down process. The Committee’s conclusion is that the 
annual bonus, with objectives set year by year around realisations and distributions to shareholders, 
provides an adequate incentive mechanism.

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 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. As noted above, bonuses will be determined by reference to levels of realisations and distributions 
to shareholders. 

Share-based incentives The Committee has determined that in the context of a realisation strategy, share-
based awards are not an effective form of incentive. Accordingly no further awards are proposed under 
the existing share incentive plans. The schemes in operation during 2012 are described below. 

Deferred share bonus plan
This Plan, which has been approved by shareholders, was established as an inducement to recruitment for 
key executives of the Company. Participants may receive only one grant; no awards were made under this 
plan in 2012. The performance condition attaching to awards made under this Plan 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. However, 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.

Mr Sweet was granted an award of 100,000 shares under the Plan on 13 April 2010. The performance 
condition for the first release was satisfied and 33,333 shares with a market value of £20,000 were 
released on 13 April 2011 and remain outstanding at 31 December 2012. The performance condition for 
the second and third releases was not satisfied and the related share awards lapsed during 2011 and 2012. 

22

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Executive share option plan
The Company has a share option plan that entitles Executive Directors and 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. At 31 December 2012 there were no option grants outstanding under this 
plan (2011: nil). 

Performance share plan
The rules of this Plan, which have been approved by shareholders, permit an annual award of performance 
shares 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. 

Awards granted in 2009 have lapsed since the performance conditions were not met. For awards granted 
in 2010 and onwards, the performance conditions are that, for 25% of the total award to vest, Total 
Shareholder Return 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 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. However, 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 of shares in the form of nil-cost options which remain outstanding are as follows:

Robert Rayne

Antony Sweet

Number of shares

Grant date

Total

Lapsed

Outstanding

Release date

Expiry date

13 April 2010

11 April 2011

13 April 2010

11 April 2011

683,451

509,298

259,789

252,111

512,588

170,863

13 April 2013

12 April 2020

–

509,298

11 April 2014

10 April 2021

194,842

64,947

13 April 2013

12 April 2020

–

252,111

11 April 2014

10 April 2021

There were no releases of performance share awards in 2012 (2011: nil). 

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

For the 2009 and previous pools, carried interest will be payable in respect of pre-tax net 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 the 2010 and subsequent pools, carried interest will be payable in respect of pre-tax net gains on 
investments, after a hurdle of 8% is reached, which is more usual practice in the private equity sector. The 
percentage of eligible gains which may be allocated to participants in aggregate may not exceed 20%. 
Participants are allocated a proportion of the 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 any participant who ceases to be an employee.

23

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 for the five 
year period ended 31 December 2012 compared with that of the FTSE All-Share Index.

Total Shareholder Return graph since 1 January 2008 

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

–– LMS Capital TSR

–– FTSE All-Share Index TSR

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 
states that it will terminate on the Director reaching age 65.

The following table provides details of the Executive Directors’ service contracts:

Date of 
appointment

Date of 
contract

Nick Friedlos

Antony Sweet

9 February 2012 21 March 2012

6 April 2006 14 March 2007

Notes:

1.  Each of these contracts is a rolling contract.

Notice period from Company

12 months until December 2013, reducing 
in stages to 6 months by June 2014

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.

24

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 current Non-executive Directors’ letters of appointment: 

Richard Christou

Bernard Duroc-Danner

Martin Knight

Neil Lerner

Robert Rayne

Mark Sebba

Date of appointment

Date of expiry of current term

7 April 2006

7 April 2006

4 January 2012

4 January 2012

6 April 2006

28 September 2010

11 May 2014

13 May 2013

17 May 2015 

17 May 2015 

1 October 2013

11 May 2014

Mr Christou and Mr Sebba, who retire by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, have 
indicated that they will not be standing for re-election.

Fees for Non-executive Directors are determined 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 fees for Non-executive Directors, which are non-pensionable, were:

•  Chairman:  

•  Audit Committee Chairman:  

•  Remuneration Committee Chairman: 

£100,000

£45,000

£45,000

•  Non-executive not chairing a committee:  

£40,000

Mr Rayne was an Executive Director from 6 April 2006 to 1 October 2010, whereupon he became Non-
executive Chairman. Under Mr Rayne’s letter of appointment as Non-executive Chairman, he participated 
in the carried interest plan and share option schemes up to the end of 2011, and was entitled to cover 
under the Company’s various insurance policies. The other Non-executive Directors do not participate in 
the Company’s incentive plans or share schemes or other benefits. 

With effect from 4 January 2012, Mr Rayne stepped down as Chairman, remaining a Non-executive 
Director. His fee has reduced accordingly, although he continues to be entitled to cover under the 
Company’s various insurance policies. He also has a consulting agreement with the Company to provide 
advice in connection with the Company’s realisation plans. He is entitled to a fee of £60,000 per annum 
under this consultancy arrangement. 

25

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Remuneration report continued

Directors’ remuneration in 2012
The following table shows the total remuneration earned in respect of 2012. 

Salary/Fees 
£’000

Benefits 
-in-kind 
£’000

Pension 
£’000

Bonus 
£’000

Long-term 
incentives 
£’000

Richard Christou

Bernard Duroc-Danner

Nicholas Friedlos

Neil Lerner

Martin Knight

Robert Rayne 

Mark Sebba

Antony Sweet

John Barnsley

Glenn Payne

David Verey

Total

Notes:

100

40

196

45

45

40

40

215

–

–

–

721

–

–

2

–

–

10

–

12

–

–

–

24

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

32

–

–

–

32

2012 
Total 
£’000

100

40

330

45

45

1,091

40

529

–

–

–

2011 
Total 
£’000

45

40

–

–

–

420

40

458

45

946

40

–

–

132

–

–

–

–

129

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,041

–

141

–

–

–

261

1,182

2,220

2,034

1  Benefits-in-kind shown above are insurances and subsidised gym membership.

2  Long-term incentives relate to the Company’s carried interest plans and the figure represents the amount attributable to each Director 
of the increase in obligation recognised by the Company. Although recognised in the accounts and disclosed on an accruals basis, these 
amounts will only be paid to the Directors when the underlying investments to which they relate are sold. The eventual amount paid 
could be lower or higher than the above estimate according to proceeds received. No carried interest payments were made to Directors in 
the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011: £nil). The 2011 comparative total has been adjusted to include £300,000 in respect of Mr Rayne’s 
interest in the carried interest plans.

3  In addition, Mr Rayne has a consulting agreement with the Company under which he received a fee of £60,000 in 2012 (2011: nil). 

Fees payable in respect of Executive Directors serving as Non-executive Directors of companies to which 
they were nominated by the Company are not retained by them, but paid to the Company. 

In setting Executive Directors’ salaries for 2012, the Committee took into account current economic and 
market factors as well as the salaries and benefits received by other employees of the Company.

Directors’ pension entitlements
Mr Sweet receives contributions into a personal pension arrangement of 15% of base salary. 

