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FY2016 Annual Report · Melrose PLC
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Buy
Improve
Sell

Melrose

Melrose  
Industries PLC

Annual Report 
for the year ended 31 December 2016

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Melrose Industries PLC

This has been a tremendous year for 
Melrose and we are delighted with the 
performance of Nortek, which is exceeding 
expectations. All aspects of the business 
are being improved and its prospects are 
better than originally thought.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Acquiring good quality manufacturing businesses, 
making operational improvements, realising 
shareholder value at the appropriate time 
and then returning this value to shareholders 
continues to be the fundamentals of the “buy, 
improve, sell” business strategy that Melrose 
has followed since being founded in 2003.

Strategic Report 
Performance summary 

Track record 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s review 

Market overview 

Our strategy and business model 

Strategy in action 

Key performance indicators 

Divisional review  

Finance Director’s review 

Longer-term viability statement 

Risk management 

Risks and uncertainties 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

Governance 
Governance overview 

Board of Directors 

Directors’ report 

Corporate governance report 

Audit Committee report 

Nomination Committee report 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Financials 
Independent auditor’s report to the  
members of Melrose Industries PLC 

Consolidated Income Statement 

01

P02
02

04

06

07

08

12

14

18

20

30

37

38

40

46

P54
54

56

58

62

66

70

72

85

P86
87 

93

94

95

96

97

98

Essential reading

p.02

Strategic Report

p.20

Divisional review

p.30

Finance Director’s review

p.54

Governance overview

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the financial statements 

Company Balance Sheet for Melrose Industries PLC  141

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 

141

142

Shareholder information  P147
Notice of Annual General Meeting 
147

Company and shareholder information 

153

Download the Annual Report 
www.melroseplc.net/investors/reports

Cautionary statement
The Strategic Report and certain other sections of this Annual Report contain forward-looking 
statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information 
available to them up to the time of their approval of this report and such statements should be 
treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk 
factors, underlying any such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not 
to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Subject to compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations, Melrose does not undertake any obligation to update any 
forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report.

The Strategic Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders 
to assess the Company’s strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed.

Some financial and other numerical data in this Annual Report and financial statements has been 
rounded and, as a result, the numerical figures shown as totals may vary slightly from the exact 
arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201602

Performance summary

Following the acquisition of Nortek in August, the continuing operations 
of the Group now consist of four divisions. Only the four months of trading 
since the acquisition have been included in these results for the former Nortek 
businesses, all of which have made a very strong start under Melrose ownership.

Financial

Revenue (£m)

Underlying(1)  operating profit margin(2) (%)

£889.3 million

11.7%

 £261.1m

2015

2016

 £889.3m

2015

2016

9.5%

11.7%

Underlying(1) operating profit (£m)

£104.1 million

2015

£24.8m

2016

£104.1m

2016 statutory IFRS loss after tax 
of £39.0 million (2015: £16.3 million)

(1)  Considered by the Board to be the best measure of 

performance. A reconciliation of statutory profit/(loss)  
to underlying profit/(loss) is given in the Finance 
Director’s review on page 30.

(2)  Underlying (1) operating profit as a percentage of 

revenue for the continuing Group.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016p.14
Strategy in action

p.20
Divisional review

p.30
Finance Director’s review

03

Acquisition of Nortek

Enterprise value

£2.2 billion

Rights Issue

£1.6 billion

Debt financing

£0.6 billion

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201604

A strong track record

Melrose is very pleased with the track record achieved over its 13-year history since 
floating on AIM in 2003. It has achieved an average annual return on equity investment  
of 26% since making the first acquisition in 2005, with an increase in operating margins 
between five and nine percentage points across the businesses sold to date.

Bought for (1)

Sold for (1)

£1.8bn

August 2012

£3.3bn

£1.0bn

July 2008

£1.8bn

Up to 1 March 2017(2)

£0.4bn

May 2005

£0.8bn

As at 1 March 2017, track record for £1 invested in Melrose

Since the first deal in 2005, assuming participation in every fund raising and capital return and dividend receipt.

