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M&C Saatchi

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FY2013 Annual Report · M&C Saatchi
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Annual Report 2013

Words
Page 3

Pictures
Page 9

Numbers
Page 19

1

2

RESULTS

REVENUE  +5%
PROFIT +8%
EARNINGS  +15%
EPS  +11%

All on a pro forma basis as defined in note 3.

3

4

NEW BUSINESS

BASF
DOUWE EGBERTS
COMPARETHEMARKET
HMG CYBER SECURITY
LAND ROVER
O2
BOOTS
DE BEERS
RBS
ALLIANSEN
CARLSBERG
LG
SPP
VIASAT
MINI
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
HEINEKEN
PRIMUS
VOLTAREN
10X

GUINNESS
IMAGE NATION
MUBADALA
SENAAT
MICROSOFT
1MALAYSIA
JAGUAR LAND ROVER
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
CITYMD
KIND HEALTHY SNACKS
PROFOOT
GENERAL ELECTRIC
PERNOD RICARD
CEREBOS
GUARDIAN LIFE
JOHN LEWIS
MAGNERS
NORTH FACE
PERNOD RICARD
SUNCORP
WAGAMAMA

5

6

Chairman

The year has seen progress on most fronts. Revenue1 up 5%, profit1 up 8% and EPS1  
up 11%. M&C Saatchi Mobile and LIDA our CRM agency, had an outstanding year.  
David and Jamie will go into the detail behind these headline figures. But this movement  
is all in the right direction.

Shareholders will know that we sold just over 75% of our interest in Walker Media to 
the Publicis Groupe in November. The board decided that for Walker Media and its 
people to grow, to attract the major global players, it needed the international clout 
and buying power that the world’s largest agency can offer.

It is our hope that our remaining 24.9% will be worth more than the 100% of Walker  
we used to own. 

By way of precedent, in 2010, we reduced our shareholding in Talk PR from 100% to 
51%. The PBT then was £149k. Three years later, in 2013, the PBT is £583K. In halving 
our share, our income increased by 70%.

Investors will also know that more than half of the £32 million Walker proceeds were 
returned to shareholders by way of a share buyback. In order to avoid directors’ 
shareholding going above 29%, triggering a takeover, we also scaled down our holding.  
I’d like to thank Marcus Anselm our advisor at Clarity, for successfully steering us  
through this deal. 

It seems fair to report that after some years of seeing our share price becalmed in the 
doldrums in spite of rising PBT, EPS etc, investors now seem to have taken to our story. 
Our strategy of New Business and New Businesses marches on.

Some of the work that our companies round the world are producing is remarkable.  
A small sample is included after this statement.

The quality of the work is our great asset. It is the spark that attracts customers to our 
clients and clients to our companies.

Jeremy Sinclair
Chairman
19 March 2014 

1  All on a pro forma basis as defined in note 3.

7

 
8

Europ Assistance

The Milan agency achieved worldwide coverage for its insurance client Europ Assistance. An inept  
submarine crew find themselves surfacing near the Duomo in the centre of Milan. This resulted in  
80,000 people visiting the event, 5,000 going to the store, 5,000,000 impressions on Twitter and an  
estimated worldwide reach of 100,000,000.

youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BePXj5CYVVM

Amnesty International

The Sydney agency graphically showed how signing a petition can save a life. This Arms Trade Treaty 
campaign produced 15,000 new Amnesty members. 34,000 signatories, which were handed to the 
Australian Foreign Minister, which in turn became part of 621,833 signatures presented to UN Secretary 
General Ban Ki-moon. On April 3rd 2013, the UN passed the first ever Global Arms Trade Treaty.

mcsaatchi.com/amnesty-international

Virgin Holidays

The UK Agency invented ‘The Tanuary Sale’ to promote Virgin Holidays during their key winter sales period.

EE

M&C Saatchi PR demonstrated the brilliance of EE’s technology by having ‘fanbots’ talking to the stars 
on the red carpet at the BAFTA’s. EE customers (fans) at home talked (via the robots) to Lily Allen and 
Michael Sheen. They also spoke to: Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Amy Adams, Ron Howard, Steve Coogan, 
John Ridley, Barkhad Abdi, Will Poulter, Léa Seydoux, George Mackay, Tinie Tempah, Laura Mvula, 
Christoph Waltz, Stanley Tucci, Douglas Booth, David Morrissey, Ruth Wilson, Luke Evans, Samantha 
Barks, Claudia Winkleman and David Gandy.

youtube.com/watch?v=K8W51IpdauU

Tourettes Action

The company’s star performer, LIDA, won awards and praise for their email for Tourettes Action.  
In order to bypass the filters that would exclude the sort of message that demonstrates what it is  
like to suffer from this disease, they had the brilliant idea to turn the offending words on their heads. 
The result was a forwarding rate of 25%, a doubling of the charity’s engagement rate to 18% and an 
estimated 88,659 impressions, from one email.

tourettes-action.org.uk/breakthroughemail

Strategic report

19

Chief Executive

Summary of results 
2013 saw another strong performance with revenue momentum and earnings growth. 

We have monitored the 2013 results on a pro forma basis, this assumes we have owned 
Walker Media for the full year (see note 3). On this basis Headline revenues increased 
4.7% (6.5% in constant currencies). The overall Group headline profit before tax 
advanced an impressive 8% to £18.6m. Headline net earnings rose 15% to £11.0m,  
aided by a reduced corporation tax rate (30.0% in 2013, compared with 32.4% in 2012).

UK (Excluding Walker Media)
Revenue in the UK was up 13%, with both CRM and Mobile particularly strong. UK  
headline operating profit improved 12% on 2012. Our success with new business, 
including HMG Cyber Security, Land Rover, O2 and the Boots, De Beers and RBS  
digital business more than offset the loss of Dixons in January 2014. Our international 
capabilities were recognised by BASF and Douwe Egberts, both of whom appointed  
us globally. Our CRM offering through LIDA remains outstanding and they deservedly 
won Customer Engagement Agency of the year. We are now exporting CRM and PR  
to our overseas offices, alongside Sport & Entertainment and Mobile. Our disciplined 
approach to cost and margins resulted in the headline operating margin improving 
slightly to 16.2% (2012: 16.1%). 

Europe 
European revenues increased 20% year on year. Operating profit fell 18%, impacted by the 
investment associated with opening our Stockholm office. Stockholm has started well and 
clients include Alliansen, Carlsberg, LG, SPP and Viasat. In spite of a difficult advertising 
market the French office successfully won the Mini account in October. Additionally, we are 
benefitting from PR and digital diversification. Germany and Italy continue to perform well. 

Middle East and Africa 
Revenues increased 22% with strong contributions from both Cape Town and 
Johannesburg. Headline operating profit was up 59% but the headline operating margin 
remained low due to investment in Abu Dhabi. Key new business wins in the year were  
the City of Cape Town, the Democratic Alliance, Heineken, Primus, Voltaren and 10X 
Investments. We have formed a new unit to service a growing African market and they  
are working with Guinness in Ghana. We have strengthened the management in Abu 
Dhabi and they have been looking to build revenues beyond the Etihad account. 
Projects won in the second half came from Image Nation, Mubadala and Senaat. 

20

Asia and Australasia 
In Asia and Australasia, revenue was impacted by currency headwinds, down 10%  
(5% in constant currencies), and the channelling of our Chinese revenues through our 
new associate, aeiou. Headline operating profit for the region rose 29% with headline 
operating margin up to 9.2%. The improved profitability came largely from the 
successful merger with aeiou in China. aeiou are proving a valuable addition to the 
network and have already started winning business, adding some Microsoft business. 
Another key driver of the increased profitability was an improving New Zealand office, 
which won some Government work whilst significantly downsizing their cost base. 
Malaysia continued to excel and had another very good year with key client wins 
including 1Malaysia. Japan and India both returned modest profits. We are looking for  
a new Indian partner as an associate to bolster our operation there. Singapore also 
made a small profit in their second year of trading, winning Jaguar Land Rover and the 
Singapore Tourism Board as well as continuing to win Government work. The Australian 
business responded quickly to the loss of the David Jones account, protecting profits 
through cutting costs accordingly. 

Americas 
Revenues increased 31% with a small operating loss of £90k as a result of our 
investment in New York office, which continues to be an invaluable asset for global 
pitches. The team there have focused on developing key relationships and wins include 
CityMD, Kind Healthy Snacks and Profoot as well as projects from General Electric and 
Pernod Ricard. We made good progress in Los Angeles and opened a Mobile office in 
San Francisco. Additionally, we are upgrading our São Paulo office, replicating the 
investment approach we took in China, and we have found a strong independent 
agency in which we plan to take a 20% shareholding.

Clear 
Clear had a much improved year following a restructure undertaken in the fourth 
quarter of 2012. Clear’s operating profit improved threefold, from £0.3m to £0.9m  
as a result of a streamlined cost base, and new client wins included Cerebos, Guardian 
Life, John Lewis, Magners, North Face, Pernod Ricard, Suncorp and Wagamama. Their 
new business pipeline remains promising, fuelled by their Brand Desire research.

21

Chief Executive
Continued

Discontinued operations’ Walker Media
Walker Media saw a small 3% headline revenue increase, though planned resource 
investment saw headline operating profit (excluding the impact of Group recharges) 
decrease 10.1% to £5.0m for the full year. On 27th November last year, we sold 75.1%  
of our shareholding in Walker Media to Publicis. The strategic rationale for this was 
clear; in all our businesses we look for entrepreneurial competitive advantage. 
However, one exception is media buying, where scale is a critical factor and we have 
been increasingly unable to compete with the larger groups. We very much believe  
in our media leadership and talent. During 2013 we therefore sought a new home for 
Walker Media, with the objectives of seeking a good price, retaining a 24.9% stake  
and developing a worldwide media partnership. This led to the successful sale to 
Publicis and we are satisfied that with the support of a large group’s media buying 
infrastructure that our investment will continue to grow. Following on from this sale,  
on 23rd January 2014 we returned a majority of the proceeds to shareholders by way 
of a share buyback. 

Outlook
2013 was another year of outstanding progress for M&C Saatchi. Our proven strategy  
of winning new business and starting new businesses continues to deliver with the 
Group producing record revenue and profits.

The strategic sale of 75% of Walker Media, and the current strong performance across 
the Global Network positions us well for the future. 

David Kershaw
Chief Executive
19 March 2014

22

Finance Director

Objectives and strategic priorities

Key performance indicators
The Group manages its operational performance through a number  
of key performance indicators:
•	 Revenue growth, both regionally and within marketing disciplines;
•	 Continual improvement of operating margins;
•	 Enhancement of net cash from operating activities;
•	 Earnings per share growth; and
•	 Improvement of the talent levels within the Group, in particular our  
creative capabilities, as well as the reputation of all our businesses. 

Operating profit and margin
At a Group level, we have monitored results on a pro forma basis, which assumes  
we held Walker Media for the full year. Our focus on revenue growth and margin 
improvement leaving our local CEOs to manage their cost base to their revenues.  
This local focus on cost has helped increase operating margins with our headline 
operating margin being 10.4% (2012: 10.1%). 2013’s headline operating margin is after 
the investment of £2.0m (2012: £1.5m) in three new offices (Abu Dhabi, New York and 
Stockholm). Ignoring the impact of these investments, the like-for-like 2013 headline 
operating margin improved to 11.5% (2012: 10.9%). Headline revenues increased 4.7%  
in 2013 to £177.4m (2012: £169.5m). Excluding currency movement, the main influence 
being the positive effect of a strengthening of sterling against the US dollar, the South 
African rand and the Australian dollar, the like-for-like revenue increase was 6.5%.  
This resulted in headline operating profit increasing 8% to £18.5m (2012: £17.1m). 
Non-headline operating profit increased to £16.7m (2012: £15.8m) with a charge  
of £1.8m (2012: £1.3m) for non-headline items.

Headline results
The Group has used a pro forma headline basis to describe its results; this is not  
a defined term in IFRS. The items that are excluded from headline results are the 
amortisation or impairment of intangible assets (including goodwill, but excluding 
software) acquired in business combinations, changes to contingent and deferred 
consideration taken to the income statement; impairment of investment in associate; 
and fair value gains and losses on liabilities caused by our put and call option 
agreements. Headline results treat discontinued operations as if they had not  
been disposed. See note 3 for a reconciliation of non-headline to headline results.

23

Finance Director
Continued

Statutory results
Leaving our improved trading performance aside, the reduced year-on-year profit 
before tax of £8.6m and basic earnings per share reduction was in the most part 
caused by the large increase in our share price over 2013 from £1.805 to £3.33 that 
caused a £15.5m accounting charge for minority put options (2012: £4.4m) (note 27), 
offset by £6.5m effect disposal of 75% of Walker Media and a reduced impairment 
charge of £2.2m. 

The Group’s continuing operations, which exclude Walker Media, achieved revenue  
of £162.0m (2012: £154.5m) a growth of 5%. Due to the minority put option charge the 
continuing operations made a loss before tax of £2.6m (2012: profit £4.6m), and basic 
EPS was (13.0)p (2012: (2.3)p). 

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles
We have reviewed the carrying values for intangible assets at the end of 2013.

As can be seen in note 17, apart from Clear, the other carrying values are significantly 
above the recoverable amounts in all cash generating units (CGU).

Financial income and expense
The Group’s headline net interest receivable was £158k (2012: £23k). There was no 
significant change in the interest expense incurred on the Group debt. Minority put 
option revaluations are excluded from the headline results as the charge can vary 
significantly each year and does not reflect the business’s underlying performance. 
The accounting of this produces counterintuitive effects, with increases in our share 
price and increases in the actual or expected performance of our subsidiaries with  
put options, creating a charge to our accounts and reducing our profits. The £15.5m 
charge for non-headline fair value adjustment to minority put option liabilities was 
almost entirely caused by our share price movement in 2013, which increased 85% 
from £1.805 as at 1st January to £3.333 as at 31st December. Further details can  
be seen in note 27.

24

Tax
The tax rate on headline profit before tax was 30.0% (2012: 32.4%). This was in spite  
of our investment in new offices increasing to £2.0m (2012: £1.5m). The Group does  
not recognise a deferred tax asset on these losses until the future profits of these 
businesses are probable (note 14). As these offices become profitable, we will see  
a positive effect on the tax rate, which will be enhanced in New York where we can 
access the historic losses that we incurred there. Otherwise, the Group benefited 
from lower rates in the UK and improved profitability from some of the newer offices 
utilising losses brought forward.

Due to the accounting charge for minority put options, the tax rate on statutory profit 
before tax was 61.2% (2012: 54.2%)

Non controlling interest
The proportion of headline profits attributable to non controlling shareholders was 
almost unchanged at £2.0m (2012: £2.1m).

Dividend
As part of a progressive dividend policy, the Board is proposing to pay a final dividend 
of 4.24p per share (2012: 3.85p), giving a total dividend of 5.45p compared to 4.95p in 
2012, which is an increase of 10% compared with our earnings growth of 15%. The final 
dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder approval at the 11 June 2014 AGM, on  
4 July 2014 to shareholders on the register at 6 June 2014.

Net assets, cash flow and banking arrangements
Net assets reduced to £50.8m (2012: £56.2m) mainly due the effect of share price  
on value put option liability.

Cash net of bank borrowings at 31 December 2013 was £33.2m compared to £17.9m  
at 31 December 2012. The Group continued to generate cash which it used to make 
small tactical acquisitions and fund new offices. The 2013 year-end balance includes  
the benefit of the disposal of 75.1% of our shareholding in Walker Media. This was 
completed on 27th November 2013 and resulted in a net cash receipt of £15.1m. The 
Group subsequently undertook a tender offer which completed on 23rd January 2014, 
resulting in 6,337,800 ordinary shares being bought back at a price of £3.35 each  
for a total cost of £21.2m. As part of this exercise, the Group renewed its banking 
covenants with RBS on 21st November 2013. These comprise a revolving credit  
facility totalling £14.5m, which has been agreed to 30 April 2017.

25

Finance Director
Continued

Capital expenditure
Total capital expenditure for 2013 was flat at £2.8m (2012: £2.8m). The main components  
of this spend were the refurbishment of some new additional office space in London, as  
we expanded into additional offices within Golden Square. In addition, there was some IT 
investment across the Group as well as expenditure to accommodate our 6% increase  
in staff.

Associates
The return from our established associates was a modest loss of £21k (2012: profit  
of £91k). Our share of losses from M&C Saatchi SAL, our associate that covers the 
Middle East and North Africa region, was £152k (2012: profit of £102k). In Asia and 
Australasia, our share of profits from associates of £67k (2012: nil) came mainly from 
aeiou, our new associate in China, whilst our share of our European associates based 
in Russia and Spain was a profit of £23k (2012: loss of £88k). The profit share of our  
UK associates, Milk Data Strategy and Human Digital, was £41k (2012: £77k).