26

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Directors’ share interests
The beneficial interests of those Directors who held office at 31 December 2012 in the ordinary shares  
of the Company are set out below. 

Richard Christou

Bernard Duroc-Danner

Nicholas Friedlos

Neil Lerner 

Robert Rayne

Mark Sebba

Antony Sweet

At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2011

169,965

447,570

42,404

28,262

6,766,987

173,486

42,650

169,965

550,800

11,702

–

8,208,356

210,000

51,702

In addition, Robert Rayne holds a non-beneficial interest in 17,719,153 ordinary shares held in trust.

Except as stated above:

•  no changes in the above Directors’ interests have taken place between 31 December 2012 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.

Martin Knight
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

18 March 2013

27

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Directors’ report

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended  
31 December 2012.

Principal Activities
LMS Capital plc is an international investment Company whose shares are traded on the London Stock 
Exchange. The investment portfolio comprises publicly quoted and private company investments in both 
the UK and the US held directly and through funds.

On 30 November 2011, shareholders approved a change in the investment policy of the Company with 
the objective of conducting an orderly realisation of the assets of the Company in a manner that seeks to 
achieve a balance between an efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of the 
Company’s investments. As the Directors intend to liquidate the Company following the realisation and 
settlement of the remaining net assets, which may be over a number of years, they have not prepared the 
financial statements on a going concern basis. The effect of this is explained in note 1 to the consolidated 
financial information.

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, which are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this report:

•  Operating review on pages 4 to 6;

•  Financial review on pages 7 to 9;

•  Corporate governance report on pages 12 to 18;

•  Principal risks and uncertainties on pages 19 and 20;

•  Remuneration report on pages 21 to 27; and

•  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities on page 32.

Corporate Social Responsibility 
The Group has considered its social, environmental and ethical risks and found none to be material. 
Furthermore, 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 2012, was 303 
(31 December 2011: 243), including 11 (31 December 2011: 13) in the investment management business. 
Employees are kept informed about significant business issues and performance by means of meetings, 
email updates and other in-house communications. 

Should an LMS Capital employee become disabled while in the Company’s employment, 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.

Environment 
The Group ensures that it reduces its environmental impact wherever possible. 

The Company occupies premises which are modern and energy efficient. Under the lease for these 
premises the Company and its landlord have agreed to devise and comply with an energy management 
plan; to operate initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste; and to maintain and share data about 
energy and resource consumption to ensure that the premises are used in accordance with the energy 
management plan and in a way which improves energy efficiency.

28

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Office waste is recycled and segregated wherever possible, and staff are made aware of the importance of 
recycling. The Company will continue to endeavour to increase the proportion of waste recycled during 2013.

The majority of the Company’s employees travel to the office using public transport and video 
conferencing facilities are available to reduce business travel where possible. 

Charitable donations
The Group did not make any charitable donations during 2012 (2011: £nil). However the Company does 
provide without charge office accommodation and services within its premises for The Rayne Foundation 
(www.raynefoundation.org.uk). The estimated monetary value of this in 2012 was £51,000 (2011: £44,000). 

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. It does this within four sectors: the Arts; Education; Health & Medicine; 
and Social Welfare & Development. 

In addition, the Company 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 employers 
and colleagues. 

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations during 2012 (2011: £nil).

Creditor Payment Policy
The Company’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 2012, trade creditors 
of the Company had an average of approximately 31 days outstanding (31 December 2011: 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, or which effect, alter or terminate upon a change in control of the Company 
following a takeover bid. The Company’s share incentive plans contain provisions relating to a change of 
control. Outstanding options and awards normally vest and become exercisable on a change of control, 
subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time.

Related Party Transactions
In January 2011, the Company moved office to 100 George Street, London W1U 8NU. Robert Rayne is 
 Non-executive Chairman of Derwent London plc, which is the landlord of this property. 

Dividends
The Board has decided not to recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2012 (2011: £nil).

Directors
The names and biographical details of the current Directors of the Company are given on pages 10 and 11.  
In addition, further information about the Board is set out in the Corporate governance report on pages 
12 to 18. 

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 21 to 27. The  
Company maintains Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and provides the Directors and officers  
with a qualifying third party indemnity within the limits permitted by the Companies Act 2006. 

29

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Directors’ report continued

The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company subject to the provisions of relevant legislation 
and the Company’s Articles of Association. The powers set out in the Articles of Association include those 
in relation to the issue and buyback of shares.

Tender Offer and Shares in Issue
At a meeting of shareholders on 30 November 2011, shareholders approved an orderly realisation of the 
assets of the Company in a manner that seeks to achieve a balance between an efficient return of cash 
to shareholders and maximising the value of the Company’s investments. As part of this strategy, on 
2 November 2012 the Company published a circular to shareholders setting out details of a tender offer 
to return up to £40 million to shareholders. The tender offer was approved by shareholders at a general 
meeting of the Company held on 29 November 2012. The results of the tender offer were announced on 
30 November 2012. As a result, 47,618,864 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (with a nominal 
value of £4,761,886.40) were purchased by the Company through its brokers. These shares were then 
cancelled, reducing the Company’s issued share capital from 273,863,838 ordinary shares to 226,244,974 
ordinary shares. The tender offer price was set at 84 pence and the total value of all ordinary shares 
purchased was £40 million. 

At 31 December 2012, the Company’s issued share capital remains at 226,244,974 ordinary shares of 10 pence 
each. There has been no change in the issued share capital between the year end and the date of this report.

Voting Rights
Each share carries one vote. No shares are currently held in treasury. There are no restrictions on the 
transfer of shares.

Substantial Shareholdings
As at 31 December 2012, the Company had been advised of the following significant direct and indirect 
interests in the issued share capital of the Company. No further notifications have been received as at the 
date of this report. 

Name of Shareholder

Schroders plc

Trustees of Lord Rayne’s Will Trust

Robert Rayne 1,2

Lady Jane Rayne 1

Asset Value Investors

Jupiter Asset Management Ltd 3

Mantra Investissement SCA

British Empire Securities & General Trust plc

Taube Hodson & Stonex Partners LLP

Notes:

Percentage of 
issued share capital

13.19

13.01

10.82

9.89

8.96

7.84

5.58

5.50

4.52

1. There are common interests in certain of these shares, which are held within charitable trusts.

2. Robert Rayne holds a non-beneficial interest in 17,719,153 ordinary shares held in trust and a personal interest in 6,766,987 ordinary shares.

3. Part of this holding (comprising 5.33% of the issued share capital) is managed by Jupiter Asset Management Ltd on behalf of The Rayne 

Foundation, which controls the voting rights attached to these shares.

30

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be held at The Royal Society of Medicine at 1 Wimpole 
Street, London W1G 0AE at 3.00 p.m. on 20 May 2013. 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 at www.lmscapital.com.

Auditor and Disclosure of Information to Auditor
The auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, has indicated their willingness to continue in office and resolutions will be 
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to re-appoint them as auditor and to authorise the 
Directors to fix their remuneration.