Investment

£1

£11.85

Original 
investment

Additional investment in  
subsequent capital raisings

Returns

£13.24 

Capital returns

£1.83 

£14.27

Ordinary 
dividends

Market value  
of shares held

Net return

£16.49

Total investment

£12.85

Total returns

£29.34

Net return

£16.49

(1)  Enterprise value.
(2)   Brush was also acquired as part of the acquisition of FKI and remains part of the Melrose Group. This calculation includes a consensus value of the Brush business as at 1 March 2017.
(3)  Considered by the Board to be the best measure of performance. A reconciliation of statutory profit/(loss) to underlying profit/(loss) is given in the Finance Director’s review on page 30.
(4)  As at 1 March 2017.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201605

Operational improvements

Shareholder return

Investment in the businesses

Underlying(3) operating margin 
improvement (percentage points)

Equity rate
of return

Shareholder return  
on original equity

Post-acquisition investment as a 
percentage of original equity price

+9ppts

33%

2.3x

25%

+5ppts

33%

3.4 x

62%

+6ppts

30%

3.0 x

51%

Shareholder investment and gain(4)

The future

£4.8bn

Shareholder value created

26%

Average annual return 
for a shareholder since 
the first acquisition 

2.6x

Average return on equity 
across all businesses sold

Melrose is well-positioned to create superior 
shareholder value
Since floating on AIM in 2003, Melrose has raised £3.6 billion  
from shareholders, and has returned £4.3 billion in cash to investors.

Melrose acquired the former Nortek businesses in August 2016  
for an enterprise value of £2.2 billion, which, together with Brush, 
now comprise the Group. It continues to invest in the “buy, 
improve, sell” business model, which management believes can 
create significant further value from similar deals in the future.

Melrose has a simple and transparent executive remuneration 
framework that is aligned with shareholders’ interests and 
supports the delivery of the Group’s value creation strategy.

A history of value creation

2003
October
Floated  
on AIM

2005
December
Entered the  
FTSE 250 on  
London’s main 
exchange

2007
August
£220 million  
returned to 
shareholders

2011
August
£373 million  
returned to 
shareholders

2012
August
Fully underwritten  
£1.2 billion  
Rights Issue

2014
February
£595 million  
returned to 
shareholders

2015
March
£200 million  
returned to 
shareholders

2016
February
£2.4 billion  
returned to 
shareholders

2016
August
Fully underwritten 
£1.6 billion  
Rights Issue

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201606

Chairman’s statement

“  We rely on shareholder support for our ability 
to secure acquisitions where we can materially 
improve businesses and create value for our 
investors. The progress made at Nortek should 
give further confidence that our approach can 
continue to identify new opportunities even in 
challenging times.”

  Christopher Miller, Chairman

I am pleased to report on our 
14th set of annual results since 
flotation in 2003. Since the date 
of the first acquisition in 2005, 
Melrose has created net 
shareholder value of £4.8 billion 
and achieved an average annual 
return for a shareholder of 26% 
(as at 1 March 2017).

Calendar year 2016
2016 has been another successful year. In 
February 2016, £2.4 billion was returned to 
shareholders following the sale of Elster in 
December 2015. In August, Nortek was 
acquired for £2.2 billion, financed from the 
net proceeds of a successful Rights Issue 
raising £1.6 billion, with the balance funded 
through debt of £0.6 billion. 

The presentation of this year’s results has 
been dominated by the Nortek acquisition, 
which, when combined with Brush, has 
more than tripled the revenue of the Melrose 
Group this year. 

Melrose Group revenue for the year was 
£889.3 million (2015: £261.1 million) and, 
despite declaring a statutory loss before 
tax of £69.3 million (2015: £30.7 million), 
the underlying profit before tax was 
£96.4 million (2015: £2.4 million). 

At Nortek, the Security & Smart Technology 
and Ergonomics divisions performed 
particularly well, driving outperformance, 
but all businesses are responding well to 
the improvement measures we have 
implemented to date. Brush continues to 
face challenging end-market conditions 
but we remain positive about its long-term 
prospects. Further details of these results 
are contained in the Chief Executive and 
Finance Director’s reviews. 

As ever, I would like to thank all our 
employees for their efforts in helping to 
produce this outstanding performance.