Long term incentive plan
On 4 February 2013, we announced that the conditional share awards granted to four of 
the Company’s Executive Directors on 14 October 2010 under the Company’s Long Term 
Incentive Plan vested on 31 December 2012, in accordance with the scheme’s rules. The 
awards reflect the achievement of targets for both share price performance and total 
shareholder return conditions compared with the Company’s listed peer group. M&C 
Saatchi share price increased 123% from 81p as at 31 December 2009 to £1.805 as at  
31 December 2012. In addition, M&C Saatchi was ranked first among the 15 comparator 
companies for total shareholder return. When the Long Term Incentive Plan was 
adopted, each of the participants paid £97,250 to participate in the scheme. This  
sum was not refundable in the event that the vesting conditions were not met.

As a result of the vesting, a total of 3,546,932 M&C Saatchi plc ordinary shares were 
awarded to the following M&C Saatchi Directors: Jeremy Sinclair, David Kershaw,  
Maurice Saatchi and Bill Muirhead, with each Director receiving 886,733 shares.

Principal activity, trading review and future developments
See Directors’ Report on page 30.

26

Principal risks and uncertainties
Client losses hurt, although some turnover over time is normal and expected.  
Losses can happen for a variety of reasons. Our client profile is in line with those  
of our major competitors, and we continue to attract new clients on the basis of  
our creative excellence, the commitment of our people and our unique portfolio of 
services. There is also the risk, as a result of client cash shortages (caused both by 
economic and political factors), that budgets and fees are reduced or clients stop 
trading or run out of funding after work has been commissioned. As our offerings 
develop to reflect clients’ changing marketing mix and cross selling opportunities, 
there is reduced visibility of future income. The other risks the Group faces are 
financial (details of which can be seen in note 5 of the financial statements), the risk 
that key staff leave, and the risk that regulatory and legal changes affect our trading 
or ownership structures.

Strategic report approval
By order of the Board

Jamie Hewitt
Finance Director
19 March 2014

27

Board

Executive Directors

Jeremy Sinclair
Chairman

David Kershaw
Chief Executive

Non Executive Directors

Lloyd Dorfman
Non Executive Director

Adrian Martin
Non Executive Director

28

Maurice Saatchi
Executive Director

Bill Muirhead
Executive Director

Jamie Hewitt
Finance Director

Jonathan Goldstein
Non Executive Director

29

Directors’ Report

The Directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements  
of the Group and Company for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Results and dividends
The consolidated income statement on page 38 shows the result for the year. 
The Directors approved an interim dividend of £825,000 (2012: £697,000)  
and recommend a final dividend of 4.24p pence totalling £2,629,000  
(2012: £2,596,000).

Principal activity, trading review and future developments
The principal activity of the Group during the year was the provision of advertising and 
marketing services. The review of trading, future developments and key performance 
indicators (being revenue growth, disposal of Walker Media, headline operating margin, 
headline profit before tax, headline tax rate, and cash generation) is on pages 7 to 27.

Other risks and uncertainties
The Strategic Report deals with the principal risks and uncertainties. The Group trades 
internationally both through its local offices and via direct contracts in countries that 
we do not have offices. This trade exposes the Group to foreign exchange risk, political 
risk and in some locations physical risk. Other risks the Group is exposed to include 
client credit risk; the risk that the financial markets cause liquidity risk in addition to 
this client risk (given we have financial services clients); and cash flow risks. The Group 
mitigates such risks through monitoring, reviewing the available information and 
management’s judgement on contractual terms. Further details of our risks and risk 
management can be seen in note 5. 

Going concern
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The 
Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial 
statements. The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect 
its future development, performance and position is set out in this Annual Report.

30

Financial instruments
Details of the use of financial instruments by the Group are contained in notes  
23 to 25 of the financial statements.

Political contributions
During the year the Group made no political donations (2012: £1,000).

Directors
The names of the Directors are given on pages 28 and 29.

Insurance
The Company purchases insurance to cover its directors and officers against costs 
they may incur in defending themselves in legal proceedings instigated against them 
as a direct result of duties carried out on behalf of the Company.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 18 March 2014 the Company had been notified by shareholders representing  
3% or more of issued share capital of the following interests:

Number of shares

Aviva plc & its subsidiaries
David Kershaw
Bill Muirhead
Maurice Saatchi
Jeremy Sinclair
Herald Investment Trust plc
Hargreave Hale
RWC

6,920,090
4,127,060
4,127,060
4,127,060
4,127,060
4,039,900
3,050,814
2,948,131

%

11.2%
6.7%
6.7%
6.7%
6.7%
6.5%
4.9%
4.8%

Regularly updated details of the Directors and substantial shareholders can be found 
on our corporate website www.mcsaatchiplc.com.

31

Directors’ Report
Continued

Events since the end of the financial year
On 23 January 2014 the Company acquired by way of a tender offer and cancelled 
6,337,800 of its 1p Ordinary shares, returning £21,231,630 to shareholders.

We have been informed that the shareholders of 20% of the Group’s Australian 
subsidiary wish to put their shares. This obligation will be fulfilled in July 2014 in 
accordance with the rules of their put option. 

The Directors are not aware of any other events since the end of the financial year  
that have had, or may have a significant impact on the Group’s operations, the results 
of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future years.

Employees & equal opportunities
The Group’s equal opportunities policy is not to discriminate on any grounds other  
than someone’s ability to work effectively. We will make reasonable adjustments  
to working arrangements or to a physical aspect of the workplace.

The Group recognises that its principal asset is its employees and their  
commitment to the Group’s service, standards and customers. Decisions are  
made wherever possible in consultation with local management. Communication 
methods to employees vary according to need and local business size and can  
include all methods of communication.

32

Treasury shares
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2013 the Directors were given the authority  
to purchase up to 6,337,800 of its ordinary shares. The Directors will seek to renew 
this authority at the next AGM. During the year the Company held 700,000 of its 
ordinary shares (‘treasury shares’). The Directors will use them to fulfil option 
obligations at a later date.

Directors’ power to issue shares
At the AGM in 2013 the directors were given the authority to issue up to 42,718,400  
of its ordinary shares of which 6,337,800 were approved to be issued for cash. During 
the year the Company issued 4,961,475 shares to fulfil options and to acquire equity 
(note 29). The Company did not issue any shares for cash.

Agreements that vest on change of control
Depending on the circumstance, some of our put option agreements vest on change  
of control.

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the Directors’  
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. As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock 
Exchange, 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 in accordance with UK Accounting Standards  
and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

33

Directors’ Report
Continued

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; 
•	 for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared  

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

•	 for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting 
Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the 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.

Website publication
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.

34

Auditors
All the current Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to  
make themselves aware of any information needed by the Company’s auditors for the 
purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. 
The Directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors 
are unaware. 

KPMG has instigated an orderly wind down of KPMG Audit Plc as a result of an internal 
reorganisation and requested that going forward the audit is instead undertaken  
by KPMG LLP (an intermediate parent of KPMG Audit Plc). KPMG Audit Plc will not 
therefore be seeking re-appointment as auditor of the Company and in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing the appointment of KPMG LLP  
as our auditors will be put to the 2014 AGM.

By order of the Board

Andy Blackstone
Company Secretary 
19 March 2014

35

Remuneration Report

Policy on Directors’ remuneration
Attracting and retaining high calibre executives is a key Company 
objective. We seek to reward them in a way that encourages the 
creation of value for shareholders.

Directors’ pension arrangements
The Company contributes to the Directors’ money purchase 
pension schemes.

Directors’ contracts
All executive Directors listed in the remuneration report have 
service contracts with 12 month notice periods. All non Executive 
Directors have contracts with a nil to 30 day notice period 
dependent on the circumstances.

Directors’ options

Jamie Hewitt

Scheme1

LTIP

Maximum M&C Saatchi 
Plc shares awardable

110,759

Directors’ interests in subsidiaries

Scheme1

New LTIP

New LTIP
New LTIP
New LTIP

Shares in M&C Saatchi 
Worldwide Ltd

55,675 B shares

55,675 B shares
55,675 B shares
55,675 B shares

Scheme1

2012 LTIP

Shares in M&C Saatchi 
Network Ltd

153,000 G shares

David Kershaw
Bill Muirhead
Maurice Saatchi
Jeremy Sinclair

Jamie Hewitt

1 See note 30.

New LTIP
In 2010, each of the four participants paid £97,250 for the award.  
This would not have been refundable if the share price hurdles  
and a total shareholder return (TSR) conditions were not met.

During the year 3,546,932 (2012: nil) M&C Saatchi plc shares  
were issued in return for Directors’ M&C Saatchi Worldwide Ltd  
A ordinary shares.

The Directors will receive further M&C Saatchi plc shares for  
their M&C Saatchi Worldwide Ltd shares if the Company’s 
average ninety day closing mid-market share price as at 31 
December 2014 is greater than or equal to 198.9p. If this 
condition is fulfilled then the participants are entitled to receive 
an award worth, in aggregate, ten percent of the Company’s 
increase in market capitalisation above its 31 December 2013 
value of £114.9m (i.e. 181.4p share price).The award causes an 
accounting charge of £156,000 (2012: £653,000).

2012 LTIP
The 2012 LTIP was issued on 19 January 2012 when the 
Company’s share price was 123.5p. Each participant paid the 
fair market price for the award of £1,530. The award can be 
vested once at either 31 December 2014, 31 March 2015 or 30 
September 2015. The condition for vesting is that the Company’s 
share price is greater than or equal to 200.0p. The maximum 
number of the Company’s shares awarded is equal to the number 
of M&C Saatchi Network Ltd G shares issued; this award reduces 
as the share price increase. The accounting charge per this 
arrangement is £19,000 (2012: 11,000).

LTIP 
The LTIP award was issued in October 2010. The maximum award 
will vest if, over three years, the headline diluted earnings per 
share grows at 10% plus RPI or more. If the headline diluted 
earnings per share grows by 3% plus RPI or more, but less than 
10% plus RPI, the award will vest proportionately between 30%  
and 100%. At a headline diluted earnings per share growth of  
less than 3% plus RPI, the award will not vest.

Other benefits
No Director of the Company has received or become entitled  
to receive a benefit (other than a fixed salary as an employee / 
consultant of the Company, the options indicated in this report,  
or a benefit included in the aggregate amount of remuneration 
shown in the financial statements) by reason of a contract made  
by the Company or a related corporation of which he is a member 
or with a Company in which he has a substantial financial interest.

By order of the Board

Andy Blackstone
Company Secretary
19 March 2014

36

2013

Directors
David Kershaw
Bill Muirhead
Maurice Saatchi
Jeremy Sinclair
Jamie Hewitt

Total

Non executive directors
Lloyd Dorfman
Adrian Martin
Jonathan Goldstein

Total 

TOTAL REWARDS

2012

Directors
David Kershaw
Bill Muirhead
Maurice Saatchi
Jeremy Sinclair
Jamie Hewitt

Total
Non executive directors
Lloyd Dorfman
Adrian Martin
Jonathan Goldstein

Total 

TOTAL REWARDS 

Basic  
salary  
£000

Bonus 
£000

Benefits  
in kind1 
£000

Pension 
£000

374 
325 
374 
374 
220 

1,667 

40
40

40

120

1,787

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

–
–

–

–

–

52 
52 
47 
50 
81 

282 

–
–

–

–

282

1 
49 
– 
– 
15 

65 

–
–

–

–

65

Total 
£000

427 
426 
421 
424 
316 

2,014 

40
40

40

120

2,134

Basic  
salary  
£000

Bonus  
£000

Benefits  
in kind1  
£000

Pension  
£000

Total  
£000

374
325
374
374
220

1,667

40
40
40

120

1,787

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–

54
55
52
49
80

290

–
–
–

–

290

1
49
–
–
12

62

–
–
–

–

62

429
429
426
423
312

2,019

40
40
40

120

2,139

37

1 Benefits in kind include car allowances and permanent health insurance benefit.

Consolidated income statement

Continuing 
operations  
2012  
£000
290,948

Discontinued 
operations*  
2012  
£000
211,790

Total 
2012  
£000
502,738

154,476
(143,895)

10,581

15,010
(9,836)

169,486
(153,731)

5,174

15,755

–
–

–
116
–

5,290

91
(1,552)

–
422
(4,835)

9,881

(1,355)

(5,357)

3,935

4,524

3,935
–

3,935

6.21p
5.73p

2,463
2,061

4,524

3.89p 
3.59p

17,068
17,182
9,560
15.10p

Year ended 31 December
Billings

Note

Revenue
Operating costs

Operating profit

Share of results of associates and joint 
ventures
Impairment of associate
Gain on disposal of discontinued 
operations
Finance income
Finance costs

(Loss) / profit before taxation

Taxation

(Loss) / profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Group
Non controlling interests

(Loss) / profit for the year

Earnings per share
Basic (pence)
Diluted (pence)

3
6

3

9
20

16
10
11

3

13

3
3

3

3
3

Headline results**
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders
Basic earnings per share (pence)

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Discontinued 
operations* 
2013  
£000

Total 
2013  
£000

320,288

162,039
(149,282)

12,757

163
–

–
376
(15,852)

(2,556)

(4,207)

(6,763)

(8,610)
1,847

(6,763)

198,618

518,906

13,562
175,601
(9,588) (158,870)

3,974

16,731

–
–

163
–

7,048
117
–

7,048
493
(15,852)

11,139

8,583

(1,046)

(5,253)

10,093

3,330

10,093
–

10,093

1,483
1,847

3,330

91
(1,552)

–
306
(4,835)

4,591

(4,002)

589

(1,472)
2,061

589

(13.03)p
(13.03)p

15.27p 
14.38p 

2.24p 
2.11p 

(2.32)p
(2.32)p

18,460***
18,597***
11,033***
16.69p*** 

* The results of Walker Media have been presented as a discontinued operations (note 16).
**The reconciliation of headline to statutory results above can be found in note 3.
***On a pro forma basis (note 3).

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

38

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2013  
£000

(6,763)

10,093

Total 
2013  
£000

3,330

Continuing 
operations  
2012  
£000

Discontinued 
operations  
2012  
£000

589

3,935

Year ended 31 December

(Loss) / profit for the year

Other comprehensive income*:
Exchange differences on translating foreign 
operations before tax
Tax benefit

Other comprehensive income for the year 
net of tax

(1,302)
–

(1,302)

–
–

–

(1,302)
–

(1,302)

Total comprehensive income for the year

(8,065)

10,093

2,028

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Group
Non controlling interests

(Loss) / profit for the year

(9,912)
1,847

(8,065)

10,093
–

10,093

181
1,847

2,028

* There are no items in other comprehensive income that would never be reclassified to the income statement.

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

(518)
56

(462)

127

(1,934)
2,061

127

Total 
2012  
£000

4,524

(518)
56

(462)

–
–

–

3,935

4,062

3,935
–

3,935

2,001
2,061

4,062

39

Consolidated balance sheet

At 31 December

Non current assets
Intangible assets
Investments in associates
Plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Other non current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Bank overdraft
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities 
Deferred and contingent consideration
Minority shareholder put option liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Minority shareholder put option liabilities
Other non current liabilities

Total net assets

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

40

Note

2013  
£000

2012  
£000

17
20
21
14
22

23

24

25
26
27

14
25
27
28

35,269
13,099
7,310
1,313
5,316

62,307

61,478
1,355
33,702

96,535

(115)
(64,004)
(3,552)
(20)
(420)
(21,844)
(89,955)

6,580

68,887

(486)
(356)
(16,325)
(896)

(18,063)

50,824

60,540
756
7,237
1,612
5,041

75,186

95,248
881
22,332

118,461

(84)
(106,872)
(3,809)
(131)
–
(2,549)
(113,445)

5,016

80,202

(669)
(4,322)
(17,933)
(1,092)

(24,016)

56,186

At 31 December

Equity
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Group
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Treasury reserve
Minority interest put option reserve
Non controlling interest acquired
Foreign exchange reserve
Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ funds

Non controlling interest

Total equity

Note

29

2013  
£000

2012  
£000

690
16,402
16,736
(792)
(16,587)
(1,532)
544
33,070

48,531

2,293

50,824

641
14,625
20,669
(792)
(13,675)
(1,085)
1,846
31,373

53,602

2,584

56,186

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 19 March 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

Jamie Hewitt
Finance Director
M&C Saatchi plc
Company Number 05114893

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

41

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

At 1 January 2012
Acquisitions
Acquired non controlling interest
Issues of shares to minorities
Impairment of New Zealand
Subsidiary Share buyback of own equity 
from a non controlling shareholder
Exchange rate movements
Issue of minority put options
Cancellation of minority put options
Option exercise
Share option charge
Dividends

Total transactions with owners
Total comprehensive income for the year

At 1 January 2013

Acquisitions
Disposals*
Exercise of put options
Issues of shares to minorities
Exchange rate movements
Issue of minority put options
Option exercise 
Share option charge
Dividends

Total transactions with owners
Total comprehensive income for the year

At 31 December 2013

Share  
capital  
£000

Share  
premium  
£000

Note

18

27

27

30
30
15

18

27

27
30
30
15

635
–
1
–
–

–
–
–
–
5
–
–

6
–

641

–
–
5
–
–
–
44
–
–

49
–

13,832
–
115
–
–

–
–
–
–
678
–
–

793
–

14,625

–
–
1,281
–
–
–
496
–
–

1,777
–

690

16,402

Merger  
reserve  
£000

21,194
–
–
–
(525)

Treasury 
reserve 
£000

(792)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(525)
–

20,669

–
(3,933)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(3,933)
–

16,736

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

(792)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

(792)

The definitions of the reserves reported in the above can be found in note 2. 