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 Section 418 (3) of the Companies Act 2006) 
of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps that ought to have 
been taken as a Director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

By order of the Board.

Antony Sweet 
Company Secretary

18 March 2013

31

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the annual report and the financial statements

The Directors who served during the year ended 31 December 2012 and to the date of this annual report 
are as set out on pages 10 and 11. 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 will continue in business. As explained in note 1 to the consolidated financial information, 
the Directors do not believe that it is appropriate to prepare these financial statements on a going 
concern basis. 

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

Nick Friedlos 
Director  

Antony Sweet
Chief Financial Officer

18 March 2013

32

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012 
 
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 2012 set 
out on pages 35 to 76. 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. These financial statements have not been prepared on the going concern basis for 
the reason set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

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

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities set out on page 32, 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 2012 and of the Group’s loss 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.

33

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 28, in relation to going concern;

•  the part of the Corporate governance report on pages 12 to 18 in this Annual Report relating to  

the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified  
for our review; and

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

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

18 March 2013

34

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Consolidated income statement 

Year ended 
31 December 2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 2011 
£’000

Notes

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

Operating expenses
(Loss)/profit before finance costs
Finance costs
Loss before tax
Taxation
Loss from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations (net of taxation)
(Loss)/profit for the year

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

(Loss)/earnings per ordinary share – basic
(Loss)/earnings per ordinary share – diluted

Continuing operations
Loss per ordinary share – basic
Loss per ordinary share – diluted

2
2
3
4
4

5

7

8

9

10
10

10
10

60,762
(9,472)
88
130
308
51,816
(62,752)
(10,936)
(758)
(11,694)
(1,201)
(12,895)

–
(12,895)

(12,951)
56

(12,895)

(4.8)p
(4.8)p

(4.8)p
(4.8)p

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

47,334
7,912
65
801
360
56,472
(55,903)
569
(941)
(372)
(595)
(967)

2,232
1,265

561
704

1,265

0.2p
0.2p

(0.6)p
(0.6)p

35

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

(Loss)/profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the year

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

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

Year ended 
31 December 2012 
£’000
(12,895)
(917)
(13,812)

Year ended 
31 December 2011 
£’000
1,265
216
1,481

(13,401)
(411)
(13,812)

777
704
1,481

36

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Consolidated statement of financial position

Notes

31 December 2012 
£’000

31 December 2011 
£’000

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

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

Provisions and other long-term liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Merger reserve

Foreign exchange translation reserve

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

17

19

20

21

22

22

7,367

36,694

144,419

73

188,553

1,975

14,751

26,832

43,558

6,931

33,381

185,201

20

225,533

200

14,881

34,858

49,939

232,111

275,472

(3,712)

(17,482)

(8,758)

(1,055)

(31,007)

(11,621)

(1,990)

(200)

(1,723)

(15,534)

(46,541)

(2,420)

(10,163)

(7,221)

(1,406)

(21,210)

(9,406)

(1,777)

(469)

(2,222)

(13,874)

(35,084)

185,570

240,388

22,625

508

10,397

84,083

665

64,642

182,920

2,650

185,570

27,268

17

5,635

84,083

1,115

118,794

236,912

3,476

240,388 

The financial statements on pages 35 to 76 were approved by the Board on 18 March 2013 and were 
signed on its behalf by:

Nick Friedlos
Director

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

37

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012 
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

Operating and other payables

Amounts payable to subsidiaries

Current liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Notes

31 December 2012 
£’000

31 December 2011 
£’000

11

13

15

15

16

18

18

22

22

633

281,801

282,434

156

15,862

5,535

21,553

759

281,801

282,560

179

23,766

10,650

34,595

303,987

317,155

(1,960)

(108,641)

(110,601)

193,386

22,625

508

10,397

159,856

193,386

(3,485)

(94,557)

(98,042)

219,113

27,268

17

5,635

186,193

219,113

The financial statements on pages 35 to 76 were approved by the Board on 18 March 2013 and were 
signed on its behalf by:

Nick Friedlos
Director

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

.

38

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Statements of changes in equity

Group

Share 
capital 
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

Translation 
reserve 
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Non–
controlling 
interests 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Total 
equity 
£’000

Balance at  
1 January 2011

27,265

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

Profit for the year 

Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operations 

Changes in 
ownership interests

Acquisition of  
non-controlling 
interest with a 
change in control

Transactions with 
owners, recorded 
directly in equity

Distributions to non-
controlling interests

Share-based 
payments

Shares issued  
in the year

–

–

–

–

–

3

Balance at  
31 December 2011

27,268

Total comprehensive 
income for the year

Loss for the year 

Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operations 

Transactions with 
owners, recorded 
directly in equity

Distributions to non-
controlling interests

Share-based 
payments 

–

–

–

–

Repurchase of shares

(4,762)

–

–

–

–

–

–

17

17

–

–

–

–

–

Share options 
exercised in the year

Balance at  
31 December 2012

5,635

84,083

899

117,827

235,709

3,121

238,830

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

561

561

704

1,265

216

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

216

–

216

–

–

233

233

(582)

(582)

406

406

–

20

–

–

406

20

5,635

84,083

1,115

118,794

236,912

3,476

240,388

–

–

–

–

4,762

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(12,951)

(12,951)

56

(12,895)

(450)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(450)

(467)

(917)

–

(415)

(415)

(109)

(109)

(40,482)

(40,482)

(610)

–

–

–

–

(109)

(40,482)

–

119

491

–

22,625

508

10,397

84,083

665

64,642

182,920

2,650

185,570

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

39

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Statements of changes in equity continued

Company

Balance at 1 January 2011

Total comprehensive income  
for the year

Loss for the year 

Transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity

Share-based payments 

Shares issued in the year

Share 
capital
 £’000

27,265

–

–

3

Balance at 31 December 2011

27,268

Total comprehensive income  
for the year

Loss for the year

Dividends received

Transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity

Share-based payments 

Repurchase of shares

Share options exercised in the year

Balance at 31 December 2012

–

–

–

(4,762)

119

22,625

Share 
premium 
£’000

–

–

–

17

17

–

–

–

–

491

508

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000

5,635

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

191,757

Total 
equity 
£’000

224,657

–

–

–

(5,970)

(5,970)

406

–

406

20

5,635

186,193

219,113

–

–

–

4,762

–

10,397

(4,045)

18,909

(4,045)

18,909

(109)

(109)

(40,482)

(40,482)

(610)

–

159,856

193,386

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

40

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Consolidated cash flow statement 

Cash flows from operating activities

(Loss)/profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Losses/(gains) on investments

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax

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 from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of deferred installation asset

Disposals of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed of

Acquisition of investments

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from sale of investments

Net cash from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of new shares

Repurchase of own shares

Drawdown of interest bearing loans

Repayment of interest bearing loans

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests

Net cash used in financing activities

5

9

23

11

12

9

13

25

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

16

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

Year ended 
31 December 2012
 £’000

Year ended 
31 December 2011
 £’000

Notes

(12,895)