Dividend 
The Board proposes to pay a final dividend 
of 1.9 pence per share (2015: 0.5 pence (1)), 
making a total of 2.2 pence for the year 
(2015: 1.0 pence (1)), in line with its progressive 
annual dividend policy. This will be paid on 
16 May 2017 to those shareholders on the 
register on 7 April 2017, subject to approval 
at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 
11 May 2017.

Board matters
Succession planning is critical to maintaining 
the effectiveness and quality of the Melrose 
Board and it remains an area of focus for 
2017. John Grant will be retiring from the 
Board at the conclusion of this year’s AGM, 
having held a non-executive position on the 
Melrose Board since 2006 and is currently 
senior non-executive Director and Chairman 
of the Audit Committee. John’s experience 
and judgement have been highly valued by 
the Board and we thank him for his service. 

John will be replaced as senior non-executive 
Director by Justin Dowley, who will also 
continue to hold the position of Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee. John’s 
position as Chairman of the Audit Committee 
will be taken up by Liz Hewitt, who will 
step down as Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee, to be replaced by David Lis. 
I congratulate them all on their appointments.

The Board has decided to increase the 
number of its independent non-executive 
directors in conjunction with John’s 
replacement and, accordingly, a search 
is underway for two new non-executive 
Directors, with appointments expected 
to be made in the coming months.

(1)  Adjusted by a bonus factor of 18.8% related 

to the Rights Issue completed in August 2016.

Strategy 
Consistent with our “buy, improve, sell” 
strategy, the Nortek businesses have been 
the subject of significant change and a 
number of improvements have already been 
delivered in the short period of Melrose 
ownership, with more planned for 2017. 
At Brush, targeted investment in product 
development continues in order to maximise 
opportunities in a tough market, with the 
business focused on becoming the most 
agile, responsive and cost effective supplier 
in the industry.

Whilst the implementation of improvements 
across our existing businesses remains our 
key area of focus, we continue to see 
businesses that are candidates for our 
management and investment methods 
and are confident we will identify a suitable 
further opportunity in due course.

Outlook 
We continue to operate in an uncertain and 
challenging environment. Globally, downside 
risks stem from weak investment and 
heightened geopolitical uncertainty in  
major economies. 

Against this backdrop we believe that there 
are some exciting acquisition opportunities 
and, taken together with the benefits already 
seen from improvements implemented 
across Nortek, we are positive about the 
potential of the Melrose Group for 2017.

Christopher Miller
Chairman
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
Chief Executive’s review

“ 2016 has been another highly successful  
year for Melrose, as Nortek has made a  
very strong start, with improvements across  
all three divisions in the short period since  
our acquisition.”

  Simon Peckham, Chief Executive

07

Outlook 
Overall market conditions in 2017 remain 
difficult to predict, but we are confident  
that the former Nortek businesses are 
implementing their operational changes  
and strategic plans with enthusiasm and 
are well positioned for growth. End market 
conditions are likely to remain as challenging 
for Brush in 2017, but overall, we still see 
the long-term prospects for Brush 
remaining positive. 

We have now started to review other 
acquisition opportunities, but will remain  
as ever disciplined in applying our 
investment criteria.

Simon Peckham 
Chief Executive 
2 March 2017 

The Air Management division is the largest 
in the Melrose Group. Its businesses have 
the greatest scope for improvement and 
have already experienced the most change 
under our ownership. There has been 
significant work consolidating two former 
HVAC businesses under one HVAC 
management team and integrating previous 
disparate segments, with more to go in 2017. 
There has already been good margin and 
profit growth assisted by the closure of 
unprofitable businesses and refocusing the 
sales strategy away from owned retail outfits. 
Similarly, there has been management 
change and significant investment across 
the AQH business as we work hard to 
improve its manufacturing processes, 
warehousing and technology.

We have sought to build on the already 
strong Ergonomics platform through 
investment in tooling to properly equip 
the business to access new markets 
and continue to support it in its ongoing 
revitalisation of the product range that 
repositions the business to higher 
margin lines.

In light of its difficult end market conditions, 
Brush produced an acceptable operating 
performance in 2016. Brush continues  
to undertake appropriate restructuring 
measures whilst still investing in product 
development across its businesses.