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

42

MI put option  
reserve  
£000

Non controlling  
interest  
acquired  
£000

Foreign  
exchange  
reserves  
£000

Retained  
earnings  
£000

Non controlling  
interest  
in equity  
£000

Subtotal  
£000

(14,305)
–
73
–
–

–
–
(480)
1,037
–
–
–

630
–

(13,675)

(1,661)
–
447
(484)
–
(1,214)
–
–
–

(2,912)
–

(297)
–
(120)
–
–

(668)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(788)
–

(1,085)

–
–
(447)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(447)
–

(16,587)

(1,532)

2,308
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
(462)

1,846

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
(1,302)

544

30,808
–
–
(11)
525

–
–
–
329
(686)
855
(2,910)

(1,898)
2,463

31,373

–
3,933
–
(170)
–
–
(418)
290
(3,421)

214
1,483

33,070

53,383
–
69
(11)
–

(668)
–
(480)
1,366
(3)
855
(2,910)

(1,782)
2,001

53,602

(1,661)
–
1,286
(654)
–
(1,214)
122
290
(3,421)

(5,252)
181

48,531

2,663
71
(18)
26
–

(632)
(61)
–
–
–
–
(1,526)

(2,140)
2,061

2,584

321
(100)
–
417
(77)
–
(155)
–
(2,544)

(2,138)
1,847

2,293

Total  
£000

56,046
71
51
15
–

(1,300)
(61)
(480)
1,366
(3)
855
(4,436)

(3,922)
4,062

56,186

(1,340)
(100)
1,286
(237)
(77)
(1,214)
(33)
290
(5,965)

(7,390)
2,028

50,824

* Amounts were released from merger reserve to retained earnings on disposal of discontinued operations in respect of the investments that 
create the related merger reserve. See definition of terms in note 2.

43

Consolidated cash flow statement 
and analysis of net debt

Year ended 31 December

Revenue*
Operating expenses*
Operating profit (continuing)*

Adjustments for:

Operating profit from discontinued operations (note 16)*
Depreciation of plant and equipment
Loss on sale of plant and equipment
Loss on sale of software intangibles
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Impairment of goodwill
Amortisation of capitalised software intangible assets
Equity settled share based payment expenses

Operating cash before movements in working capital

Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables
(Decrease) / increases in trade and other payables

Cash generated / (consumed) from operations
Tax paid

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities
Acquisitions of subsidiaries net of cash acquired
Disposal of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed of
Acquisitions of investments 
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment
Purchase of plant and equipment
Purchase of capitalised software
Dividends received from associates
Interest received

Net cash from / (consumed) by investing activities

Net cash from operating and investing activities

The notes on pages 46 to 88 form part of these financial statements.

44

Note

2013
£000

162,039
(149,282)
12,757

2012
£000

154,476
(143,895)
10,581

3,974
2,233
23
–
900
–
143
290

20,320

5,464
(6,743)

19,041
(5,080)

13,961

(3,101)
15,082
(800)
20
(2,771)
(90)
73
473

8,886

22,847

5,174
2,289
99
35
705
608
141
855

20,487

(5,717)
4,194

18,964
(5,178)

13,786

(3,199)
–
–
28
(2,652)
(163)
–
422

(5,564)

8,222

19
16
22

Year ended 31 December

Net cash from operating and investing activities

Financing activities
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company
Dividends paid to non controlling interest
Subsidiaries sale of own shares to non controlling interest
Repayment of finance leases
Inception of bank loans
Repayment of bank loans
Interest paid

Net cash consumed by financing activities

Net 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

Bank loans and borrowings

NET CASH

CAPITAL

TOTAL CAPITALISATION (at 333.25p; 180.5p )

TOTAL CAPITAL

GEARING RATIO

* 2012 comparatives have been restated for discontinued operations (note 16).

Gearing ratio and net cash are not defined under IFRS; see note 2.

Note

15

2013  
£000

22,847

(3,421)
(2,544)
1
(42)
4,261
(8,200)
(321)

(10,266)

12,581

22,248
(1,242)

33,587

(356)

33,231

227,740

227,740

nil

2012  
£000

8,222

(2,910)
(1,526)
30
(214)
5,416
(4,755)
(390)

(4,349)

3,873

18,779
(404)

22,248

(4,322)

17,926

114,396

114,396

nil

45

 
 
Notes

1. Summary accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The Group’s financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) adopted by the European Union.

In accordance with IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for  
Sale and Discontinued Operations’, the comparative income 
statement has been re-presented so that the disclosures in 
relation to discontinued operations relate to all operations  
that have been discontinued by the balance sheet date.

Going concern
Given the strength of the Group’s balance sheet, its net cash, the 
risks the Group faces (note 5) and expected trading performance 
the management believe it is correct to account for the Group as 
a going concern for foreseeable future.

Headline results
The Directors believe that the headline results and headline 
earnings per share provide additional useful information on the 
underlying performance of the business. In addition, the headline 
results are used for internal performance management, the 
calculation of rewards in the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan 
(LTIP) scheme and minority shareholder put option liabilities. 
The term headline is not a defined term in IFRS.

Our segmental reporting reflects our headline results 
in accordance with IFRS 8.

The items that are excluded from headline results are the 
amortisation or impairment of intangible assets (including 
goodwill, but excluding software) acquired in business 
combinations, changes to contingent and deferred  
consideration taken to the income statement; impairment  
of investment in associate; and fair value gains and losses  
on liabilities caused by our put and call option agreements. 
Headline results treats discontinued operations as if they  
had not been disposed.

Accounting developments and changes
There are no significant accounting developments and 
changes during 2013 that affect these accounts. Other future 
developments are described in note 34.

IFRS choices
IFRS provides certain options available within accounting 
standards. Material choices we have made and continue  
to make, include the following:
•	 Goodwill and intangible asset acquisition – the Group does  
not recognise the non controlling interests share of goodwill.
•	 Timing of goodwill impairment reviews – occur at the end of  

each year following the conclusion of the budgetary process,  
or if a significant event occurs to indicate impairment.

46

Critical accounting policies
Revenue recognition
Billings comprises the gross amounts billed to clients in respect 
of commission based and fee based income together with the 
total of other fees earned. Revenue comprises commission and 
fees earned in respect of amounts billed. Revenue and billings is 
stated exclusive of VAT, sales taxes and trade discounts.

Each type of revenue is recognised on the following basis:

a) Project fees are recognised over the period of the relevant 
assignments or agreements, in line with incurred costs.

b) Retainer fees are spread over the period of the contract on  
a straight line basis.

c) Commission on media spend is recognised when the 
advertisements appear in the media.

Employee benefits – share based compensation
Certain employees receive remuneration in the form of share 
based payments, including shares or rights over shares. 

Share based payments include options issued to employees, 
phantom bonuses and other long term equity linked bonuses. 
Payments may be in the form of cash or equity. 

Minority shareholder put option liabilities
Liabilities in respect of put option agreements that allow the 
Group’s subsidiaries’ equity partners to require the Group to 
purchase the non controlling interest are measured as liabilities 
on a gross basis at the present value of the exercise price;  
this is deemed a proxy for the fair value. The fair value of  
such put option liabilities is remeasured at each period end  
in accordance with IFRS 13. The movement in the fair value is 
recognised in the income statement as part of finance income  
or cost. The Group measures fair value as its best estimate  
of the amount it is likely to pay, should these put options be 
exercised by the non controlling interests, as a liability in the 
balance sheet.

On inception of a put option, the liability is recognised on the 
balance sheet and a corresponding debit is included in the 
minority put option reserve (note 2).

On exercise the liability is extinguished, and its related minority 
interest put option reserve is moved to the non controlling 
interest acquired reserve (note 2).

Assets and liabilities in respect of put options held by 
shareholders in associates are accounted for as derivatives  
and not recognised until the Group gains control and fully 
consolidates the entity.

Sensitivities to accounting estimates
Our results and financial position are sensitive to assumptions 
made in determining accounting estimates, as set out below:

Management are satisfied that the only possible changes in key 
assumptions, which would cause the recoverable amount of any 
of our CGUs to be below their carrying amount, is if Clear Ideas 
Ltd do not increase their future monthly profitability in line with 
their forecast, or other CGUs have a significant loss of clients. 
For all entities except for Clear Ideas Ltd (note 17), Management 
have tested the key assumptions on pre-tax discount rates and 
management forecasts and projections by adjusting them 50% 
and 20% respectively, which would not lead to impairment.

The remaining accounting policies, details of IFRS 13 hierarchy’s 
and additional details on the above, are set out in note 34.

2. Definition of terms

Foreign exchange reserve
For overseas operations, results are translated at the average 
rate of exchange and balance sheets are translated at the closing 
rate of exchange. The average rate of exchange approximates  
to the rate on the date that the transactions occurred. Exchange 
differences arising from the translation of foreign subsidiary  
are taken to a separate component of equity. Such translation 
differences will be recognised as income or expense in the  
period in which the operation is disposed of.

Gearing ratio
Is equal to net debt divided by market capitalisation.

Key management
The Group has defined the key management as the M&C Saatchi 
plc Directors and the Executive Board.

Net cash (debt)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year less  
external borrowings.

Merger reserve
Premium paid for shares above the nominal value of  
share capital, caused by the acquisition of more than 90%  
of subsidiaries’ shares. The merger reserve is released to 
retained earnings when there is a disposal or impairment  
charge or amortisation charge posted in respect of the 
investment that created it.

Minority interest put option reserve
Corresponds to the initial fair value of the liability in respect  
of the put options at creation. When the put option is exercised, 
the related amount in this reserve is taken to non controlling 
interest acquired reserve. All revaluations of the put option  
goes via the income statement to profit and loss reserve.

Non controlling interest
Contains the non controlling interest’s share of equity reserves  
in our subsidiaries.

Non controlling interest acquired reserve
From 1 January 2010 a non controlling interest acquired  
reserve is used when the Group acquires an increased stake  
in a subsidiary. If the stepped acquisition is due to a put option 
then the non controlling interest acquired reserve is equal to the 
minority interest put option reserve transferred less book value 
of the minority interest acquired. Otherwise the non controlling 
interest acquired reserve is equal to the consideration paid less 
book value of the minority interest acquired. If the equity stake 
in the subsidiary is subsequently sold then balances from this 
reserve will be taken to retained earnings.

Retained earnings
Cumulative gains and losses recognised.

Share premium 
Premium paid for shares above the nominal value of share capital, 
where that premium was not taken to merger reserve.

Treasury reserve
Amount paid for own shares acquired.

47

Notes
Continued

3. Headline results and earnings per share
The analysis below provides a reconciliation between the Group’s statutory continuing results and the headline continuing results. Then 
between the headline continuing results and pro forma headline results, which assume that the discontinued operations continued as 
a 100% subsidiary. The pro forma headline results with full year consolidation of discontinued operations as a 100% owned continued 
operations have been what management have used for management and control.

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Amortisation  
of acquired 
intangibles
(note 17)
£000

Note

Fair value 
adjustments 
to minority 
put option 
liabilities
(note 27)
£000

4

6

9
20

16
10
11

4

13

162,039

12,757

163
–

– 
376 
(15,852)

(2,556)

(4,207)

(6,763)

(1,847)

– 

900 

– 
–

– 
– 

900 

(230)

670 

(134)

– 

– 

– 
–

–
– 
15,503 

15,503 

– 

15,503 

–

Headline 
continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

162,039

13,657

163 
–

– 
376 
(349)

13,847 

(4,437)

9,410 

(1,981)

Discontinued 
operations 
2013  
£000

Full year 
effect of 
discontinued 
 operations* 
 £000

Pro forma 
headline  
and  
segmental  
results*
£000

13,562

3,974

– 
–

7,048 
117 
–

11,139

(1,046)

10,093

–

1,824 

177,425 

829 

18,460 

(184)
–

(7,048)
14 
– 

(6,389)

(100)

(6,489)

– 

(21) 
–

– 
507 
(349)

18,597 

(5,583)

13,014 

(1,981)

(8,610)

536 

15,503 

7,429 

10,093 

(6,489) 

11,033

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Revenue

Operating profit

Share of results of associates 
& JV
Impairment of associate
Gain on disposal of 
discontinued operations
Finance income
Finance cost

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Non controlling interests

Profit attributable to 
equity holders of the Group

* Unaudited.

The Directors believe that the pro forma headline results and headline earnings per share provide additional useful information  
on the underlying performance. The pro forma headline result is used for internal performance management, calculating the value  
of subsidiary convertible shares and minority interest put options. The term pro forma headline is not a defined term in IFRS.

The items that are excluded from headline results are the amortisation or impairment of intangible assets (including goodwill, but 
excluding software) acquired in business combinations, changes to contingent and deferred consideration taken to the income 
statement; impairment of investment in associate; and fair value gains and losses on liabilities caused by our put and call option 
agreements. Pro forma headline results treats discontinued operations as if they had not been disposed.

48

Continuing 
operations 
2012  
£000

Amortisation  
of acquired 
intangibles
(note 17)
£000

Note

Impairment  
of goodwill 
& associate 
(note 16  
& 20)
£000

Fair value 
adjustments to 
minority 
put option 
liabilities
(note 27)
£000

4

6

9
20

16
10
11

4

13

154,476 

10,581 

91
(1,552)

–
306 
(4,835)

4,591 

(4,002)

589 

(2,061)

–

705 

–
–

–
–
–

705

(185)

520

(19)

–

608 

–
1,552

–
–
–

2,160

–

2,160

–

–

–

–
–

–
–
4,436

4,436

–

4,436

–

Headline 
continuing 
operations 
2012  
£000

154,476

11,894

Total 
Headline  
and  
segmental  
results
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2012  
£000

15,010 

169,486 

5,174 

17,068 

91
–

–
306
(399)

11,892

(4,187)

7,705

(2,080)

–
–

–
116 

5,290 

(1,355)

3,935 

–

91
–

–
422 
(399)

17,182 

(5,542)

11,640 

(2,080)

(1,472)

501

2,160

4,436

5,625

3,935 

9,560 

Year ended  
31 December 2012

Revenue

Operating profit
Share of results of associates 

Impairment of associate
Gain on disposal of 
discontinued operations
Finance income
Finance cost

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Non controlling interests

Profit attributable to 
equity holders of the Group

49

Notes
Continued

3. Headline results and earnings per share continued
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average 
number of shares in issue during the year.

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Group

Basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares (thousands)

Basic EPS

Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares (thousands) as above
Add
–  UK growth shares
–  Options
–  LTIP
–  2012 LTIP 
–  New LTIP 
–  Dilutive put options**
Total

Diluted earnings per share***

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2013  
£000

(8,610)

10,093

Pro forma 
headline  
and  
segmental  

results
£000

11,033 

Total 
2013  
£000

1,483

66,094

(13.03)p

66,094

15.27p 

66,094

2.24p 

66,094

16.69p 

66,094

66,094

66,094

66,094

631 
128 
102 
230 
2,751 
359 
70,295 

(3.03)p

631 
128 
102 
230 
2,751 
359 
70,295

14.38p 

631 
128 
102 
230 
2,751 
359 
70,295

2.11p 

631 
128 
102 
230 
2,751 
359 
70,295

15.70p 

50

Year ended  
31 December 2012

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Group

Basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares (thousands)

Basic EPS

Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of shares (thousands) as above
Add
–  UK growth shares
–  Options
–  LTIP
–  New LTIP
Total

Diluted earnings per share***

Continuing 
operations 
2012  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2012  
£000

(1,472)

3,935 

63,317

(2.32)p

–

6.21p 

Headline  
and  
segmental  

results
£000

9,560 

63,317

15.10p

Total 
2012  
£000

2,463 

–

3.89p 

63,317

63,317

63,317

63,317

1,581
128
111
3,547
68,684

(2.32)p

1,581
128
111
3,547
68,684

5.73p 

1,581
128
111
3,547
68,684

3.59p 

1,581
128
111
3,547
68,684

13.92p

**Apart from one entity, in 2013, all the other put options detailed in note 27 are non dilutive as the exercise price approximates fair value of the 
underlying non controlling interest.