1,265

3,742

9,472

–

134

(109)

758

(88)

1,201

2,215

(1,775)

130

4,323

4,893

(758)

(1,552)

2,583

88

(3,690)

(4,416)

79

–

(7,264)

–

42,500

27,297

–

(40,482)

4,303

(796)

(415)

(37,390)

(7,510)

34,858

(516)

26,832

3,505

(7,912)

(3,300)

557

406

941

(65)

595

(4,008)

1,537

(2,860)

4,563

(768)

(941)

(1,458)

(3,167)

65

(2,628)

(2,365)

39

1,079

(15,398)

(2,651)

57,967

36,108

20

–

7,919

(18,685)

(582)

(11,328)

21,613

13,229

16

34,858

41

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Year ended 
31 December 2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 2011 
£’000

Notes

(4,045)

(5,970)

11

23

138

(109)

(71)

(4,087)

23

(1,525)

21,988

16,399

71

18,909

(12)

–

18,968

–

(40,482)

–

(40,482)

(5,115)

10,650

5,535

141

406

(48)

(5,471)

19

1,193

27,004

22,745

48

–

(585)

24

(513)

20

–

(14,281)

(14,261)

7,971

2,679

10,650

Company cash flow statement 

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Share-based payments

Interest income

Change in operating and other receivables

Change in operating and other payables

Change in amounts due to subsidiaries

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Dividends received from subsidiaries 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of new shares

Repurchase of own shares

Repayment of interest bearing loans

Net cash used in 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

16

The notes on pages 43 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

42

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 2012 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.

On 30 November 2011 shareholders approved a change in the investment policy of the Company with 
the objective of conducting an orderly realisation of the assets of the Company in a manner that seeks to 
achieve a balance between an efficient return of cash to shareholders and maximising the value of the 
Company’s investments. As the Directors intend to liquidate the Company following the realisation and 
settlement of the remaining net assets, which may be over a number of years, these consolidated financial 
statements have not been prepared on a going concern basis. 

On 31 October 2012, the International Accounting Standards Board issued Investment Entities 
(amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27). These amendments provide an exception to existing IFRS 10 
consolidation requirements, and require investment entities to measure certain subsidiaries at fair value 
through the profit or loss account rather than consolidating, as currently required. The amendments also 
set out certain disclosure requirements for investment entities. 

The Directors believe that the Company meets the Investment Entity criteria. The standard and its 
amendments are not to be adopted until EU adoption, which is expected in 2013. It is not possible to  
early adopt these amendments.

The Group’s business activities and financial position are set out in the Operating and Financial reviews on 
pages 4 to 9. In addition Note 24 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 for the foreseeable future.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 18 March 2013. 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently for all periods. 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for investments which  
are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the consolidated income statement.

43

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued

1. Principal accounting policies continued
Changes in accounting policy and disclosure
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial 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 on-going 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; and

•  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 2012. 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 31 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. 

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.

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

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 consolidated statement of financial position 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.

44

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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.

Business combinations
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Business combinations 
are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which 
control is transferred to the Group. 

Acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010
For acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

•  the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 

•  the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

•  the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

•  the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in the income statement.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities,  
are expensed as incurred.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. 
Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the 
income statement.

On a transaction-by-transaction basis, the Group elects to measure non-controlling interests either at its 
fair value or at its proportionate interest in the recognised amount of the identifiable net assets of the 
acquiree at the acquisition date.

Acquisitions before 1 January 2010
For acquisitions before 1 January 2010, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over 
the Group’s interest in the recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When the excess was negative, a bargain purchase gain was 
recognised immediately in the income statement.

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group 
incurred in connection with business combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of the acquisition.

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.

45

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 20121. Principal accounting policies continued
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 installments over their useful economic lives.

Deferred Installation asset
These are costs related to installation or acquisition of a distribution infrastructure for electric and/or 
water utilities for a designated housing community.

Such costs are amortised on a straight line basis over the guaranteed service contract period. 

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 
statement of financial position at fair value. Other investments including loan investments are classified as 
loans and receivables and carried in the statement of financial position 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 judgments 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.

Quoted investments
Quoted investments for which an active market exists are valued at the closing bid price at the reporting 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;

46

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued•  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 

•  Fixtures and fittings 

3 – 10 years

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 in the Group’s statement of financial position.

47

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012 
 
 
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 income statement. 

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 
income statement.

48

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued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.

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. 
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.

49

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 20121. Principal accounting policies continued
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. 

Installation fees are separated from the maintenance fees and are recognised as performance occurs. 
Consideration accrues as contract activity progresses by reference to the value of the work performed. 
Hence, revenue in respect of service contracts represents the cost appropriate to the stage of completion 
of each contract plus attributable profits, less amounts recognised in previous years where relevant.

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 income statement 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.

50

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued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 income statement 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.

Income tax expense
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the income 
statement 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.

51

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012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 standalone 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.

Segment profit or loss

Year ended 31 December 2012

Reconciliation

Investment 
management
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries
£’000

Consolidation 
adjustments
£’000

Revenues from sales of goods and services

–

60,762

Gains and losses on investments

Interest income

Dividend income

Other income from investments

(7,221)

75

130

1,029

–

13

–

229

–

(2,251)

–

–

(950)

Group 
total
£’000

60,762

(9,472)

88

130

308

Finance costs

–

(2,373)

1,615

(758)

Profit/(loss) for the year

(12,211)

435

(1,119)

(12,895)

Reconciliation

Investment 
management
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries
£’000

Discontinued 
operations
£’000

Consolidation 
adjustments
£’000

Group 
total
£’000

47,334

7,912

65

801

360

–

(822)

–

–

(2,504)

2,319

(941)

(645)

–

(645)

(967)

2,232

1,265

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,232

2,232

Year ended 31 December 2011 

Revenues from sales of goods and services

Gains and losses on investments

Interest income

Dividend income

Other income from investments

–

8,734

54

801

2,861

47,334

–

11

–

3

Finance costs

(179)

(3,081)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Profit/(loss) for the year

(434)

–

(434)

112

–

112

52

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedSegment net assets

31 December 2012

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

Reconciliation

Investment 
management
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries 
£’000

Consolidation 
adjustments 
£’000

Group total
£’000

633

–

179,299

–

6,734

20,809

–

73

–

15,885

(34,880)

–

7,367

36,694

144,419

73

179,932

27,616

(18,995)

188,553

20,117

1,114

6,715

15,653

–

(41)

26,832

16,726

201,163

49,984

(19,036)

232,111

(9,057)

(56,599)

19,115

(46,541)

Net assets/(liabilities)

192,106

(6,615)

79

185,570

31 December 2011

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

Reconciliation

Investment 
management
£’000

Portfolio 
subsidiaries 
£’000

Consolidation 
adjustments 
£’000

Group total
£’000

759

–

218,476

–

6,172

17,369

–

20

–

16,012

(33,275)

–

6,931

33,381

185,201

20

219,235

23,561

(17,263)

225,533

30,602

2,516

4,256

12,629

–

(64)

34,858

15,081

252,353

40,446

(17,327)

275,472

(7,360)

(46,775)

19,051

(35,084)

Net assets/(liabilities)

244,993

(6,329)

1,724

240,388

The net asset value of the investment management business at 31 December 2012 and at 31 December 2011 
is wholly attributable to the equity holders of the parent.