The Melrose Group now  
consists of four divisions: the  
Air Management division, which 
includes the Heating, Ventilation  
& Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Air 
Quality & Home Solutions (AQH) 
businesses; the Security & Smart 
Technology division, comprising 
the Security & Control, Core 
Brands and GTO businesses;  
the Ergonomics division, which 
includes the Ergotron business; 
and the Energy division, which 
includes the Brush businesses.

The former Nortek businesses have already 
responded very well to the Melrose model. 
We moved quickly on completion of the 
acquisition to remove the Nortek Board, 
close the Providence headquarters and 
decentralise all corporate functions, including 
HR, IT, legal, supply chain and distribution. 
This provided significant immediate savings, 
sent a strong and clear message to divisional 
management and created good momentum 
for the operational improvement programs in 
the businesses themselves. As a result, all 
three divisions have shown gains already in 
the short four-month period since acquisition 
and a pleasing level of cash generation. The 
internal potential margin targets have been 
increased beyond those perceived at the 
time of acquisition.

We consolidated the Security & Smart 
Technology division under the Security & 
Control management team, bringing Core 
Brands and GTO under their direction and 
control, which we think will be of benefit to 
all three businesses. We have approved 
approximately £3 million of investment in 
their production facilities, focusing on 
improving capacity, technology and safety 
levels. Further investment has also been 
made in improving and expanding the Core 
Brands premium platform ELAN. 

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201608

Market overview

This section details the market trends and external factors 
affecting the growth of each of Melrose’s divisions and explores 
how they are responding to those trends and factors. 

Melrose
Market environment for Melrose
Melrose invests in international 
manufacturing companies and is therefore 
directly and indirectly impacted by events 
occurring in the global economy.

The world economy remains uncertain and 
generally there has been continued 
nervousness amongst most economic 
commentators, many of whom are concerned 
that growth may be difficult to achieve over 
the near term. This caution applies to most 
major economies of the world.

Business response
Whilst the implementation of improvements 
across our existing businesses remains a key 
area of focus, our progress with the former 
Nortek businesses means we are also 
reviewing other acquisition opportunities. 
We continue to see businesses which 
are candidates for our management and 
investment methods and are confident we 
will identify a suitable further opportunity 
in due course. Melrose recognises that it 
may face strong competition from a range 
of market players. 

The Board notes that, as the difficulty in 
predicting the economic outlook continues, 
valuations of businesses can decrease, 
potentially making acquisition opportunities 
more exciting. The uncertain world economic 
backdrop could be an opportunity for 
Melrose to find its next successful acquisition 
at an attractive price. Furthermore, the Board 
is confident that the necessary funding will be 
available to finance this.

Air Management

Heating, Ventilation 
& Air Conditioning
HVAC comprises Residential and 
Commercial HVAC (RCH), which 
manufactures unitary equipment 
for the light commercial and 
residential markets and is a leading 
provider of commercial unit heaters 
and manufactured housing HVAC 
products, and Custom & 
Commercial Air Solutions (CAS), 
a leading provider in custom 
HVAC solutions for commercial 
buildings and spaces requiring 
precise temperature and air 
quality control.

Current market trends
Whilst the market has always been subject 
to seasonality, four other critical trends 
are beginning to converge, influencing 
the HVAC market for commercial and 
residential buildings. 

First, growth of Internet of Things (IoT) 
products, artificial intelligence and other 
cloud based systems is driving demand 
for critical space air conditioning and puts 
further emphasis on building energy 
reduction. The continued acceleration of 
digitalisation, convergence of technologies 
and connectivity are likely to render 
markets favourable to HVAC product 
and solutions offerings.

Second, the continuous regulation of 
energy and water conservation in buildings 
driven by global warming and an impending 
global water shortage. The trend over the 
past decade for improving energy efficiency 
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
will continue, while water conservation in 
buildings will also emerge as an equally 
important issue. As awareness levels rise 
around a global water shortage, the 
industry can expect new regulations for 
commercial cooling applications to reduce 
consumption. 

Third, the need for suppliers to be agile 
in responding quickly to customers’ need 
to comply with the changing regulatory 
environment.

Finally, urbanisation is an overriding trend 
that bodes well for the business as it will 
lead to investment in infrastructure, which 
will increase demand for HVAC’s products.