*** There is no dilutive effect on losses.

51

 
 
 
 
Notes
Continued

4. Segmental information

Segmental and headline income statement

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Revenue

Operating profit 
excluding Group costs
Group costs

Operating profit

Share of results of associates
Financial income and cost

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year
Non controlling interests

Profit attributable 
to equity shareholders  
of the Group

Headline basic EPS

Discontinued 
operations  
(for year)
£000

UK
£000

Europe
£000

Middle East 
and Africa 
£000

Asia and 
Australasia
£000

Americas
£000

Clear
£000

Total
£000

15,386 

68,147 

19,424 

8,055 

48,299 

10,502 

7,612 

177,425 

4,985 
(185) 

11,057
(4,546)

4,800 

6,511 

– 
131 

41 
(45)

4,931 

6,507 

(1,146)

(1,560)

3,785 
– 

4,947 
(1,232)

1,902 
(71) 

1,831 

23 
(55)

1,799 

(670)

1,129 
(208)

376 
– 

376 

(152) 
104 

328 

(186)

142 
(214)

4,438 
(234) 

4,204 

67 
37 

4,308 

(1,671)

2,637 
(811)

(90)
(91) 

(181)

– 
(19)

(200)

(137)

(337)
509 

919 
–

919 

– 
5 

924 

(213)

711 
(25)

23,587
(5,127)

18,460 

(21) 
158 

18,597 

(5,583)

13,014 
(1,981)

3,785 

3,715 

921 

(72)

1,826 

172 

686 

11,033 

16.69p

Non cash costs included in operating profit:

Depreciation
Amortisation of software
Share option charges

Office location

(176)
– 
– 

(966)
(38)
(290)

London

London

(229)
(39)
– 

Paris
Berlin
Madrid
Geneva
Milan 
Moscow
Stockholm

(172)
(29)
– 

(454)
(14)
– 

(82)
(23)
– 

(154)
– 
– 

(2,233)
(143)
(290)

Los 
Angeles 
São Paulo
New York

London
New York
Sydney
Singapore

Beirut
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Abu Dhabi

Sydney
Melbourne
Auckland
Wellington
New Delhi
Mumbai
Kuala Lumpur
Hong Kong
Beijing
Shanghai
Tokyo
Singapore

Segmental results are reconciled to the income statement in note 3. Our segmental and headline results are one and the same.  
The above segments reflect the fact that our business is run on an operating unit basis. In accordance with IFRS 8 paragraph 12  
we have aggregated our operating units into regional segments. Clear has a different nature of service, and it is reported to the  
Board on a consolidated basis rather than on an office basis; as with other operating units, therefore, we have disclosed Clear  
as a separate segment.

52

Segmental and headline income statement

Year ended  
31 December 2012

Revenue

Operating profit 
excluding Group costs

Group costs

Operating profit

Share of results of associates
Financial income and cost

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year
Non controlling interests

Profit attributable 
to equity shareholders of 
the Group

Headline basic EPS

Discontinued 
operations  
(for year)
£000

UK*
£000

Europe
£000

Middle East 
and Africa 
£000

Asia and 
Australasia
£000

Americas
£000

Clear
£000

Total
£000

15,010 

60,391 

16,164 

6,604 

53,798 

8,031 

9,488 

169,486 

5,544 

9,708 

(370) 

(3,899) 

5,174 

5,809 

– 
116 

77 
(41)

5,290 

5,845 

(1,355)

(1,601)

3,935 
– 

4,244 
(1,231)

2,331 

(71) 

2,260 

(88)
(45)

2,127 

(743)

1,384 
(435)

237 

– 

237 

102 
15 

354 

(167)

187 
(98)

3,443 

(110)

3,333 

– 
14 

3,347 

(1,566)

1,781 
(565)

66 

(87) 

(21)

– 
(38)

(59)

(52)

(111)
255 

276 

– 

276 

– 
2 

278 

(58)

220 
(6)

3,935 

3,013 

949 

89 

1,216 

144 

214 

21,605 

(4,537)

17,068 

91 
23 

17,182 

(5,542)

11,640 
(2,080)

9,560 

15.10p

Non cash costs included in operating profit:

Depreciation
Amortisation of software
Share option charges

(307)
–
–

(811)
(1)
(855)

Office location

London

London

(250)
(30)
–

Paris
Berlin
Madrid
Geneva
Milan 
Moscow 
Stockholm

(144)
(25)
–

(527)
(61)
–

(79)
(24)
–

(171)
–
–

(2,289)
(141)
(855)

Los 
Angeles 
São Paulo
New York

London
Hong Kong
New York
Sydney
Singapore

Beirut
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Abu Dhabi

Sydney
Melbourne
Auckland
Wellington
New Delhi
Mumbai
Kuala Lumpur
Hong Kong
Beijing
Shanghai
Tokyo
Singapore

*The discontinued operations only affect the UK segment; these items have been restated. 
The discontinued operations is accounted for in sterling so is not affected by translation differences.

53

Notes
Continued

4. Segmental information continued

Segmental balance sheet

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Total assets
Total liabilities

Associates included 
in total assets

Non-headline 
amortisation
Capital expenditure
Depreciation

Year ended  
31 December 2012

Total assets
Total liabilities

Associates included 
in total assets

Non-headline 
amortisation
Capital expenditure
Depreciation

UK 
discontinued 
£000

Note

UK
£000

–
–

99,587
(18,588)

Middle 
East and 
Africa 
£000

3,475
(3,068)

Europe
£000

14,542
(13,519)

Asia and 
Australasia
£000

Americas
£000

Clear
£000

Total
£000

21,506
(17,371)

7,391
(8,462)

9,673
(4,312)

156,174
(65,320)

9,148 

610 

64 

– 

3,277 

–

–

13,099 

–
24
(175)

(630)
1,921
(967)

–
205
(229)

–
205
(172)

(270)
230
(454)

–
71
(82)

–
51
(154)

(900)
2,707
(2,233)

UK 
discontinued 
£000

Note

UK
£000

Europe
£000

58,544
(43,276)

70,909
(14,863)

12,102
(11,780)

Middle 
East and 
Africa 
£000

5,316
(4,601)

Asia and 
Australasia
£000

Americas
£000

29,403
(23,283)

5,484
(6,287)

Clear
£000

9,396
(3,874)

Total
£000

191,154
(107,964)

20

17
21
21

–

569 

41 

146 

–

–

–

756

–
41
(307)

(76)
1,692
(810)

(65)
262
(250)

–
340
(144)

(220)
207
(527)

(303)
91
(79)

(41)
133
(172)

(705)
2,766
(2,289)

Reportable segment assets are reconciled to total assets as follows:

2013
£000

156,174
1,355
1,313

158,842

2012
£000

191,154
881
1,612

193,647

Segment assets
Current tax asset
Deferred tax asset

Total assets per balance sheet

54

Reportable segment liabilities are reconciled to total liabilities as follows:

Segment liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Current tax liabilities held for sale
Other current liabilities and overdraft
Other non current liabilities
Minority shareholder put option liabilities

Total liabilities per balance sheet

Additional regional splits required for IFRS 8

2013
£000
(65,320)
(486)
(3,552)
–
(135)
(356)
(38,169)

(108,018)

2012
£000
(107,964)
(669)
(2,937)
(872)
(215)
(4,322)
(20,482)

(137,461)

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Revenue
Non current assets 

Year ended  
31 December 2012

Revenue
Non current assets 

UK 
discontinued 
£000

13,562
–

UK 
discontinued 
£000

15,010
26,522

UK
£000

72,873
50,775

Europe
£000

19,322
3,767

UK
£000

65,366
36,608

Europe
£000

16,867
3,679

Middle 
East and 
Africa
£000

7,976
581

Middle 
East and 
Africa
£000

5,888
694

Australia
£000

37,847
4,447

Australia
£000

41,723
4,420

Asia  
and New 
Zealand
£000

12,113
662

Asia  
and New 
Zealand
£000

14,571
838

Americas
£000

11,908
762

Total
£000

175,601
60,994

Americas
£000

10,061
813

Total
£000

169,486
73,574

55

Notes
Continued

4. Segmental information continued

Segmental income statement translated at 2012 exchange rates
It is normal practice in our industry to provide like-for-like results. In the year we had not acquired any significant new businesses 
therefore the only difference in our like-for-like results is the impact from movements in exchange rates. Had our 2013 results been 
translated at 2012 exchange rate then our results would have been: 

Year ended  
31 December 2013

Revenue

Operating profit excluding 
Group costs

Group costs

Operating profit

Share of results of associates
Financial income and cost

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Increase / (decrease) in 
2013 results caused by 
translation differences

UK 
discontinued 
£000

UK
£000

Europe
£000

Middle 
East and 
Africa 
£000

Asia and 
Australasia
£000

Americas
£000

15,386 

68,147 

18,560 

9,123 

50,845 

10,771 

4,985 

11,057 

1,819 

(185) 

(4,546)

(68) 

4,800 

6,511 

1,751 

– 
131 

4,931 

(1,146)

3,785 

41 
(45)

6,507 

(1,560)

4,947 

23 
(56)

1,718 

(640)

1,078 

475 

– 

475 

(150)
122 

447 

(213)

234 

4,711 

(252) 

4,459 

63 
38 

4,560 

(1,749)

2,811 

(54)

(99) 

(153)

– 
(21)

(174)

(135)

(309)

Clear
£000

7,650 

Total
£000

180,482 

923 

– 

923 

– 
5 

928 

(214)

714 

23,916 

(5,150) 

18,766 

(23)
174 

18,917 

(5,657)

13,260 

– 

– 

51 

(92)

(174)

(28)

(3)

(246)

The key currencies that affect us and the average exchange rate used were:

2013

1.5643

4.9279

1.6212

15.0952

3.3772

1.1776

2012

1.5849

4.8926

1.5306

13.0054

3.0955

1.2332

US dollar

Malaysian ringgit

Australian dollar

South African rand

Brazilian real

Euro

56

5. Risk and risk management
M&C Saatchi plc have identified specific categories of business  
risk and developed policies for their management and control. 
These policies are kept under constant review as risk and risk 
perceptions change.

Currency risk 
(see below, and note 23 and 24) 
Interest rate risk 
(note 12) 
Share price risk 
(note 27 and 30) 

Market risk
(see below)
Credit risk
(note 23)
Talent risk
(Directors’ report)

Income statement currency exposure
The Group’s results are presented in sterling and are subject to 
fluctuation as a result of exchange rate movements. The Group 
continues to review its exposure to exchange rate movements  
and considers methods to reduce the exchange rate risk.

2013 profits would have changed as follows, had average 
exchange rates been changed by:

Increase / (decrease)  
in profit before tax  
£000

Increase / (decrease)  
in profit after tax  
£000

(555)

679 

(304)

373 

Exchange rate

+10%

(10)%

See note 4 for the income statement translated at prior year 
exchange rates.

Market risk
The Group does not have a substantial market share in any 
market. The key risk the Group is exposed to is the loss of clients. 
The Group has policies to monitor client feedback and act where 
there are issues.

Largest clients as a %  
of total revenue

Top client

Top 10

Top 15

Top 30

2013
%

7.0

34.1

41.1

53.5

2012
%

5.7

32.9

39.5

52.5

Liquidity risk
Centrally the Group ensures that bank facilities are available to 
meet the Group’s liquidity needs. Liquidity is monitored centrally 
and managed locally. Spare local cash is released to the centre 
by way of dividends and loan repayments. In managing its liquidity 
risk, management considers its net cash and minimises its gearing 
ratio, and where working capital is utilised to fund the business, 
management makes sure that the Group has sufficient bank 

facilities to cope with an unwinding of positive working capital 
flows and to fund the negative working capital effect of revenue 
growth. Our bank debt maturity analysis can be seen in note 25 
and financial liability maturity analysis can be seen in note 24.

Capital risk
The Group’s capital reserves consist of all its equity reserves with 
the exclusion of the minority interest put option reserve. The Group 
maintains its capital reserves to safeguard the Group’s going 
concern, as well as providing adequate return to its shareholders. 
The capital reserves total £67,411k (2012: £69,861k). The Group 
minimises the amount of debt it uses to finance its activities, to 
reduce the risk to the shareholders. Excess working capital is 
used to reduce debt. Excess cash is used to invest or is returned 
to shareholders by way of dividend or through buying shares into 
treasury. Our key process for managing capital is regular Board 
reviews of our capital structure and needs.

Key estimates
Management’s estimates of the future profitability of the Group 
can be significantly affected by single account wins or losses, and 
to a lesser extent by the estimated phase of a project, exchange 
rates and underlying economic growth rates. We have therefore 
based our estimates on the budgets for the coming year and 
estimated growth rates and margins thereafter.

Changes in these underlying assumptions could give rise  
to material adjustments as set out in the following notes:
Note 17 – Intangible assets – Goodwill estimation of value in use;
Note 27 – Minority shareholder put options liabilities; and 
Note 30 – Share based payments – Conditional share awards.

Key judgements
Management has made the following key judgements, which  
have a significant effect: deciding which of its leases are operating 
and which are finance leases; deciding which of its shareholder 
contracts are share options and which are put options; deciding to 
what extent tax losses are recognised as an asset in the balance 
sheet; useful lives of assets – tangible and intangible; recoverability 
of amounts receivable, and to use a discount to value an associate 
when it is created from selling a controlling stake in a subsidiary.

Projections
Projections take account of management’s view of the local 
operation’s future profitability, given expected market growth, 
inflation, exchange rates and rapidly growing / shrinking markets. 
They are based on our budgets for 2014.

They are used in calculating the fair value of minority put options, 
management’s assessment of value in use calculations and in 
calculating the value of conditional share awards. 

IFRS 13 disclosures with respect of fair value have been detailed 
in note 34 and relevant notes.

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing 
operations 
2013 
 £000

Discontinued 
operations 
2013 
 £000

Total 
2013
£000

6,082
3,506

9,588

112,034
46,836

158,870

2012
£000

107,234
46,497

153,731

Notes
Continued

6. Operating costs

Year ended 31 December

Total staff costs
Other costs

Operating costs

Other costs include:
Loss / (profit) on exchange
Amortisation of intangibles
–  Acquired intangibles
–  Capitalised software
Goodwill impairment
Depreciation of plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of capitalised software
Loss on disposal of fixed assets

Year ended 31 December

Operating lease rentals
Plant
Property

Year ended 31 December

Note

7

3

3

105,952
43,330

149,282

487

900
143
–
2,058
–
23

Total commitments
Plant and equipment
Commitments for future minimum lease payments under non cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
–  Within one year
–  Between two and five years

Property

Commitments for future minimum lease payments under non cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
–  Within one year
–  Between one and five years
–  Greater than five years

58

–

487

(40)

–
–
–
175

–

900
143
–
2,233
–
23

2013
£000

304
5,699

6,003

2013
£000

705
141
608
2,289
35
99

2012
£000

356
6,753

7,109

2012
£000

660
786

801
509

1,446

1,310

12,861
21,310
19,860

54,031

6,904
21,787
24,608

53,299

7. Staff costs

Staff costs (including Directors) comprise:

Year ended 31 December

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Defined contribution pension scheme costs
Other staff benefits

Share based incentive plans 
Cash settled
Equity settled

Total staff costs

Staff cost to revenue ratio

Staff cost in respect of discontinued operations

Staff numbers
UK discontinued operations
UK
Europe
Middle East and Africa
Asia and Australia
America
Clear

2013
£000

95,665
10,404
2,892
2,617

111,578

166
290
456

112,034

64%

6,082

117
616
198
175
516
130
54

1,806

2012
£000

91,294
9,388
3,007
2,620

106,309

70
855
925

107,234

63%

5,883

104
552
165
120
602
91
74

1,708

Pensions
The Group does not operate any defined benefit pension schemes. The Group makes payments, on behalf of certain individuals, 
to personal pension schemes.

Payments of £2,931k (2012: £3,007k) were made in the year and charged to the income statement in the period they fall due. At the 
year end there were unpaid amounts included within accruals totalling £75k (2012: £114k).

Key management remuneration

Short term employee benefit
Post employment benefit
Share based payments

Total

2013
£000

4,427
153
354

4,933

2012
£000

4,652
173
776

5,601

59

Notes
Continued

8. Auditors’ remuneration
Services provided by the Group’s auditors and network firms.

Year ended 31 December

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

Other services provided by the auditors
Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services
Other advice

Total

9. Share of associates and joint ventures

Year ended 31 December

Share of associates’ profit before taxation
Share of associates’ taxation

10. Finance income

Year ended 31 December

Bank interest receivable
Other interest receivable

Total interest receivable

In respect of discontinued operations

Total finance income

11. Finance costs

Year ended 31 December

Bank interest payable
Interest payable on finance leases

Total interest payable

Fair value adjustments to minority shareholder put option liabilities (note 27)

Total finance costs

60

2013
£000

100
187

287

7
33
1

41

328

2013
£000

195
(32)

163

2013
£000

173
203

376

117

493

2013
£000

(342)
(7)

(349)

(15,503)

(15,852)

2012
£000

100
182

282

14
5
15

34

316

2012
£000

120
(29)

91

2012
£000

282
24

306

116

422

2012
£000

(390)
(9)

(399)

(4,436)

(4,835)

12. Interest rate risk 

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on both interest bearing assets and liabilities. The majority of interest paying and earning 
assets are exposed to UK inter bank rates. An analysis of net interest by our segmented geographic regions is provided in note 4.

At the year end the Group had a £14.5m bank facility, which runs out in April 2017. The facility can borrow in sterling or euros.  
At 31 December 2013, £0.3m (2012: £4.3m) of this loan was drawn down.

The Group regularly reviews its treasury structures to minimise commercial interest rate margins.