53

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 20122. Operating segments continued
The carrying amount and gains 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

31 December 2012

31 December 2011

UK
£’000

29,879

1,014

47,476

78,369

US
£’000

46,638

16,114

38,178

Total
£’000

76,517

17,128

85,654

100,930

179,299

UK
£’000

32,610

860

42,570

76,040

US
£’000

72,361

23,339

46,736

142,436

Year ended 31 December 2012

Year ended 31 December 2011

Realised 
gains/(losses)
£’000

Unrealised 
gains/(losses)
£’000

(100)

34

(968)

(1,034)

(1,195)

(6,351)

1,359

(6,187)

Total
£’000

(1,295)

(6,317)

391

(7,221)

Realised 
gains/(losses)
£’000

Unrealised 
gains/(losses)
£’000

719

5,758

(119)

6,358

2,748

(13,486)

13,114

2,376

Total
£’000

104,971

24,199

89,306

218,476

Total
£’000

3,467

(7,728)

12,995

8,734

Unrealised gains/(losses) include a charge of £3.1 million (2011: £0.4 million) in respect of the Group’s 
carried interest plans.

Revenues
The Group’s revenues from external customers comprise:

Continuing operations

IT services and software

Energy and related services

Geographical information

Continuing operations

United Kingdom

United States of America

Other countries

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000 

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

44,650

16,112

60,762

34,419

12,915

47,334

Revenues

Non-current assets

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

31 December 
2012 
£’000

31 December 
2011 
£’000

38,782

18,095

3,885

60,762

28,810

15,200

3,324

47,334

75,576

112,977

–

75,278

150,255

–

188,553

225,533

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

54

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedMajor customers
No single customer contributed more than 10% of the Group’s total revenues in either 2012 or 2011. 

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

Dividends from unquoted securities

Dividends from funds

Investment management fees

Income from investments

Other

5. Operating expenses

Cost of sales

Administrative expenses

Operating expenses include the following:

Depreciation

Intangible asset amortisation

Operating lease expense

Non-recurring costs

Auditor’s remuneration:

Fees to Group auditor:

– parent company

– subsidiary companies

Non-audit related services:

– taxation advisory services

Fees to other auditors (non KPMG)

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011
£’000

10

120

–

75

233

–

438

7

724

70

128

47

185

1,161

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

31,292

31,460

62,752

23,358

32,545

55,903

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

3,177

565

1,094

864

115

216

27

157

3,174

365

1,035

5,020

75

138

27

197

Non-recurring costs comprise £nil (2011: £1.6 million) of one-off charges for professional fees incurred 
in relation to the change in investment policy of the Company, £0.9 million (2011: £0.9 million) of 
compensation payments to staff members and £nil (2011: £2.5 million) to provide for the costs of a 
management fee commitment regarded as onerous following the change in strategy.

55

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 20126. Personnel expenses

Wages and salaries

Compulsory social security contributions

Contributions to defined contribution plans

Share-based payment transactions

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

14,207

3,229

325

(174)

14,014

2,274

422

70

17,587

16,780

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. Carried interest of  
£3.9 million is accrued at 31 December 2012 (31 December 2011: £0.8 million) calculated on the assumption 
that the Group’s investment portfolio is realised at its year end carrying amount.

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

297

461

758

310

631

941

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

1,396

75

1,471

(270)

(270)

1,201

679

(5)

674

(79)

(79)

595

7. Finance costs

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts

Interest on other loans

8. Taxation

Current tax expense

Current year

Adjustment for prior periods

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total tax expense

56

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedReconciliation of effective tax rate

Loss before tax

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate – 24.5% (2011: 26.5%)

Fair value adjustments not currently taxed

Non-deductible expenses

Non-taxable income

Deferred tax not recognised

Overseas tax paid

Prior year adjustment

Tax losses utilised

Total tax expense

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

(11,694)

(2,865)

779

2,380

(15)

214

960

75

(327)

1,201

(372)

(99)

(1,113)

2,564

(1,800)

866

256

(79)

–

595

9. Discontinued operations
In April 2011 the Group sold its entire interests in CopperEye Limited and Kizoom Limited.

In October 2011 ITS (US) Holdings Inc, sold its entire interest in its two operating subsidiaries ITS Engineered 
Systems Inc, and ITS Water Solutions Inc.

Results of discontinued operations

Revenues

Expenses

Results from operating activities

Taxation

Results from operating activities, net of tax

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

Tax on gain on sale of discontinued operations

Gain for the year

Earnings per ordinary share – basic

Earnings per ordinary share – diluted

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

5,357

(6,425)

(1,068)

–

(1,068)

3,300

–

2,232

0.8p

0.8p

57

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

(62)

–

106

44

31 December 
2011 
£’000

(2,160)

(221)

(2,825)

(310)

2,147

3,686

816

1,133

1,389

(310)

1,079

Year ended
 31 December 
2011 
£’000

1,389

2,119

1,068

(1,276)

3,300

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 from discontinued operations

Effect of disposal on the financial position of the Group

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Deferred income

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Net liabilities

Consideration received, satisfied in cash

Cash disposed of

Net cash inflow

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

Consideration received, satisfied in cash

Net liabilities disposed as at 31 December 2010

Loss from operating activities, net of tax

Other non-operating items – investment in the year

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

58

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued10. (Loss)/earnings per ordinary share
The calculation of the basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share, in accordance with IAS 33, is based on 
the following data:

Group

(Loss)/earnings

(Loss)/earnings for the purposes of earnings per share being  
net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent

Loss for the purposes of continuing earnings per share being net  
loss from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the parent

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes  
of basic earnings per shares

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Share options and performance shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes  
of diluted earnings per share

(Loss)/earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Loss per share – continuing operations

Basic

Diluted

There was no dilution effect on the loss for the year.

Year ended 
31 December 
2012 
£’000

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
£’000

(12,951)

561

(12,951)

Number

(1,671)

Number

269,495,938

272,662,870

1,618,736

4,230,301

271,114,674

276,893,171

(4.8)p

(4.8)p

(4.8)p

(4.8)p

0.2p

0.2p

(0.6)p

(0.6)p

59

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201211. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2011

Additions

Acquisitions through business combinations

Disposals

Disposals of discontinued operations

Effect of movement in exchange rates and other adjustments

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Additions

Disposals

Effect of movement in exchange rates 

Balance at 31 December 2012

Depreciation and impairment losses

Balance at 1 January 2011

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Disposals of discontinued operations

Effect of movement in exchange rates and other adjustments

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2012

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2011

At 31 December 2012

Land and 
buildings 
£’000

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£’000

Total 
£’000

15,343

2,628

259

(61)

(4,962)

30

740

687

– 

(38)

(265)

360

12,785

1,941

259

(23)

(2,974)

(264)

11,724

1,484

13,237

11,724

1,484

13,237

3,171

(884)

(9)

519

(55)

–

3,690

(939)

(9)

14,002

1,948

15,979

4,541

2,920

(7)

(1,529)

(181)

5,744

5,744

2,810

(809)

(11)

7,734

48

254

(14)

(115)

360

533

533

367

(51)

–

849

5,852

3,174

(21)

(2,811)

112

6,306

6,306

3,177

(860)

(11)

8,612

5,980

6,268

951

1,099

6,931

7,367

1,818

–

–

–

(1,723)

(66)

29

29

–

–

–

29

1,263

–

–

(1,167)

(67)

29

29

–

–

–

29

–

–

At 31 December 2012 the carrying amount of plant and equipment includes £420,000 held under finance 
leases (31 December 2011: £185,000).

60

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedCompany

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2011

Additions

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Additions

Balance at 31 December 2012

Depreciation and impairment losses

Balance at 1 January 2011

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2012

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2011

At 31 December 2012

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£’000

302

9

–

311

311

11

322

276

21

–

297

297

12

309

14

13

472

576

(38)

1,010

1,010

1

1,011

159

120

(14)

265

265

126

391

745

620

Total 
£’000

774

585

(38)

1,321

1,321

12

1,333

435

141

(14)

562

562

138

700

759

633

61

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201212. Intangible assets

Group

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2011

Acquisitions through business combinations

Additions

Disposal of discontinued operations

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Additions

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2012

Impairment losses/amortisation

Balance at 1 January 2011

Disposal of discontinued operations

Amortisation

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Amortisation

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 31 December 2012

Carrying amounts

At 31 December 2011

At 31 December 2012

Deferred 
installation 
asset 
£’000

3,223

–

2,365

–

7

5,595

5,595

4,416

(267)

9,744

236

–

365

14

615

615

565

(42)

Goodwill 
£’000

52,146

3,717

–

(23,273)

(452)

32,138

32,138

–

(313)

31,825

Total 
£’000

55,369

3,717

2,365

(23,273)

(445)

37,733

37,733

4,416

(580)

41,569

27,010

(23,273)

27,246

(23,273)

–

–

3,737

3,737

–

–

365

14

4,352

4,352

565

(42)

4,875

1,138

3,737

4,980

8,606

28,401

28,088

33,381

36,694

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.

An analysis of goodwill is set out below:

Goodwill 
impairment 
recognised in the 
year ended 
31 December 2012 
£’000

Goodwill 
impairment 
recognised in the 
year ended 
31 December 2011 
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Carrying 
amount 
2012 
£’000

3,717

4,981

4,344

6,312

8,734

Carrying 
amount
2011 
£’000

3,717

4,981

4,344

6,625

8,734

28,088

28,401

365iTMS Limited

Entuity Limited

Wesupply Limited

Nationwide Energy Partners LLC

Updata Infrastructure UK Ltd

62

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued13. Investments
Group
The movements in investments were as follows:

Carrying value

Balance at 1 January 2011

Purchases

Disposals

Distributions from partnerships

Fair value adjustments

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2012

Purchases

Disposals

Distributions from partnerships

Fair value adjustments

Balance at 31 December 2012

Quoted 
securities
£’000

63,213

308

(30,466)

–

(8,857)

24,198

24,198

–

(679)

–

(6,391)

17,128

Unquoted securities

Equity
£’000

38,531

1

–

–

12,755

51,287

51,287

–

(8,440)

–

411

Loans
£’000

4,424

1,823

(637)

–

(865)

4,745

4,745

2,005

(61)

–

827

43,258

7,516

Funds
£’000

Total
£’000

114,535

13,266

(15,704)

(10,124)

2,998

104,971

104,971

5,259

(941)

(32,418)

(354)

76,517

220,703

15,398

(46,807)

(10,124)

6,031

185,201

185,201

7,264

(10,121)

(32,418)

(5,507)

144,419

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); and

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

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2012
 £’000

17,128

–

119,775

136,903

2011 
£’000

24,198

–

156,258

180,456

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 in profit or loss

Purchases

Realisations

Closing balance

2012 
£’000

156,258

57

5,259

(41,799)

119,775

2011 
£’000

153,066

15,753

13,268

(25,829)

156,258

63

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201213. Investments
Company
The investment in subsidiaries was as follows:

Cost

Carrying value

Details of subsidiaries are set out in Note 31.

2012
£’000

293,510

281,801

2011
£’000

293,510

281,801

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.

14. Inventories

Work in progress

Finished goods

Group

2012
£’000

1,939

36

1,975

2011
£’000

189

11

200

Changes in finished goods and work in progress recognised as cost of sales amounted to a credit of 
£1,775,000 (2011: debit of £1,651,000).

15. Operating and other receivables

Trade receivables

Other receivables and prepayments

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances

Short-term deposits

Group

Company

2012
£’000

10,683

4,068

–

14,751

2011
£’000

10,495

4,386

–

14,881

2012
£’000

–

156

15,862

16,018

Group

Company

2012
£’000

8,726

18,106

26,832

2011
£’000

5,954

28,904

34,858

2012
£’000

2,339

3,196

5,535

2011
£’000

–

179

23,766

23,945

2011
£’000

91

10,559

10,650

64

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued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

Terms and conditions of outstanding loans are as follows: 

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Secured bank loan

Unsecured loan

Unsecured loan

Finance lease liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Currency

£

£

Nominal
 interest rate

3.65%

7.50%

USD LIBOR plus 2.00%

USD LIBOR plus 2.00%

USD LIBOR plus 1.75%

USD LIBOR plus 1.75%

USD

£

USD

£

£

6.06%

21.00%

12.00%

25.00%

9.00%

Maturity

2016

2014

2018

2018

2012

2013

2013

2014

2013

2014

2015

Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:

2012

Interest
£’000

25

29

54

Present
value of
minimum
lease 
payments
£’000

168

252

420

Future
minimum
lease 
payments
£’000

193

281

474

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Group

2012
£’000

10,729

640

252

11,621

1,528

2,016

168

3,712

2011
£’000

8,646

640

120

9,406

425

1,930

65

2,420

Group

2012 
£’000

Carrying 
amount

2011 
£’000

Carrying 
amount

4,737

1,393

2,618

–

301

–

23

759

1,810

185

–

11,826

4,011

1,313

3,383

2,589

–

949

12

712

1,944

121

299

15,333

2011

Future
minimum
lease 
payments
£’000

102

126

228

Present
value of
minimum
lease 
payments
£’000

82

103

185

Interest
£’000

20

23

43

65

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201218. Operating and other payables

Trade payables

Non-trade payables and accrued expenses

Amounts payable to subsidiaries

Group

Company

2012 
£’000

8,054

9,428

–

17,482

2011 
£’000

4,049

6,114

–

10,163

2012 
£’000

51

1,909

108,641

110,601

2011 
£’000

44

3,441

94,557

98,042

Non-trade payables and accrued expenses include £3,900,000 (31 December 2011: £800,000) for carried 
interest payable and £375,000 (31 December 2011: £412,000) for fund management fees described in note 21.