13. Taxation

Year ended 31 December

Current taxation
Taxation in the year
–  UK
–  Overseas
Withholding taxes payable
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses
Adjustment for under provision in prior periods

Total

Deferred taxation
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Recognition of previously unrecognised  
tax losses
Effect of changes in tax rates

Total

Total taxation

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2013  
£000

Continuing 
operations 
2012  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2012  
£000

Total 
2013  
£000

Total 
2012  
£000

1,945
2,756
9
–
72

4,782

(658)

83
–

(575)

4,207

1,046
–
–
–
–

1,046

–

–
–

–

1,046

2,991
2,756
9
–
72

5,828

1,784
2,916
–
(147)
86

4,639

1,339
–

–
268

1,607

3,123
2,916
–
(147)
354

6,246

(658)

(632)

(245)

(877)

83
–

(575)

5,253

(11)
6

(637)

4,002

–
(7)

(252)

1,355

(11)
(1)

(889)

5,357

61

Notes
Continued

13. Taxation continued

The differences between the actual tax and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to profits for the year are as follows:

Continuing 
operations 
2013  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2013  
£000

Continuing 
operations 
2012  
£000

Discontinued 
operations 
2012  
£000

Total 
2013  
£000

(2,556)

11,139

8,583

4,591

5,290

Year ended 31 December

Profit before taxation
Taxation at UK corporation tax rate of 23.25% 
(2012: 24.5%) 
Tax effect of associates
Non controlling interest share of partnership income
Expenses not deductible for tax
Option charges not deductible for tax
Different tax rates applicable in overseas jurisdictions
Effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax
Withholding taxes payable
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses
Adjustment for current tax under provision in prior periods
Adjustment for deferred tax over provision in prior periods
Tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised
Fair value adjustments on minority shareholder put options
Non-taxable gain on disposal of discontinued operations
Impairment of goodwill and investment in associates

594
38
112
(125)
(50)
(685)
–
(9)
–
83
(72)
–
(489)
(3,604)
–
–

(4,207)

(2,590)
–
–
(94)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,638
–

(1,996)
38
112
(219)
(50)
(685)
–
(9)
–
83
(72)
–
(489)
(3,604)
1,638
–

(1,046)

(5,253)

(1,125)
22
69
(181)
(201)
(452)
(6)
–
147
(11)
(86)
12
(574)
(1,087)
–
(529)

(4,002)

Total 
2012  
£000

9,881

(2,421)
22
69
(216)
(201)
(452)
1
–
147
(11)
(354)
249
(574)
(1,087)
–
(529)

(1,296)
–
–
(35)
–
–
7
–
–
–
(268)
237
–
–
–
–

(1,355)

(5,357)

2013
£000

18,597
21

18,618

(4,329)
112
(124)
(50)
(705)
–
(9)
–
83
(72)
–
(489)

(5,583)

30.0%

2012
£000

17,182
(91)

17,091

(4,187)
69
(216)
(201)
(465)
1
–
147
(11)
(354)
249
(574)

(5,542)

32.4%

Year ended 31 December

Headline profit before taxation
Less associates loss / (profit)

Headline profit before tax and associates

Taxation at UK corporation tax rate of 23.25% (2011: 24.5%) 
Non controlling interest share of partnership income
Expenses not deductible for tax
Option charges not deductible for tax
Different tax rates applicable in overseas jurisdictions
Effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax
Withholding taxes payable
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses
Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses
Adjustment for current tax under provision in prior periods
Adjustment for deferred tax over provision in prior periods
Tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised

Headline effective tax rate 

62

14. Deferred taxation 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

At 31 December 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax

The movement on the net deferred tax asset is as follows:

At 1 January
Exchange differences
Income statement credit
Acquisitions
Disposed as part of discontinued operations

At 31 December

2013
£000

1,313
(486)

827

2013 
£000

943
(201)
575
(189)
(301)

827

There was no 2013 deferred tax movement in relation to discontinued operations.

The following is the deferred tax asset (liability) recognised by the Group and movements in 2013 and 2012:

Capital 
allowances and 
amortisation 
£000

Options and  
bonus  
accruals  
£000

Working  
capital 
differences  
£000

Tax losses  
£000

At 1 January 2012
Exchange differences
Income statement credit / (charge)
Acquisitions

At 31 December 2012

Exchange differences
Income statement credit / (charge)
Acquisitions
Disposed as part of discontinued operations

At 31 December 2013

(767)
1
335
(171)

(602)

(14)
461
(189)
(301)

(645)

369
(34)
(100)
–

235

(23)
150
–
–

362

59
–
50
–

109

–
25
–
–

134

624
(27)
604
–

1,201

(164)
(61)
–
–

976

2012
£000

1,612
(669)

943

2012 
£000

285
(60)
889
(171)
–

943

Total  
£000

285
(60)
889
(171)

943

(201)
575
(189)
(301)

827

Within capital allowances and amortisations, £933k (2012: £858k) relates to intangibles created as part of acquisition accounting.  

63

Notes
Continued

14. Deferred taxation continued

Unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of carried forward tax losses:

At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Change in potential tax rates
Disposal of subsidiaries
Losses utilised in year
Losses in year

At 31 December 2013

Expiry date of losses

1 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 years or more

Total

Unrecognised 
deferred  
tax  
£000

3,534 
(145)
16
(254)
(59)
584 

3,676

2012 
£000

165 
1,217 
2,152 

3,534

Loss  
£000

11,297 
(473)
–
(1,117)
(191)
2,040 

11,556

2013  
£000

25 
1,535 
2,116 

3,676

A deferred tax asset in respect of certain losses in overseas territories has not been recognised as there is insufficient certainty of 
future taxable profits against which these would reverse.

15. Dividends

Year ended 31 December
2012 final dividend paid 3.85p on 5 July 2013 (2011: 3.50p)
2013 interim dividend paid 1.21p on 15 November 2013 (2012: 1.10p)

Proposed final dividend of 4.24p totalling £2,629k. Dividends relate to the profit of the following years:

Year ended 31 December

First interim dividend paid 15 November 2013 
Final dividends payable 4 July 2014 *

Headline dividend cover

2013
£000
2,596
825

3,421

2013
£000

825
2,629

3,454

3.2

2012
£000
2,213
697

2,910

2012
£000

697
2,596

3,293

2.9

Headline dividend cover is calculated by taking headline profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders and dividing it by the total 
dividends that relate to that year’s profits. The Group seeks to maintain a long term headline dividend cover of between 3 and 4.

* 2012 dividend has been restated to reflect the number of shares in issue when the dividend was paid, as opposed to the number of 
shares in existence at 31 December 2012.

64

16. Discontinued operations

On 28 November 2013 the Group sold its 75.1% of Walker Media Limited. No gain or loss arose on the measurement to fair value less 
cost to sell on this reclassification.

75.1% of Walker Media Limited was sold for £36.0m cash and a pre-tax and post-tax gain of £7.0m was recorded. At the time of disposal 
it was stated that the majority of proceeds would be returned to shareholders. On 23 January 2014 the Company completed a tender 
offer returning £21.2m to shareholders in return for 6,337,800 M&C Saatchi plc shares that were cancelled.

The results of discontinued operations can be seen in note 3 and on face of the income statement.

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

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Net cash from (used in) discontinued operations

Effect of the disposals on individual assets and liabilities:

Plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Consideration received, satisfied in cash, net of expenses
Cash disposed of

Net cash (inflow)

11 Months 
2013
£000

2,072
(6)
(383)

1,683

15,194

16,877

Year 
2012
£000

(916)
(41)
(1,384)

(2,341)

17,535

15,194

28 November 
2013
£000

31 December 
2012
£000

211
301
24,930
16,877
(33,501)
(1,046)

7,772

31,959
(16,877)

15,082

367
301
33,200
15,194
(42,993)
(872)

5,197

–
–

–

65

Notes
Continued

17. Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Exchange differences
Acquired
Disposal

At 31 December 2012

Exchange differences
Acquired
Disposal
Disposal of subsidiaries (note 20)
Disposal discontinued operations (note 16)

At 31 December 2013

Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2012

Exchange differences
Amortisation charge
Impairment charge 
Disposals

At 31 December 2012
Exchange differences
Amortisation charge
Disposal
Disposal of subsidiaries (note 20)

At 31 December 2013

Net book value
At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012

At 31 December 2013

Goodwill
£000

Brand name
£000

Customer 
relationships
£000

Software
£000

58,104
(163)
1,157
–

59,098

(60)
1,076 
–
(704)
(26,155)

33,255 

1,714 

(40)
–
608
–

2,282
–
–
–
(704)

1,578

56,390
56,816

31,677 

2,835
(2)
319
–

3,152 

(48)
234 
–
–
–

5,010
(22)
256
–

5,244 

(40)
584 
–
–
–

3,338 

5,788 

105

–
108
–
–

213 
(37)
344
–
–

520

2,730
2,939

2,818 

4,130

(28)
597
–
–

4,699 
(32)
556
–
–

5,223

880
545

565 

996
(28)
159
(1)

1,126

(62)
133 
(107)
(40)
–

1,050 

767

(20)
141
–
(2)

886 
(41)
143 
(107)
(40)

841 

229
240

209

Total
£000

66,945
(215)
1,891
(1)

68,620

(210)
2,027 
(107)
(744)
(26,155)

43,431 

6,716

(88)
846
608
(2)

8,080 
(110)
1,043 
(107)
(744)

8,162 

60,229
60,540

35,269

Goodwill’s accumulated amortisation and impairment all relate to impairments all other columns relate to amortisations.

66

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (CGU). Goodwill is made up of:

Cash generating units (CGU)

Walker Media Ltd (note 16)
M&C Saatchi (UK) Ltd
LIDA Ltd
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Ltd
M&C Saatchi Export Ltd
M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd
M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd*
M&C Saatchi Berlin GmbH
M&C Saatchi GAD SAS and associates, including Direct One SAS
M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd (Australia)
Bang Pty Ltd (Australia)
Samuelson Talbot & Partners Pty Ltd (Australia)*
Clear Ideas Ltd
Total of the four CGUs with goodwill less than £0.5m

Total

Goodwill
31 December  
2013
£000

Goodwill
31 December  
2012
£000

–
5,067
1,462
690
600
1,814
539
1,293
886
2,658
1,012
537
14,518
601

31,677

26,155
5,067
1,462
690
600
1,814
–
1,261
864
2,591
1,197
–
14,518
597

56,816

Segment

UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
Europe
Europe
Asia and Australasia
Asia and Australasia
Asia and Australasia
Clear
Various

* Apart from these CGUs, whose movements are described in this note, all other movements are due to exchange.

Goodwill and other intangibles are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the assets may be impaired. The 2013 review was undertaken in the last quarter of the year in conjunction with our annual 
business planning process, no goodwill or other intangible asset impairments were identified (2012: £608k). 

Management have approved the forecasts for 2014 and have prepared additional projections based on the 2014 numbers for the next 
four years. This were used as the basis for determining the recoverable amount of each CGU. Details of uncertainties in our forecasts 
are described in note 5.

In conducting the review we used a residual growth rate of 3% from year five onwards and a market beta of 1.

The pre-tax discount rates are based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for specific risks relating to the country 
and market in which the CGU operates.

Management are satisfied, with exception of Clear Ideas Ltd, that no possible changes in key assumptions, apart from a significant loss  
of clients by a CGU, would cause the recoverable amount of any of our CGUs to be below their carrying amount. Management have 
tested the key assumptions on pre-tax discount rates and management forecasts and projections by adjusting them individually 50% 
and 20% respectively, which would not lead to impairment. 

In respect of Clear Ideas Ltd, the company continues to recover from its weak performance in 2012 by controlling cost; a focused 
proposition; and a more focused organic investment strategy. In the event that the pre-tax discount rate should be 20% higher or 
management revenue forecasts and projections are 20% lower, the impairment will be £1.8m or £1.3m respectively.

67

 
 
Notes
Continued

17. Intangible assets continued

Key assumptions

UK
Asia and Australasia
Europe
Clear

Residual
growth
rates
2012 and 2013
%

3
3
3
3

Pre-tax
discount
rates
2013
%

14–15
13–17
15–19
14

Pre-tax
discount
rates
2012
%

14–15
14–15
14–18
14

We do not expect the residual growth rates to exceed the long term growth rates in each location.

Brand name
This is made up of the brands that we acquired with acquisitions. 

Brand name

CGU

Year acquired

Cost 2013 
£000

Cost 2012 
£000

Amortisation 
period

Clear
Inside Mobile
Direct One
Bang

ST&P
Merlin Elite

Clear Ideas Ltd
M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd
M&C Saatchi GAD SAS
Bang Pty Ltd (Australia)
Samuelson Talbot & Partners Pty 
Ltd (Australia)
M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd

2007
2010
2010
2012

2013
2013

2,640
103
91
270

48
186

3,338

2,640
103
90
319

–
–

3,152

Infinity
Immediately
Infinity
3 years

Immediately
Immediately

There is no foreseeable limit to the duration of the ‘Clear’ and ‘Direct One’ brands as we continue to use them for existing and future 
clients; hence the brands have been treated as having indefinite lives. Inside Mobile, ST&P and Merlin Elite were immediately amortised  
as we stopped using the names shortly after acquisition. Bang is amortised over 3 years as no decision has been made over the long 
term use of the name.

68

Subsidiaries
The Group’s significant subsidiary undertakings included in the consolidation are:

Name

M&C Saatchi (UK) Ltd
LIDA Ltd
Talk PR Ltd

M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Ltd
Walker Media Ltd (Note 16)
Clear Ideas Ltd
M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd 
M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd
M&C Saatchi GAD SAS*
M&C Saatchi Berlin GmbH

Country of 
incorporation 
or registration

UK
UK
UK

UK
UK
UK
UK
Australia
France
Germany

Proportion of voting rights and 
ordinary share capital held at

2013

100%
100%
51%

97%
–
100%
70%
80%
80%
80%

2012

100%
100%
51%

97%
100%
100%
75%
80%
61%
80%

Trading / 
dormant

Advertising
Direct marketing
PR
Sport & 
Entertainment
Media buying
Brand consulting
Mobile
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising

* On 1 May 2013 the Group acquired 19% of M&C Saatchi GAD SAS on exercise of a put option.

69

Notes
Continued

18. Acquisitions 
With the exception of Merlin Elite Ltd and Samuelson Talbot & Partners Pty Ltd there were no acquisitions during the year that resulted  
in a change of control.

Income statement effects of 2013 acquisitions
60% of shares and voting rights of Merlin Elite Ltd (renamed M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd) was acquired by M&C Saatchi (UK) Ltd on 17 
January 2013 to enable the Group to have a have talent management offering. The results of this acquisition date as included in the 
consolidated income statement for the reporting period were revenue £911k and profit before tax of £81k. The results between 1 
January 2013 and the acquisition date were not significant. Subsequently 5% was sold to management. 

On 26 September 2013 M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd (Australia) acquired 60% of share capital of Samuelson Talbot and Partners Pty 
Ltd to and merged it into its Melbourne office to create a combined CGU. The results of the CGU were not material.

Goodwill on 2013 acquisition

2013

Consideration, satisfied by:
Cash
Contingent consideration

Total consideration

Less
–  Fair value of net assets made up of:
Intangibles 
Plant and equipment
Other non current assets
Cash
Other current assets
Deferred tax liability
Non controlling interests 40% share of assets
–  Total fair value of net assets

Note

Merlin Elite Ltd 
£000

Samuelson Talbot 
and Partners Pty 
Ltd 
£000

926
–

926

387 
59 
–
474 
(181)
(94)
(258)
387 

539 

420
420

840

431 
27 
5 
433 
(296)
(95)
(202)
303 

537 

Total

1,346 
420 

1,766 

818 
86 
5 
907 
(477)
(189)
(460)
690 

1,076 

Goodwill arising

17

Samuelson Talbot and Partners Pty Ltd’s contingent consideration is dependent on its results in the half year to 31 December 2013 and 
the year to 30 June 2014. Details of valuation can be found in note 26. 

Put options were negotiated in both acquisitions (note 27).

70

Income statement effects of 2012 acquisitions
85% of shares and voting rights of Bang Pty Ltd was acquired by M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd on 10 January 2012 to enable the Group 
to have a PR offering in Australia.

Goodwill on 2012 acquisition

2012

Consideration, satisfied by:
Cash
Less
–  Fair value of net assets made up of:
Intangibles 
Plant and equipment
Cash
Other current assets
Deferred tax liability
Non controlling interests 15% share of assets
–  Total fair value of net assets

Goodwill arising

Goodwill relates to value of the business’s staff. There is no local tax deduction for goodwill.

Note

Bang Pty Ltd 
£000

1,666

575
56
7
113
(171)
(71)
509

1,157

17

71

Notes
Continued

19. Cash consumed by acquisitions

Cash consideration
–  M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd*
–  M&C Saatchi GAD SAS (part of 4% put)
–  Clear USA LLC (20%)
–  Bang Pty Ltd (85%)
–  Direct One SAS (final payments for 70%)
–  M&C Saatchi Communications Pvt Ltd (2012: 5%)
–  FCINQ SAS (2013: 2%)
–  M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd (2013: 60%)
–  Samuelson Talbot and Partners Pty Ltd (2013: 60%)

Less cash and cash equivalents acquired

Purchase of associates

* Share buyback of 20% of company’s equity.