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.

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.

Group

2012
£’000

200

–

200

2011
£’000

469

–

469

Deferred tax assets
The Group’s investment management business has capital losses for tax purposes of £30.1 million at  
31 December 2012 (31 December 2011: £31.9 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 2012 it 
would realise further net capital losses for tax purposes of £27.9 million (31 December 2011: £31.5 million). 

The Group’s portfolio subsidiaries have tax losses of £79.5 million at 31 December 2012 (31 December 2011: 
£59.1 million) available to offset future profits chargeable to tax.

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 from these losses.

66

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued21. Provisions and other long-term liabilities

Provisions for fund management fees

Customer security deposits

Group

2012
£’000

1,581

142

1,723

2011
£’000

2,055

167

2,222

Full provision has been made for fees payable under an investment management agreement of £1,956,000 
(31 December 2011: £2,467,000) which is considered onerous following the change in strategy of the Group 
from 30 November 2011. The fund management fees are expected to be paid annually until 2015. The 
current element of the provision of £375,000 (31 December 2011: £412,000) is included in operating and 
other payables.

22. Capital and reserves 
Share capital 

2012
Number

Ordinary shares

2012
£’000

2011
Number

Balance at beginning of the year

272,674,285

27,268

272,640,952

Exercise of share options

Repurchase of shares

1,189,553

(47,618,864)

119

(4,762)

33,333

–

2011
£’000

27,265

3

–

Balance at the end of the year

226,244,974

22,625

272,674,285

27,268

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.

The repurchase of shares was in connection with the tender offer in November 2012 which amounted to 
£40 million. Further details are provided in the Directors’ report on pages 28 to 31.

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.

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.

67

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201223. 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. At 31 December 2012 there were no option grants outstanding under this plan (2011: nil).

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.

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 

2012
Number
1,321,667
–
(1,171,667)
(83,335)
66,665

2011
Number
1,870,000
–
(33,333)
(515,000)
1,321,667

During the year, no shares were released since the performance criteria had not been met (2011: 498,333 
shares were released). The shares which lapsed during 2012 and 2011 did so because performance criteria 
required for their release were not met. Shares outstanding at 31 December 2012 are vested and available 
for exercise until 12 April 2020. 

The weighted average exercise price of awards outstanding at 31 December 2012 was £nil (31 December 
2011: £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.

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.

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at 31 December 

2012
Number
2,908,634
–
(59,267)
(1,297,296)
1,552,071

2011
Number
3,755,901
2,045,004
–
(2,892,271)
2,908,634

Of the awards which lapsed during the year, 1,158,003 (2011: 2,005,201) lapsed because the performance 
criteria were not met and 139,293 (2011: 887,070) lapsed when the beneficiary left the Company.

The shares exercised during 2012 were by beneficiaries who had left the Company; part of their 
entitlement had vested under the plan’s leaver provisions and the rest lapsed.

68

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedThe weighted average exercise price of awards outstanding at 31 December 2012 was £nil  
(31 December 2011: £nil).

The awards outstanding at 31 December 2012 comprise:

•  359,790 shares which will vest and be released on 13 April 2013, and be available for exercise until  

12 April 2020; and

•  1,192,281 shares for which the performance period ends on 31 December 2013. 

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. There were no 
awards of shares under the plans in 2012.

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

Executive share option plan 
Deferred share bonus plan
Performance share plan

2012
£’000

–

(21)

(88)

(109)

2011
£’000

–

446

(40)

406

At 31 December 2012, non-trade payables and accrued expenses include £nil (31 December 2011: £65,000) 
in respect of amounts payable under the Company’s long-term incentive plans.

24. Financial risk management 
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 table below.

Group

Assets

Investments

2012

2011

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

Total
 £’000

136,903

7,516

144,419

180,456

4,745

185,201

Operating and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

–

–

14,751

26,832

14,751

26,832

–

–

14,881

34,858

14,881

34,858

Total 

136,903

49,099

186,002

180,456

54,484

234,940

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

–

–

–

–

2012

Loans and 
payables 
£’000

–

15,333

17,482

32,815

Total 
£’000

–

15,333

17,482

32,815

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

–

–

–

–

2011

Loans and 
payables
£’000

–

11,826

10,163

21,989

Liabilities

Bank overdrafts

Interest bearing loans  
and borrowings

Operating and other payables

Total 

Total
 £’000

–

11,826

10,163

21,989

69

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012 
24. Financial risk management continued
Company

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss
£’000

–

–

–

–

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss
£’000

2012

Loans and 
receivables
£’000

156

15,862

5,535

21,553

2012

Loans and 
payables
£’000

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

–

–

–

–

Total
£’000

156

15,862

5,535

21,553

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss 
£’000

Total
£’000

2011

Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

179

23,766

10,650

34,595

2011

Loans and 
payables 
£’000

Total
£’000

179

23,766

10,650

34,595

Total
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,960

1,960

108,641

108,641

110,601

110,601

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,485

3,485

94,557

94,557

98,042

98,042

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 

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

•  Credit risk;

•  Liquidity risk; and

•  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

2012
£’000

14,751

26,832

41,583

2011
£’000

14,881

34,858

49,739

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.

70

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedThe maximum exposure to credit risk for operating and other receivables by geographic region was:

UK

United States

Other regions

The aging of trade receivables was:

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 31–120 days

More than 120 days

2012
£’000

9,859

3,914

978

14,751

2011
£’000

10,484

3,433

964

14,881

2012

2011

Gross
£’000

5,782

3,766

409

911

10,868

Impairment
£’000

–

–

8

177

185

Gross
£’000

4,733

3,381

1,864

826

10,804

Impairment
£’000

–

–

72

237

309

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 and the 
use of cash resources.

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities:

31 December 2012

Interest bearing loans  
and borrowings

Finance lease liabilities

Operating and other payables

31 December 2011

Interest bearing loans  
and borrowings

Finance lease liabilities

Operating and other payables

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

14,913

420

17,482

32,815

17,165

475

17,482

35,122

4,473

97

17,482

22,052

1,336

4,685

5,842

829

97

–

172

–

109

–

–

–

1,433

4,857

5,951

829

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

11,640

186

10,163

21,989

14,013

228

10,163

24,404

678

60

10,163

10,901

2,179

42

–

2,221

542

84

–

626

7,915

2,699

42

–

–

–

7,957

2,699

In addition the Group has uncalled commitments to funds of £10.4 million (31 December 2011: £18.9 
million) for which the timing of payment is uncertain.

71

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201224. Financial risk management continued
Market risk
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 56% 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 translation 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. 

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

31 December 2012

31 December 2011

Investments

Operating and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

GBP
£’000

48,213

9,845

12,325

USD
£’000

91,711

4,820

14,227

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

(6,037)

(8,876)

Finance lease liabilities

Operating and other payables

Gross exposure

(420)

–

(9,944)

(7,538)

Other
£’000

4,495

86

280

–

–

–

GBP
£’000

USD
£’000

48,303

132,719

8,794

23,781

5,982

10,911

(6,889)

(4,751)

(186)

–

(6,076)

(4,083)

Other
£’000

4,179

105

166

–

–

(4)

53,982

94,344

4,861

67,727

140,778

4,446

Forward exchange contracts

–

–

–

–

–

–

Net exposure

53,982

94,344

4,861

67,727

140,778

4,446

At 31 December 2012 the rate of exchange was USD 1.63 = £1.00 (31 December 2011: USD 1. 55 = £1.00). 
The average rate for the year ended 31 December 2012 was USD 1.59 = £1.00 (2011: USD 1.61 = £1.00).

A 10 per cent strengthening of the US dollar against the pound sterling would have increased equity by 
£8.3 million at 31 December 2012 (31 December 2011: increase of £12.1 million) and decreased the loss for 
the year ended 31 December 2012 by £10.1 million (2011: decreased the loss from continuing operations by 
£14.4 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

72

2012
£’000

–
15,333
15,333

26,832
–
26,832

2011
£’000

–
11,826
11,826

34,858
–
34,858

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedAn increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased equity by 
£173,000 (31 December 2011: increase of £64,000) and decreased the loss by £173,000 (2011: decreased the 
loss from continuing activities by £64,000).

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 reporting date, with all other 
variables held constant, the loss for the year ended 31 December 2012 would have increased by £14.4 
million (2011: increased the loss from continuing operations by £21.8 million). An increase in the valuation 
of investments by 10% at the reporting 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 2012 was £186 million (31 December 2011: £240 million) 
comprising equity share capital and reserves. The Group had borrowings at 31 December 2012 of  
£15.3 million (31 December 2011: £11.8 million).

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

•  The current and planned level of gearing, which takes into account working capital requirements  

and investment capital for portfolio subsidiaries;

•  The possible timing and extent of returning capital to shareholders in line with the Company’s asset 

realisation strategy; and

•  The annual dividend policy.

The Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital reflect the change in strategy  
from November 2011. 

73

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201225. Acquisitions of subsidiaries
The following acquisition was made during the year ended 31 December 2011:

365iTMS Ltd
In September 2011 the Group acquired a 84.1% interest in 365iTMS Ltd (“365iTMS”); the acquisition had 
the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities on the acquisition date:

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Operating and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Operating and other payables

Deferred income 

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Intangible assets (goodwill)

Net assets acquired

Non-controlling interest

Total payable

Deferred cash consideration

Cash consideration paid

Fair value of net assets 
acquired/consideration 
£’000

259

111

1,897

22

(1,659)

(1,471)

(841)

3,717

2,876

(233)

2,643

(743)

1,900

The operating and other receivables comprise gross contractual amounts due of £1,992,124, of which 
£95,230 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. 

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

365iTMS Ltd delivers a range of technology solutions extending from unified communications to network 
and system infrastructure, security, business continuity and managed services.

26. 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

2012

2011

Group
£’000

546

1,752

–

2,298

Company
£’000

289

1,227

–

1,516

Group
£’000

449

1,652

72

2,173

Company
£’000

289

1,444

72

1,805

74

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continued27. Capital commitments

Outstanding commitments to funds

2012 
£’000

10,420

2011 
£’000

18,894

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

28. Contingent liabilities
The Company has guaranteed the indebtedness of certain of the Group’s investments; the amount 
outstanding under these arrangements at 31 December 2012 was £441,000 (31 December 2011: £517,000).

29. Related party transactions
With effect from January 2011 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 £288,752 to Derwent London plc plus certain service charges. Mr Robert 
Rayne is Chairman of Derwent London plc.

Under an arrangement with SQP Limited the Company pays fees of £60,000 per annum for the provision 
of services by Mr Robert Rayne. 

Compensation arrangements for key management are set out in the Remuneration report on pages 21 to 27.

In connection with the tender offer in November 2012, the Company received an irrevocable undertaking 
from Withers Trust Corporation Limited (the “Undertaking”). The purpose of the Undertaking was a 
contingency measure to ensure that members of the extended Rayne family and associated trusts (the 
“Concert Party”) would in aggregate tender sufficient shares so that the Concert Party’s percentage 
interest in the ordinary shares of the Company would not increase as a consequence of the tender offer 
and consequently avoid any requirement under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers for the Concert 
Party to make an offer for all the issued shares of the Company which they did not own. This arrangement 
described above was classified as a smaller related party transaction under the Listing Rules of the UK 
Listing Authority (the “Listing Rules”). For the purposes of this classification the deemed value of the 
consideration for the Undertaking was £1.67 million.

The results of the Tender Offer did not, however, ultimately require any extra shares to be tendered  
by Withers under the terms of the Undertaking. No fee was payable by the Company in connection  
with the Undertaking.

30. Subsequent events
There were no events subsequent to 31 December 2012 that would materially affect the interpretation  
of these financial statements.

75

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 201231. Subsidiaries
The subsidiaries comprising the Group’s investment management business (as set out in Note 2) are as follows:

Name

Country of incorporation

Holding %

Activity

International Oilfield Services Limited 

LMS Capital (Bermuda) Limited

Bermuda

Bermuda

LMS Capital (ECI) Limited

England and Wales

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

Bermuda

Bermuda

England and Wales

England and Wales

United States of America

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

England and Wales

Lion Cub Property Investments Limited

England and Wales

Tiger Investments Limited 

LMS Tiger Investments Limited

LMS Tiger Investments (II) Limited

Westpool Investment Trust plc

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

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

In addition to the above, certain of 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.

Name

365iTMS Limited

England and Wales

Country of incorporation Holding%

Activity

Entuity Limited

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

84.1

69.9 

59.5

100

47.8

Provider of managed IT services & 
security, Unified communications, 
Business continuity, Virtualisation

Network management software

Energy services provider

Non-trading after sale of business

Carrier-class networks

Wesupply Limited

England and Wales

85

Supply chain management software

76

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012Notes to the financial information continuedShareholders’ information

Registered office
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
Antony Sweet

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 Company’s registrars, Capita 
Registrars, whose address is given above.

Electronic shareholder communications
The Company has opted to send shareholders 
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 the Company’s registrars, 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/

Company website
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 Cazenove 
25 Bank Street 
London E14 5JP

Auditors
KPMG Audit Plc 
8 Salisbury Square 
London EC4Y 8BB

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc 
1 Churchill Place 
London E14 5HP

Solicitors
Slaughter & May 
One Bunhill Row 
London EC1Y 8YY

Financial calendar 2013
Annual General Meeting:  
20 May

Interim Management Statements:  
May and November

Half-year results:  
July/August

Year-end 31 December

77

LMS Capital plc   Annual Report & Accounts 2012LMS Capital plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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100 George Street 
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Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 3555

Website: www.lmscapital.com