20. Associates and joint venture

2013
£000

–
–
–
–
–
–
(12)
(926)
(480)
(1,418)
906
(512)
(2,589)

(3,101)

2012
£000

(1,300)
(45)
(64)
(1,666)
(126)
(5)
–
–
–
(3,206)
7
(3,199)
–

(3,199)

The following associates and joint ventures are included in the consolidated financial statements:

Name

Nature of business

Country of 
incorporation 
or registration

Walker Media Limited (from discontinued 
operations, note 16)
Human Digital Limited
Milk Data Strategy Limited
M&C Saatchi Russia Limited
Zapping / M&C Saatchi S.A. and subsidiaries
M&C Saatchi SAL*
M&C Saatchi (Hong Kong) Limited
M&C Saatchi World Services Pakistan  
(PVT) Ltd (joint venture)

Media buying
Social web insight and strategy
Data strategy
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising

UK
UK
UK
UK
Spain
Lebanon
China

Development marketing

Pakistan

* Influence exerted through our board membership and contractual relationship.

Proportion of voting rights and 
ordinary share capital held at

2013

25%
25%
25%
50%
25%
10%
20%

50%

2012

100%
25%
25%
50%
25%
10%
100%

nil

72

At 1 January

Exchange movements
Acquisition of associates
Transferred from discontinued operations
Impairment of associate
Share of profit after taxation

At 31 December

2013
£000

756

2
3,214
8,964
–
163

13,099

2012
£000

2,226

(9)
–
–
(1,552)
91

756

China transaction 2013
During the year the group transferred the trade and assets of M&C Saatchi (Hong Kong) Limited to a local entity in China, aeiou. In 
return the group received 20% of the combined entity. The fair value of the consideration was deemed to be £3.2m, of which £1.9m  
was satisfied in cash.

Impairment of associate 2012
Given the trading performance of the Zapping / M&C Saatchi SA group and the present prospects for the Spanish economy we 
decided to fully impair this Spanish associate. The Group’s unrecognised share of the Zapping / M&C Saatchi S.A group’s trading  
loss is £172k (2012: £30k). 

Summarised financial information

Income statement
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before taxation
Profit after taxation
Our share

Balance sheet
Total assets
Total liabilities

UK 
discontinued
£000

1,824 
826 
840 
740 
184 

UK
£000

1,856 
207 
204 
163 
41 

Europe
£000

Middle East 
and Africa  
£000

Asia and 
Australasia 
£000

2,621 
194 
194 
155 
23 

4,203 
(1,406)
(1,519)
(1,519)
(152)

558 
452 
452 
452 
67 

2013
£000

11,062 
273 
171 
(9)
163 

2012
£000

13,081
1,287
1,173
970
91

UK 
discontinued
£000

UK
£000

Europe
£000

Middle East 
and Africa  
£000

Asia and 
Australasia 
£000

2013
£000

2012
£000

50,970 
(42,472)

713 
(518)

1,944 
(1,661)

5,812 
(6,268)

2,168 
(1,015)

61,607 
(51,934)

11,882
(10,010)

73

Notes
Continued

21. Plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisition of a subsidiary 
Disposals

At 31 December 2012
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiaries 
Disposals
Disposal of subsidiaries
Discontinued operations

At 31 December 2013
Depreciation
At 1 January 2012
Exchange differences
Depreciation charge
Disposals

At 31 December 2012
Exchange differences
Depreciation charge
Disposals
Disposal of subsidiaries
Discontinued operations

At 31 December 2013
Net book value
At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012
At 31 December 2013

Leasehold 
improvements
£000

Furniture, 
fittings 
and other 
equipment
£000

Computer 
equipment
£000

Motor vehicles
£000

4,371
(83)
1,017
12
(19)

5,298
(228)
1,438
–
(20)
(183)
(218)

6,087

1,668
(41)
531
(13)

2,145
(163)
660
(10)
(197)
(135)

2,300

2,703
3,153
3,787

5,760
(128)
955
12
(389)

6,210
(208)
516
63
(279)
(183)
(350)

5,769

3,237
(129)
1,056
(307)

3,857
(145)
633
(70)
(144)
(396)

3,735

2,523
2,353
2,034

5,162
(69)
752
6
(96)

5,755
(241)
717
21
(556)
(456)
(631)

4,609

3,542
(5)
669
(85)

4,121
(211)
915
(739)
(427)
(452)

3,207

1,620
1,634
1,402

161
(6)
42
26
(72)

151
(15)
36
–
(21)
0
–

151

66
(3)
33
(42)

54
(6)
25
(9)
–
–

64

95
97
87

Net book value of assets, included in the above balances which have been purchased through finance lease arrangements are:

Leasehold 
improvements
£000

–
–
–

Furniture, 
fittings 
and other 
equipment
£000

18
168
8

Computer 
equipment
£000

Motor vehicles
£000

101
101
48

67
67
99

At 1 January 2012
At 31 December 2012
At 31 December 2013

74

Total
£000

15,454
(286)
2,766
56
(576)

17,414
(692)
2,707
84
(876)
(822)
(1,199)

16,616

8,513
(178)
2,289
(447)

10,177
(525)
2,233
(828)
(768)
(983)

9,306

6,941
7,237
7,310

Total
£000

186
336
155

22. Other non current assets

Investments*
Rent deposits
Loans to employees**
Call option provision

Total other non current assets

2013
£000

800
2,069
2,393
54

5,316

2012
£000

–
2,377
2,610
54

5,041

* The Group is engaging in corporate venturing, investing in companies that have technologies that relate or could enhance to the services the 
Group sells, or when mature will be in industries that will be a heavy user of the Group’s services. Under IFRS 13 these items are valued as a level 3 
given they are recent investments they have been recorded at cost. We will review their value periodically. 

** This relates to the £1.2m and the AUD2.0m loans that the Group lent local management of M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd, in 2010, to enable them 
to acquire 20% of that business. The loan is repayable if the purchasers no longer have a beneficial interest in the shares of the Australian Group. 
The loan is unsecured and charges interest at the Bank of England’s base rate of interest; interest on the loan compounds annually and is payable 
on repayment. The carrying value of the loan approximates to fair value.

23. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Provision for bad debts

Net trade receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts due from associates
VAT and sales tax recoverable
Other debtors

Total trade and other receivables

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

Movement in the bad debt provision

As at 1 January
Exchange movements
Charged to the income statement
Released to income statement
Utilisation of provision

As at 31 December

2013
£000

42,352
(186)

42,166
14,186
624
1,101
3,401

61,478

2013
£000

(139)
19
(126)
16
44

(186)

2012
£000

77,338
(139)

77,199
13,170
149
1,245
3,485

95,248

2012
£000

(160)
9
(92)
51
53

(139)

75

Notes
Continued

23. Trade and other receivables continued

As at 31 December the following trade receivables were past their due date (of 0 to 3 months) but not impaired.  
It is management’s belief that these debts will be fully repaid.

3 to 6 months
Over 6 months
Total net trade receivables

2013
£000

1,838
301
42,166

2013
%

4%
1%
100%

The carrying amount of the Group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
US dollars
Australian dollars
Malaysian ringgit
Euros
South African rand
Brazilian real
Other

2013
£000

34,194
4,239
6,300
2,703
7,583
1,562
1,425
3,472

61,478

2013
%

54%
7%
11%
4%
12%
3%
2%
6%

100%

2012
£000

2,180
285
77,199

2012
£000

60,861
3,714
10,617
3,320
7,532
2,513
2,459
4,232

95,248

2012
%

3%
0%
100%

2012
%

64%
4%
11%
3%
8%
3%
3%
4%

100%

Credit risk
The Group monitors credit risk at both a local and Group level. Credit terms are set and monitored at a local level according to local 
business practices and commercial trading conditions. The age of debt is reported regularly. Age profiling is monitored both at local 
customer level and a consolidated entity level. Bad debt provisions are determined locally. There is only local exposure to debt from 
our significant global clients. Whilst the Group has some exposure to foreign currency risk this is limited by the proportion of debt 
denominated in sterling. The Group continues to review its debt exposure to foreign currency movements and will review efficient 
strategies to mitigate risk as the Group’s overseas debt increases.

There are no significant concentrations of credit risk in the Group.

24. Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Sales taxation and social security payables
Employment benefit accruals
Accruals and deferred income
Other payables

2013
£000

(21,537)
(7,253)
(2,143)
(31,474)
(1,597)

(64,004)

2012
£000

(46,062)
(7,507)
(2,189)
(46,904)
(4,210)

(106,872)

The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

Settlement of trade and other payables is in accordance with our terms of trade established with our local suppliers.

76

The carrying amount of the Group’s trade and other payables are denominated in the following currencies:

Amounts falling due within one year

Sterling
US dollars
Australian dollars
Malaysian ringgit
Euros
South African rand
Brazilian real
Other

2013
£000

(34,830)
(3,069)
(7,116)
(4,650)
(7,960)
(2,690)
(1,227)
(2,462)

(64,004)

2013
%

57%
5%
10%
7%
12%
4%
2%
4%

2012
£000

(73,721)
(3,279)
(9,397)
(5,135)
(6,794)
(2,383)
(2,419)
(3,744)

2012
%

69%
3%
9%
5%
6%
2%
2%
4%

100%

(106,872)

100%

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the 
period remaining until the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows 
(including interest), so will not reconcile with amounts disclosed on the statement of financial position:

Non derivatives
Up to 6 months
6–12 months
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years

Put options
Up to 6 months
6 months to 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
Greater than 5 years

Total derivative and non derivative

2013
£000

(48,173)
(8)
(1,031)

(49,212)

(14,552)
(8,814)
(15,857)
(598)

(38,299)

(89,033)

2012
£000

(86,658)
(4)
(5,101)

(91,763)

(2,549)
–
(17,465)
(598)

(20,612)

(112,375)

The value of put options represents the minority shareholder put option liability excluding any discount for time. The majority of these 
financial instruments will be fulfilled by the issue of equity (note 27).

The above table is an indicator of our liquidity risk. The risk is mitigated by the receipt of cash from trade and other receivables, and in 
the case of put options, the majority of the liability will be fulfilled by the issue of equity (note 29).

77

Notes
Continued

25. Other financial liabilities

Amounts falling due within one year

Obligations under finance leases
Other bank loans

Amounts falling due after one year

Obligations under finance leases
Secured bank loans

2013
£000

(17)
(3)

(20)

2013
£000

(52)
(304)

(356)

2012
£000

(8)
(123)

(131)

2012
£000

(88)
(4,234)

(4,322)

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are 
due as follows:

In one year or less, or on demand
In more than one year but not more  
than two years

2013
£000

(17)

(52)

(69)

2012
£000

(8)

(88)

(96)

26. Deferred and contingent consideration

Amounts falling within one year
–  Contingent (note 18)

2013
£000

2012
£000

420

–

2013
£000

–
–
420
–

420

2012
£000

(128)
2
–
126

–

The carrying value of bank loans approximates to their fair value.

Secured bank loans
The Group has a banking facility of up to £14.5m (2012: £10m) 
plus a one year £0.3m (2012: £0.3m) overdraft facility. The facility 
has floating rates of interest set at 1.75% above LIBOR and the 
overdraft has floating rates of interest set at 1.75% above Bank  
of England base rate. The facility matures on 30 April 2017.

At 1 January
Exchange difference
Acquisition
Consideration paid

At 31 December

The consideration is dependent on its results in the half year to  
31 December 2013 and year to 30 June 2014 (IFRS 13 level 3). The 
key assumptions taken into consideration when measuring the 
contingent consideration are the performance expectations of 
the acquisition. Due to the short term nature of this liability, there 
is no impact of discounting on the liability. There is no reasonable 
change in discount rate or performance targets that would give 
rise to a material change in the liability at year end.

Our operations in India have overdrafts and local short term bank 
loans that are guaranteed by the Group. The balances outstanding 
at the year end were £115k (2012: £84k).

Gross secured bank loans
Capitalised finance costs

Net secured bank loans

Future interest payable on secured bank loans 
at balance sheet date

Total secured bank loans  
and future interest

2013
£000

(333)
29

(304)

2012
£000

(4,324)
90

(4,234)

(30)

(147)

(334)

(4,381)

Total secured bank loans and future interest are due as follows:

In one year or less, or on demand
In more than one year but not more  
than five years

2013
£000

(10)

(324)

(334)

2012
£000

(98)

(4,283)

(4,381)

78

27. Minority shareholder put option liabilities

The movements in the year relating to the minority interest put 
options that are payable in cash and in equity are as follows:

Some of our subsidiaries’ minorities have the right to a put option. 
The put options give the minorities a right to exchange their 
minority holdings in the subsidiary into shares in M&C Saatchi plc 
or cash (as per the agreement).

Amounts falling due within one year
–  Cash
–  Equity

Amounts falling due after one year
–  Cash
–  Equity

At 1 January
Exchange difference
Additions
Exercises
Termination
Income statement charge due to
–  Change in estimates
–  Change in share price
–  Time

Total income statement charge

2013
£000

2012
£000

(3,642)
(18,202)

(21,844)

(847)
(1,702)

(2,549)

(684)
(15,641)

(2,450)
(15,483)

(16,325)

(17,933)

(38,169)

(20,482)

2013
£000

(20,482)
4
(3,359)
1,171
–

1,333
(16,760)
(76)

(15,503)

2012
£000

(17,092)
(1)
(480)
161
1,366

2,627
(6,932)
(131)

(4,436)

At 31 December

(38,169)

(20,482)

Cash based

At 1 January
Exchange difference
Reclassified from share based
Additions
Income statement charge due to
–  Change in estimates
–  Change in share price

At 31 December

Equity based

At 1 January
Exchange difference
Additions
Exercises
Reclassified to cash based
Terminations
Income statement charge due to
–  Change in estimates
–  Change in share price
–  Time

2013
£000

(3,297)
158
–
(684)

2012
£000

(234)
–
(2,863)
–

(136)
(367)

(71)
(129)

(4,326)

(3,297)

2013
Equity*

(9,517)
–
(803)
512
–
–

2013
£000

(17,185)
(154)
(2,675)
1,171
–
–

2012
£000

(16,858)
(1)
(480)
161
2,863
1,366

297
(621)
(23)

1,469
(16,393)
(76)

2,698
(6,803)
(131)

At 31 December

(10,156)

(33,843)

(17,185)

* The estimated number of M&C Saatchi plc shares that will be issued, 
in thousands, to fulfil.

79

Notes
Continued

27. Minority shareholder put option liabilities 
continued

Put options are exercisable from:

% of 
subsidiaries’ 
shares
exchangeable

16.0
50.0
20.0
2.8
5.0
4.0
4.0
13.0
10.0
17.0
19.6
15.0
5.0
12.5
20.0
20.0
35.0
12.5
10.0

49.0
49.0
35.0
29.8
40.0
31.2
22.5
30.0
10.0
10.0
5.0
49.9
8.8
22.5
10.0

Subsidiary 

Year

M&C Saatchi LA Inc
M&C Saatchi Marketing Arts Ltd
M&C Saatchi (M) SDN BHD
M&C Saatchi Sports & Entertainment Ltd
Influence Communications Ltd
M&C Saatchi Europe Holdings Ltd
M&C Saatchi German Holdings Ltd
M&C Saatchi Communications Pty Ltd
M&C Saatchi Berlin GmbH
Talk PR Audience Ltd
M&C Saatchi GAD SAS**
FCINQ SAS**
M&C Saatchi Berlin GmbH
Clear Ideas Consulting LLP
M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd*
M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd
M&C Saatchi PR LLP (US)
Clear Ideas Consulting LLP
M&C Saatchi Mobile Ltd*
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment  
Pty Ltd
Talk PR Ltd
M&C Saatchi UK PR LLP
M&C Saatchi Corporate SAS
M&C Saatchi (Switzerland) SA
Samuelson Talbot and Partners Pty Ltd* 
M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd*
The Source (London) Ltd
Direct One SAS
Direct One SAS
M&C Saatchi Berlin GmbH*
M&C Saatchi Brazil Cominicação LTDA
Samuelson Talbot and Partners Pty Ltd* 
M&C Saatchi Merlin Ltd*
Direct One SAS*

* New or amended options in 2013.
** Holding changed or shares put in 2013.

2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
2015
2015

2015
2015
2015
2015
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2017
2017
2017
2018
2018
2018

80

At each period end the fair value of the put options’ liability is 
calculated in accordance with the shareholders’ agreement and 
any movement is charged to the income statement. Where the 
agreement gives a right to convert to a variable number of shares 
(rather than a value), the number of shares is converted to a value 
by using the period end share price (2013: 333.3p, 2012: 180.5p).

The liability will vary with our share price, and with the results of 
the subsidiary companies. Current liabilities are determined by  
our year end share price and the 2013 results of the companies 
who can exercise in 2014. Non current liabilities are determined  
by our year end share price and the projected results of the 
companies who can exercise after 2014. The projected results 
show management’s best estimate of the growth rates and margin  
of the companies who can exercise after 2014, given that these 
companies are small, single account wins / losses can have 
a significant effect on their results. Such account wins are far 
more significant than changes to exchange rates and underlying 
economic growth rates.

The fair value of minority shareholder put option liabilities is 
measured using some inputs that are not based on observable 
market data (i.e. IFRS13, Level 3 fair value measurement).

Share price risk
Changes in our year end share price will impact the fair value 
adjustment to minority shareholder put options. The year end 
share price was 333.3p (2012: 180.5p). The 2013 charges would 
have changed as follows, had the share price been: 

Increase / 
(decrease) 
in profit 
before and 
after tax 
£000

£(6,644)
£(5,528)
£(3,420)
–
£3,446
£6,913

Movement 
%

+30%
+20%
+10%
–
(10)%
(20)%

Share price

433.3p
400.0p
366.6p
333.3p
300.0p
266.6p

Forecast accuracy
Difference in actual and projected results of the companies could 
have an impact on the fair value adjustments as follows:

Result

+10%
(10)%

Increase / 
(decrease) 
in profit 
before and 
after tax 
£000

£(1,277)
£1,265

28. Other non current liabilities

29. Issued share capital

Employment benefit provisions*
Other

2013
£000

(222)
(674)

(896)

2012
£000

(313)
(779)

(1,092)

* This relates to long term service leave in some locations.

Allotted, called up and fully paid

At 1 January 2012
Fulfilment of options
Acquisition of 4.0%  
of M&C Saatchi GAD SAS

At 31 December 2012
Fulfilment of options
Acquisition of 5.0%  
of M&C Saatchi GAD SAS

At 31 December 2013

Number of 
shares

63,529,133
471,183

77,202

64,077,518
4,449,180

512,295

69,038,993

1p Ordinary
shares
£000

635
5

1

641
44

5

690

The Group holds 700,000 of the above M&C Saatchi plc shares  
in treasury.

Capital management
The Group aims to use cash generated from our operations to  
fund growth. Debt is used to fund short term investment and 
working capital cycles. 

Long term and major investment obligations are fulfilled by  
issuing equity e.g. put options (note 27). In this way we reduce  
the financial risk of debt markets being closed or rationed. The 
Group will minimise the amount of equity issues when long term  
and major investment obligations vest by using any available  
cash instead of equity. 

Our long term targets are to be debt free and to minimise the 
dilution to our shareholders and maximise our organic growth.

81

Notes
Continued

30. Share based payments

Share based payments include vested share options and conditional share awards.
Expense recognised in year:

Equity settled 
Cash settled

TOTAL

Vested share options

Year of grant

2004

At 1 January 2012
Vested
Exercised paid in equity*

At 31 December 2012

Vested
Exercised paid in equity*

At 31 December 2013

2013 
£000

290
166

456

Description

Vested options

Vested  
options number

128,495
–
–

128,495

–
–

128,495

Exercise  
price  
(pence)

1

Exercise  
period

2009–2014

2013
number

128,495

LTIP

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

New 
LTIP

UK growth  
shares

–
3,546,932 
–

3,546,932

–
(3,546,932)

–

–
471,183
(471,183)

–

902,248
(902,248)

–

2012 
£000

855
70

925

2012
number

128,495

Total  
number

128,495
4,018,115
(471,183)

3,675,427

902,248
(4,449,180)

128,495

* The average price when these options were excised was 270.0p (2012: 145.6p).

The LTIP were conditional that the employee remains employed by the Group on the day of exercise; the vested options do not have  
this condition.

The number of shares granted under the UK growth shares and LTIP is dependent on the subsidiaries’ and Group’s profits. The number 
of shares granted under the New LTIP and 2012 LTIP is dependent on the Company’s share price. As the number of shares to be 
awarded is variable, and it has not been included in the table above.

Conditional share awards
UK growth shares
M&C Saatchi (UK) Ltd has classes of equity whose restrictions classify them as share options under IFRS 2. The equity is convertible 
into M&C Saatchi plc’s equity based on a valuation formula. If the participants exercise their rights to convert their equity in 2014, 
management estimate that this equity will exchange into 631,379 shares of M&C Saatchi plc (2012: 1,570,008). 

82

During the year, 902,248 (2012: 471,183) M&C Saatchi plc shares 
were issued in return for subsidiaries’ equity. The participants in 
this share scheme made a £2.7m gain, the highest payment to one 
person was £0.9m.

During the year a total of 3,546,932 (2012: nil) M&C Saatchi plc 
shares were issued equally to four Directors of the Company 
in return for subsidiaries’ equity. The four Company Directors 
shared equally in a £9.4m gain.

The options were valued based on the following assumptions:

Vesting and exercised at end

Share price at grant date
Vesting period
Dividend yield
Risk free rate
Fair value of option  
(per M&C Saatchi plc share issued)

The final award will vest in 2014 if the Company’s average ninety 
day closing mid-market share price as at 31 December 2014 is 
greater than or equal to 198.9p and if the Company’s TSR is in the 
top half of the comparator group. If this condition is fulfilled then 
the participants are entitled to an award worth, in aggregate, ten 
percent of the Company’s increase in market capitalisation above 
its 31 December 2013 value of £114.9m (i.e. 181.4p share price).

2011

£0.50
3 years
7.24%
1.47%

2010

£0.50
2 years
7.24%
1.47%

£0.40

£0.43

The accounting charge for the New LTIP in 2013 was £156,000  
(2012: £653,000).

As these options are nil value options, volatility has no effect on 
their fair value and there is no maximum term to these options. 
Valuation method used Black Scholes.

Conditional share awards
LTIP
In 2010 the Group issued new options under its long term 
incentive plan (LTIP) for senior employees. This could result  
in the issue of up to 110,759 (2012: 110,759) ordinary shares 
between 2014 and 2020 and a maximum bonus of £369,104 (based 
on our 31 December 2013 share price of 333.25p). The number 
of shares under option will vary with the real increase in diluted 
earnings per share. The maximum award will vest if real diluted 
earnings per share grows by 10% or more. At a real diluted 
earnings per share growth of 3%, 30% of the options will vest. 
Below 3% earnings per share growth no options will vest.

Grant date

Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Maximum unvested shares under option
Vesting period (years)
Dividend yield
Risk free rate
Fair value of option

14 October 
2010

£1.16
£0
110,759
4 to 5
3.12%
1.06%
£1.02

As these options are nil value options volatility has no effect on 
their fair value. Valuation method used Black Scholes.

New LTIP
In 2010 each of the four participants paid £97,250 for the award,  
in the form of equity in a subsidiary. This is not refundable if the  
share price hurdles and a total shareholder return (TSR) 
conditions are not met.

At exercise the subsidiaries’ equity is converted into equity in 
the Company.

Grant date

Share price at grant date
Vesting period (years)
Dividend yield
Risk free rate
Volatility
Total fair value of option

14 October 2010

£1.16
2 to 4
3.12%
1.06%
30.77%
£1,756,000

Valuation method used Monte Carlo.

Share price risk New LTIP
On top of the 3,546,932 shares that vested in 2012, the number  
of shares that will vest in 2014 depends on the share price:

Share price

Movement 
%*

366.8p
333.3p
300.0p
270.8p
180.4p

+10.0%
–
(10.0)%
(18.7)%
(45.6)%

Number of 
shares to 
issue  
‘000

Percentage 
of share 
capital

 3,065 
 2,751 
 2,369 
1,956 
–

4.94 %
4.25%
3.82%
3.15%
–

The table has been adjusted for the 6,337,800 shares that the 
Company cancelled following the tender offer on 23 January 2014, 
as well as the 2,236,168 shares that the four participants sold.

* The movement is based on a yearend share price of 333.25p.

83

Notes
Continued

30. Share based payments continued

32. Commitments

2012 LTIP
The 2012 LTIP was issued on 19 January 2012 when the Company’s 
share price was 123.5p. The participants paid the fair market price 
for the award of £2,550. The award can be vested once at either 
31 December 2014, 31 March 2015 or 30 September 2015. The 
condition for vesting is that the Company’s share price is greater 
than or equal to 200.0p. The maximum number of the Company’s 
shares awarded is equal to 255,000 M&C Saatchi Network Ltd G 
shares issued. This award reduces as the share price increases.

Grant date

Share price at grant date
Vesting period (years)
Dividend yield
Risk free rate
Volatility
Total fair value of option

14 October 2011

£1.24
3
3.6%
1.02%
50%
£0.23

Valuation method used Black Scholes binominal pricing model.

Share price risk 2012 LTIP
The number of shares that will be issued:

Number of 
shares to 
issue 
‘000

Percentage 
of share 
capital1

230
255
128
–

0.37%
0.41%
0.21%
–

Movement 
%

(10.0)%
(25.0)%
(40.0)%
(40.3)%

Share price

300.0p and above
250.0p
200.0p
199.0p

1 The table has been adjusted for the 6,337,800 shares that the 
Company cancelled following the tender offer on 23 January 2014. 

Liability arising from share based payment
The following balances relate to cash based equity payments 
and employer’s tax on share and cash based payments.

Capital commitments
There are no other significant capital commitments contracted 
for but not provided.

Operating leases
Commitments under operating leases are reported within note 6.

33. Related party transactions

Key management remuneration
Key management remuneration is disclosed in note 7.

Unaudited detail on Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 36 and 37.

Other related parties
During the year, the Group entered into the following transactions 
with related parties:

Lloyd Dorfman is chairman of Travelex Holdings Ltd. During the 
year the Group charged subsidiaries of Travelex Holdings Ltd, on 
an arm’s length basis, £105k (2012: £263k) for advertising and 
marketing services, of which £34k (2012: £109k) was outstanding 
at the year end.

Lloyd Dorfman is also chairman of The Office Group. During the 
year the Group charged The Office Group, on an arm’s length 
basis, nil (2012: £10k) for advertising and marketing services,  
of which nil (2012: nil) was outstanding at the year end.

Tom Dery is a director of Australian Cancer. During the year  
the Group passed on third party costs to Australian Cancer of  
£2k (2012: nil), and charged them nil (2012: £4k) in fees, of which  
nil (2012: nil) was outstanding at the year end.

Maurice Saatchi is a trustee of Josephine Hart Foundation. During 
the year the Group charged, on an arm’s length basis, Josephine  
Hart Foundation £94k (2012: £153k), of which £8k (2012: nil) was 
outstanding at the year end.

2013
£000

312

2012
£000

146

Lara Hussein has an equity interest in Brand Energy. During 
the year the Group was charged, on an arm’s length basis, by 
Brand Energy £833k, of which £177k was unpaid at the year end.

Share based payment liabilities

31. Post balance sheet events

Following General Meeting approval on 7 January 2014, on 23 
January 2014 the Company acquired and cancelled, by way of 
a tender offer, 6,337,800 shares at 335p each. The tender offer 
returned £21.2m of cash to shareholders.

We have been informed that the shareholders of 20% of the Group’s 
Australian subsidiary wish to put their shares. This obligation will be 
fulfilled in July 2014 in accordance with the rules of their put option. 

There are no other significant post balance sheet events.

84

David Kershaw is a member of board of governors of South Bank 
Enterprises. During the year the Group charged, on an arm’s 
length basis, South Bank Enterprises £2k (2012: nil), of which nil 
(2012: nil) was outstanding at the year end.

During the year the Group made purchases of £66k (2012: £32k) 
from its associates. At 31 December 2013, there was £48k due  
to associates in respect of these transactions (2012: £33k). 
During the year, £1,084k (2012: £255k) of fees were charged 
by Group companies to associates. At 31 December 2013, 
associates owed Group companies £624k (2012: £149k).

To assist Tom Dery and Tom McFarlane (subsidiary directors) in 
acquiring 20% of M&C Saatchi Agency Pty Ltd in 2010, loans of 
£1.2m and AUD 2.0m (2012: £1.2m and AUD2.0m) were issued. 
These loans remain outstanding (see note 22 for further details).

During the year the Company recharged its subsidiaries and 
indirect subsidiaries with £1,006k (2012: £1,191k) of its costs,  
£202k (2012: £291k) of interest and paid £1k (2012: £2k) of 
interest. The balance outstanding can be seen in note 37 and 38.

34. Accounting policies
Critical accounting policies are set out in note 1. 
Additional accounting policies followed by the group are:

the interest in the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Cost 
comprises the fair value of assets given, liabilities assumed (contingent 
and deferred consideration) and equity instruments issued.

In 2009 and before, where the Group increased its stake  
in a subsidiary, goodwill equals the difference between the 
consideration paid and the fair value of the minority interest 
acquired. In 2010 and beyond, such balances are taken to  
reserves in accordance with IAS 27. The amendment to the 
standard did not require retrospective restatement.

Goodwill relating to associates is included within the carrying  
value of the investment in associates.

Cost convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial 
instruments. The principal accounting policies are set out below.

Following initial recognition, goodwill is carried at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill recognised under UK 
GAAP prior to the date of transition to IFRS is stated at net book 
value as at that date.

Basis of consolidation
The M&C Saatchi plc consolidated financial statements incorporate 
the financial statements of M&C Saatchi plc and entities (including 
special purpose entities) controlled by M&C Saatchi plc (and its 
subsidiaries). Control is achieved where M&C Saatchi plc has the 
power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity 
so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Where subsidiaries are 
acquired in the year, their results and cash flows are included from 
the date that we gain control up to the balance sheet date.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements 
of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those 
used by other members of the Group. All intra Group transactions, 
balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Where a consolidated company is less than 100% owned by the 
Group, the non controlling interest share of the results and net 
assets is recognised at each reporting date.

Subsidiary acquisitions
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase 
method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the aggregate of 
the fair values of the assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed 
and the equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for 
control. The identifiable assets and liabilities (including contingent 
liabilities) acquired that meet the conditions for recognition under 
IFRS 3 are recognised at their fair values at the date of acquisition.

The interest of minority shareholders in the acquiree is initially 
measured at the minority’s proportion of the net fair value of  
the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. 

All acquisition costs are expensed to income statement in the 
period that they occur.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary is recognised as an 
asset, being the excess of the cost of the business combination over 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each 
of the Group’s cash generating units expected to benefit from the 
combination. Cash generating units to which goodwill has been 
allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when 
there is an indication of impairment. Any impairment is recognised 
immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

The impairment test is based on management’s projections  
for the next five years and regional growth rates thereafter.

Goodwill arising from foreign investments is retranslated at the 
year end rate.

Disposals of subsidiaries’ equity that do not affect control
The difference between the consideration received and the credit to 
the non controlling interest reserve is credited directly to retained 
earnings. In the event that equity had previously been acquired under 
this revised standard then such a disposal will result in a release 
from non controlling interest acquired reserve to retained earnings.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries’ equity that do not  
affect control
From 1 January 2012, acquisitions of subsidiaries’ equity that do  
not affect control have been accounted for using non controlling 
interest reserve. How the non controlling interest reserve is used 
is described in note 2.

Corporate venturing investments 
Investments in debt and equity securities held by the Group are 
classified as being available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, 
with any resultant gain or loss being recognised directly in equity  
(in the fair value reserve), except for impairment losses and, 
in the case of monetary items such as debt securities, foreign 
exchange gains and losses. When these investments are 
derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised 
directly in equity is recognised in profit or loss. Where these 
investments are interest-bearing, interest calculated using the 
effective interest method is recognised in profit or loss.

85

Notes
Continued

34. Accounting policies continued

Associates and joint ventures
Associates and joint ventures are all entities over which the Group 
has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a 
shareholding of between 10% and 50% of the voting rights, minority 
or equal board representation and, in case of shareholdings of 
between 10% and 20%, the Group treats the entity as an Associate 
where there are significant minority and contractual protections 
that allow us to influence dividend and investment flows. Investments 
in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity 
method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The 
Group’s investment in associates and joint ventures includes goodwill 
identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment loss. The 
Group’s share of its associates’ and joint ventures’ post acquisition 
profits or losses is recognised in the income statement, and its share 
of post acquisition movements is recognised in other comprehensive 
income. The cumulative post acquisition movements are adjusted 
against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s 
share of losses in an associate or joint venture equals or exceeds its 
interest in the associate, including any other unsecured receivables, 
the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred 
obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates 
are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides 
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting 
policies of associates have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations are a component of the Group’s business 
that represents a separate major line of business or geographical 
area of operation that has been disposed of or is held for sale. 
Classification as discontinued operations 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 income statement is restated as if the operation has 
been discontinued from the start of the comparative period.

Intangible assets
Separately acquired intangible assets are capitalised at cost. 
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are 
capitalised at fair value at the date of acquisition if they arise 
from contractual or other legal rights, and sufficient information 
exists to measure the fair value of the asset. Intangible assets that 
relate to associates are included within the carrying value of the 
investment in associates. The amounts ascribed to such intangibles 
are arrived at by using appropriate valuation techniques.

Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment.

Amortisation is provided to write off the cost of all intangible assets, 
less estimated residual values, evenly over their expected useful lives. 

The charge in the income statement is included in operating costs. 
Intangible assets are amortised to residual values over the useful 
economic life of the asset as follows:

Software 
Customer relationships 
Brand name 

–  3 years
–  1 to 5 years
–  0 to infinity

The need for any intangible asset impairment write down is 
assessed by comparison of the carrying value of the asset  
against the higher of value in use and fair value less cost to sell.

Plant and equipment
Tangible fixed assets are stated at historical cost less 
accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of all fixed assets, less 
estimated residual values, evenly over their expected useful lives.

Depreciation is calculated at the following annual rates:
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and fittings 
Computer equipment 
Other equipment 
Motor vehicles 

–  over the period of the lease
–  10% in equal instalments 
–  33% in equal instalments
–  25% in equal instalments
–  25% in equal instalments

The need for any fixed asset impairment write down is assessed 
by comparison of the carrying value of the asset against the 
higher of fair value less cost to sell and the value in use.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include, for the purposes of the balance 
sheet and cash flow statement, cash at bank and in hand and deposits 
with an original maturity of three months or less, net of legally 
offsettable overdraft, which are managed as part of cash balances.

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

Assets held under finance lease agreements are treated as if they had 
been purchased outright. The amount capitalised is the present value 
of the minimum lease payments payable over the term of the lease. 
The corresponding leasing commitments are shown as amounts 
payable to the lessor. Lease payments are apportioned between 
finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve 
a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Where operating lease agreements include a fixed uplift for rental 
payments, the expense is straight lined, except in cases where 
another systematic basis better represents the benefit to us. 
Reverse premiums and similar incentives to enter into operating 
lease agreements are initially recorded as deferred income and 
released to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.

86

Segmental reporting
Segmental reporting reflects how management controls the 
business. Sales between business units are on an arm’s length 
basis. The assets and liabilities of the segments reflect the  
assets and liabilities of the underlying companies involved.

Our business is run on an operating unit basis. In accordance with 
IFRS 8 paragraph 12, we have aggregated our operating units into 
regional segments. Clear has a different nature of service,  
and it is reported to the Board on a consolidated basis rather 
than on an office basis, as with other operating units; we therefore 
have allocated Clear as a separate segment.

Employee benefits – pensions
Contributions to personal pension plans are charged to the 
income statement in the period in which they are due.

UK growth shares
Some of our UK subsidiaries have shares that do not pay a 
dividend but instead have a right attached to the share allowing 
them to be exchanged into shares of M&C Saatchi plc via a put / 
call option. The value of the option, which can be exchanged 
into M&C Saatchi plc shares, is based on the Group’s headline 
profit after tax multiple and excludes loss making companies. 
The valuation uses the growth of normalised post-tax profits of 
the subsidiary company above that company’s 2007 profits plus 
a compounded growth factor. The Group has a nominal value call 
option in the event that the shareholders are no longer employed. 
This transaction has been treated as an equity settled transaction 
under IFRS 2.

The cost of equity settled transactions with these shareholders  
is measured and accounted for in accordance with the Group’s 
stated policy for equity settled share based compensation.

M&C Saatchi Worldwide Ltd A and B shares
Some of the Company’s Directors have purchased M&C Saatchi 
Worldwide Ltd A and B shares. These shares have rights to be 
converted into shares of the Company (see note 30). This transaction 
has been treated as an equity settled transaction under IFRS 2.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK and foreign tax, is provided for, using  
the tax rates and laws that have been substantively enacted at  
the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets  
and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated 
financial statements. However, deferred tax is not provided for 
temporary differences that arise: from initial recognition of an 
asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination 
that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor 
taxable profits or loss; and on the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date 

and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset 
is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is  
probable that future taxable profit will be available against  
which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising 
on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the 
timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled 
by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there  
is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the Group intends to settle its current  
tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Dividends
Interim dividends are recorded when they are paid and the final 
dividends are recorded when they become legally payable.

Earnings per share
The dilutive effect of unvested outstanding options is calculated 
based on the number that would vest had the balance sheet date 
been the vesting date. This dilution is reflected in the computation 
of diluted earnings per share. 

Foreign currency
Foreign currency transactions arising from normal trading 
activities are recorded in functional currency at the rate 
prevailing at the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
at the year end are translated at the year end exchange rate. 
Where they form part of the net investment in foreign operations 
the gain or loss is charged directly to the foreign exchange reserve.

Foreign currency gains and losses are credited or charged to the 
income statement as they arise.

For overseas operations, results are translated at the average rate 
of exchange and balance sheets are translated at the closing rate of 
exchange. The average rate of exchange approximates to the rate 
on the date that the transactions occurred. Exchange differences 
arising from the translation of foreign subsidiary results are taken 
to a separate component of equity. Such translation differences 
will be recognised as income or expense in the period of disposal.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities principally include the following:

Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated 
at amortised cost. Impairment provisions are recognised 
when there is objective evidence that the Group will be unable 
to collect all of the amounts due under the terms receivable.

87

Notes
Continued

34. Accounting policies continued

Trade and other liabilities
Trade and other liabilities are not interest bearing and are stated  
at their amortised cost.

Classification of financial instruments
The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are classified  
into the following financial statement captions in accordance  
with IAS 39 financial instruments:

Loans and receivable
Measured at amortised cost, separately disclosed as cash and 
cash equivalents; current tax assets; trade and other receivables 
(with the exclusion of prepayments); and loans to employees 
within other non current assets.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Separately disclosed as minority shareholder put option liabilities.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Separately disclosed as trade and other payables; current tax 
liabilities; other financial liabilities; deferred and contingent 
consideration; and other non current liabilities.

Bank borrowings
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recorded  
as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Direct issue 
costs are amortised over the period of the loans and overdrafts  
to which they relate. Finance charges, including premiums payable 
on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are charged  
to the income statement using the effective interest method and 
are added to the carrying value of the instrument to the extent  
that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

though may hold such items during the year. These items include 
forward foreign exchange contracts.

Level 3
Fair values measured using inputs for assets or liabilities that  
are not based on observable market data. Such items include  
the Group’s put option liability, contingent consideration, 
investments, and some inputs to profit based share options.

Standards effective for the first time this year
A number of new and amended standards became effective for 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Directors consider 
the impact of these standards on the Group and conclude that none 
are material to the Group’s results and financial position. They include: 

IFRS 13 defines fair value, sets out in a single IFRS a framework 
for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value 
measurements. (Effective for accounting periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2013.)

Standards not yet effective
New standards, amendments and interpretations to existing 
standards that are mandatory for the Group’s accounting periods 
beginning after 1 January 2014 and which the Group has decided 
not to adopt early. None of these standards have a material effect 
on our accounts. Those that are relevant to the Group are:

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments will eventually replace IAS 39 in its 
entirety. (Effective for accounting periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2018.)*

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements establishes principles 
for the presentation and preparation of consolidated financial 
statements when an entity controls one or more other entities. 
The new standard replaces the consolidation requirements 
in SIC-12 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities and IAS 27 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (effective for 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014).

Treasury shares
When the Group reacquires its own equity instruments, those 
instruments (treasury shares) are debited to treasury reserve.  
No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, 
issue or cancellation of the Group’s treasury shares. Such treasury 
shares may be acquired and held by other members of the Group. 
Consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity.

IFRS 13 hierarchy – Capital structure and finance cost

IFRS 11 Joint arrangements treats accounting of joint ventures  
the same as associates (effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2014). 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities includes the 
disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other  
entities, including subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates  
and unconsolidated structured entities (effective for accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014).

Level 1
Fair values measured using quoted (unadjusted) prices in active 
markets for assets and liabilities (e.g. cash, debtors and creditors).

Standards, not yet effective, which are not expected  
to be relevant to the Group 
Amendments to IAS 28 (effective for accounting periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2014).

Level 2 
Fair values using inputs, other than quoted prices including within 
Level 1, that are observable for assets or liability either directly 
or indirectly. The Group does not hold such items at year end, 

Amendments to IAS 27 (effective for accounting periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2014).

* These standards have not yet been endorsed by the EU.

88

Company balance sheet

At 31 December

Fixed assets
Investments

Current assets
Cash at bank
Debtors
–  due within one year
–  due after one year

Creditors falling due within one year

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors falling due after more than one year

Total assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Treasury reserve
Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Note

2013
£000

2012
£000

36

81,942

81,537

15,008

–

37
37

38

39

41
41
41
41
41

17,898
2,473

35,379
(26,007)

9,372

91,314

–

91,314

690
16,402
48,817
(792)
26,197

91,314

8,155
2,657

10,812
(15,726)

(4,914)

76,623

(3,910)

72,713

641
14,625
48,817
(792)
9,422

72,713

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 19 March 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

Jamie Hewitt
Finance Director
M&C Saatchi plc
Company Number 05114893

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account. Included 
within the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2013 is a profit after tax of £20,457k (2012: £184k).

The notes on pages 90 to 92 form part of these financial statements.

89

Notes

35. Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the  
historical cost convention in accordance with applicable  
UK accounting standards.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

(a) Valuation of investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost, less  
any provision for impairment.

(b) Pensions
Contributions to personal pension plans are charged to the profit 
and loss account in the period in which they are due.

(c) Deferred taxation
Deferred tax balances are recognised for all timing differences  
that have originated but that have not reversed by the balance sheet 
date. The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent 
that the Company anticipates making sufficient taxable profits in the 
future to absorb the reversal of the underlying timing differences.

Deferred tax balances are not discounted.

(d) Share based payments
Certain employees receive remuneration in the form of share based 
payments, including shares or rights over shares. The cost of equity 
settled transactions with employees is measured by reference 
to the fair value at the date at which they are granted, excluding 
the impact of any non market vesting conditions (for example, 
profitability and sales growth targets). The non market vesting 
conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options 
that are expected to become exercisable. At each balance sheet 
date the entity revises its estimates of the number of the options 
that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the impact 
of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the profit and loss 
account, and a corresponding adjustment to equity over the 
remaining vesting period. Where awards depend on future events 
we assess the likelihood of these conditions being met and make an 
appropriate charge at the end of each reporting period. The credit 
for equity settled transactions is taken to the share option reserve.

The charge for equity settled share based payments is recognised, 
together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the vesting 
period of the related share options. The cumulative expense 
recognised for equity settled share based payments at each 
reporting date reflects the extent to which the Directors consider, 
as at the balance sheet date, that the awards will ultimately vest.

For cash settled share based payments, a liability is recognised for 
the amount payable at the balance sheet date with a corresponding 
charge being made to the profit and loss account. Where payments 
depend on future events an assessment is made of the likelihood 

90

of these conditions being met in determining the amounts to 
be recorded. Where cash settled share options are only part 
of the way through their vesting period, the liability and profit 
and loss account charge are adjusted to reflect the proportion 
of the vesting period that has been covered up to the balance 
sheet date.

Share based payments include options issued to employees and 
other long term equity linked bonuses. Payments may be in the 
form of cash or equity. When options are exercised, the cash 
received for the issued shares is taken to share capital and share 
premium and the related balance in the share option reserve is 
taken to the profit and loss reserve.

Where equity settled share options are issued to employees 
of subsidiary companies, the Company charges the employer 
(subsidiary) with its employees’ share of cumulative expense.  
This is paid within 30 days.

(e) Dividends
Interim dividends are recorded when they are paid and the final 
dividends are recorded when they become legally payable.

(f) Treasury shares
When the Company reacquires its own equity instruments, those 
instruments (treasury shares) are deducted from equity. No 
gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, 
issue or cancellation of the Company’s treasury shares. Such 
treasury shares may be acquired and held by the Company or by 
other members of the Group. Consideration paid or received is 
recognised directly in equity.

36. Investments in subsidiary undertakings

At 1 January
Disposal of subsidiaries
Increased investment in subsidiary

At 31 December

2013
£000

81,537
–
405

81,942

2012
£000

81,537
(81,537)
81,537

81,537

The significant subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 17 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

In 2012 the Company sold its direct interest in M&C Saatchi 
Worldwide Ltd in return for equity in M&C Saatchi Network Ltd.

In 2013 the Company increased its investment in M&C Saatchi 
Worldwide Ltd.

37. Current assets

39. Creditors falling due after more than one year

Amounts due less than one year

Amounts from subsidiary undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
Corporation tax debtor
Other debtors

Total trade debtors and 
other receivables
Amount due after more than one year
Deferred tax asset
Loans to employees*

Total debtors due after more  
than one year

2013
£000

16,914
91
839
54

2012
£000

7,754
72
327
2

17,898

8,155

80
2,393

47
2,610

2,473

2,657

* This relates to the £1.2m (2012: £1.2m) and the AUD2.0m (2012: AUD 
2.0m) loans that the Company lent local management of M&C Saatchi 
Agency Pty Ltd to enable them to acquire 20% of that business. The loan 
is repayable if the purchasers no longer have a beneficial interest in the 
shares of the Australian Group. The loan is unsecured and is at the 
Bank of England’s base rate of interest; interest on the loan compounds 
annually and is payable on repayment.

38. Creditors falling due within one year

Overdrafts
Trade creditors
Amounts due to subsidiaries
Accruals and deferred income
Other payables

2013
£000

–
(243)
(25,200)
(207)
(357)

2012
£000

(11,083)
(87)
(4,210)
(151)
(195)

(26,007)

(15,726)

Bank loans

40. Directors’ remuneration

Total for eight Directors:

Directors’ salaries and benefits
Contribution to money purchase  
pension schemes

Total remuneration before  
accounting charges

Share option charges

Highest paid Director:

Directors’ salaries and benefits
Contribution to money purchase  
pension schemes

Total remuneration before  
accounting charges

Share option charges

2013
£000

2012
£000

–

(3,910)

2013
£000

2012
£000

2,069

2,077

65

62

2,134

354

2,488

2013
£000

427

1

428

38

466

2,139

762

2,901

2012
£000

428

1

429

163

592

Unaudited detail on Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 36 and 37. These numbers include 
accounting charges for the LTIP schemes which the Remuneration 
Report excludes.

During the year, 3,546,932 (2012: nil) M&C Saatchi plc shares 
were issued to four directors, in return for Directors’ interest in  
M&C Saatchi Worldwide Ltd A ordinary shares. Further details 
including the resulting gains can be found in note 30.

The number of Directors with a money purchase pension scheme 
was 5 (2010: 5).

91

Notes
Continued

41. Capital and reserves

Year of grant

At 1 January 2012
Issue of shares
Options exercised
Reclassification of share to cash based options
Equity settled share based payments
Dividends paid
Profit for the year

AT 31 DECEMBER 2012
Options exercised
Equity settled share based payments
Put options exercised
Dividends paid
Profit for the year

AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

42. Related parties

Share 
capital
£000

Share 
 premium  
£000

Merger 
reserve
£000

Treasury 
reserve
£000

635
1
5
–
–
–
–

641
44
–
5
–
–

13,832
115
678
–
–
–
–

14,625
496
–
1,281
–
–

48,817
–
–
–
–
–
–

48,817

–
–
–
–

(792)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(792)

–
–
–
–

Profit  
and loss 
account
£000

11,976
–
(683)
–
855
(2,910)
184

9,422
(551)
290
–
(3,421)
20,457

Total
£000

74,468
116
–
–
855
(2,910)
184

72,713
(11)
290
1,286
(3,421)
20,457

690

16,402

48,817

(792)

26,197

91,314

During the year, the Company charged a management recharge to subsidiaries totalling £1,006k (2012: £1,191k). £46k (2012: £230k) was 
due in relation to this management recharge from subsidiaries as at the balance sheet date. Including these amounts the Company also 
provides short-term working capital loans to and borrows funds from certain subsidiaries, disclosed in Notes 37 and 38. The amounts 
due from subsidiary undertakings of £16,914k (2012: £7,754k) is net of £7,406k (2012: £8,553k) provisions for doubtful accounts.

Further details of related parties of the Company are provided in note 33. 

92

Independent auditors’ report 
to the members of M&C Saatchi plc

We have audited the financial statements of M&C Saatchi plc  
for the year ended 31 December 2013 set out on pages 38 to 92.  
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law  
and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the EU. The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial 
statements is applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Opinion on other matters prescribed  
by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and 
the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception

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. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us 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 are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 
•	 certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified 

Respective responsibilities of Directors  
and auditors

by law are not made; or 

•	 we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit.

John Bennett 
(Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, statutory auditor
Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square
London, E14 5GL
United Kingdom

19 March 2014

KPMG Audit Plc is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP registered 
in England and Wales (with registered number 3110745).

As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 33, the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, 
and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements 
is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at  
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion: 
•	 the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state  

of the Group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at  
31 December 2013 and of the Group’s profit for the year  
then ended; 

•	 the Group financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
•	 the parent company’s financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•	 the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

93

Additional information

Advisors
Nominated advisor and broker
Numis Securities Ltd
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT
www.numiscorp.com

Solicitors
Olswang
90 High Holborn
London WC1V 6XX
www.olswang.com

Auditors
KPMG Audit Plc
15 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5GL
www.kpmg.com

Bankers
National Westminster Bank Plc
1 Princes Street
London EC2R 8BP
www.natwest.com

Registrars
Computershare Investor Services Plc
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS13 8AE
www.computershare.com

94

Secretary and registered office
Andy Blackstone
M&C Saatchi plc
36 Golden Square
London W1F 9EE
www.mcsaatchiplc.com

Country of registration
England and Wales

Company number
05114893

Investor relations website
www.mcsaatchiplc.com 

Corporate events
AGM
11 June 2014

Final 2013 dividend paid
4 July 2014

To those on the register on
6 June 2014

Interim 2014 statement
11 September 2014

Interim 2014 dividend paid
14 November 2014

To those on the register on
31 October 2014

Preliminary announcement of 2014 result
Late March 2015

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www.addison-group.net