External factors
Custom markets are impacted by both 
an increase in energy and water efficiency 
requirements and new building code 
standards. In addition to efficiency 
performance, fan control and ventilation 
standards continue to evolve, with these 
factors driving the need to incorporate 
higher performing components. As a result, 
the market is seeing a growth in demand 
for configurable rooftop products with 
improved fan controls, increased efficiency 
and multi-stage operation.

Business response
The business has invested heavily in 
research and development to upgrade 
its product offering to match regulatory, 
environmental and market demand. 
At the same time, it has simplified its 
structure, streamlined processes and 
remained close to customers to ensure 
it can react quickly to any changing 
requirements.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016p.07
Chief Executive’s review 

p.20
Divisional review

p.30
Finance Director’s review

09

Security & Smart Technology

Software is becoming the dominant 
technological requirement of the division 
as connectivity and user interfaces 
become primary competitive differentiators. 
Smartphone proliferation continues to drive 
demand for, and lower the initial cost of, 
home control systems.

Business response
SCS conducted a major product review 
that has resulted in good margin, high 
technology additions to its product range, 
including the 2GIG® Vario Hybrid Security 
System extension to its existing wireless 
solutions platform, while Core Brands 
announced a major update of its premium 
ELAN home control system. Investments 
across the business have included a 
£3 million committed expansion of its 
production capabilities, coupled with 
targeted growth of its international sales 
structure through entry into strategic 
arrangements with key partners in Europe, 
Turkey and Latin America.

Our Security & Smart Technology 
division, consisting of Security 
& Control (SCS), Core Brands 
and GTO Access Systems (GTO), 
is one of the world’s largest 
developers and manufacturers 
of security, home automation 
and access control technologies 
for residential and commercial 
markets’ service providers.

Current market trends
The division operates in a dynamic market, 
with rapidly advancing technologies, new 
services entrants, consolidation among 
traditional service companies and growing 
global demand. The traditional security 
services market is evolving to embrace the 
possibilities of IoT, creating a wider range 
of offerings and greater focus on software 
and connectivity. Technology is shifting 
towards utilising video and audio 
technologies (including voice control) as 
a means to sense and control residential 
and commercial environments.

External factors
The basic security business continues to 
be the core of service company offerings, 
with automation/control services added 
to supplement service customers’ 
sales revenue.

Air Quality & Home Solutions
Air Quality & Home Solutions (AQH) 
is a global leader in providing 
residential indoor air quality 
improvement solutions and a variety 
of home comfort and convenience 
products, serving both the new 
build and renovation markets.

Current market trends
The North American construction market 
grew in 2016, albeit at a slower rate than 
market forecast. Consumers seek new 
solutions to improve the quality of their 
indoor air as the negative health impact 
of poor air quality becomes more widely 
recognised. Air quality and healthy air 
management is a strategic growth area 
for AQH based on both building trends 
and consumer demand.

External factors
Building codes in North America are 
forcing higher efficiency and more 
advanced solutions to address indoor air 
quality concerns as homes become more 
tightly sealed. Indoor air quality products 
are common in Canada and are gaining 
awareness as a whole-home solution in 
the US. The use of built-in, portable and 
personal air purification devices is growing 
at an accelerated pace in Asia Pacific. 

Customers in traditional product channels 
are becoming more flexible and buying 
in multiple formats, including traditional 
retailers entering the building maintenance 
and repair spaces. The customer 
landscape is also experiencing ongoing 
consolidation, with increasing emphasis 
on margin enhancement and omni-
channel presence. 

Business response
In response to increased demand for air 
purification products, AQH has formed 
relationships with many local builders, 
driving increased sales volume. AQH 
continues to refresh its product offering, 
with recent introductions including new 
bathroom ventilation fan and range hood 
product lines.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201610

Market overview 
continued

Ergonomics

The Ergonomics division 
comprises Ergotron, one of the 
largest ergonomics manufacturers 
in the world, providing a wide 
variety of workstations and 
mounting solutions for computers 
and displays to promote healthier, 
more productive environments in 
healthcare, education, corporate 
office and home applications.

Current market trends
Ergotron’s key product segments are 
underpinned by strong global technology 
and wellness trends, including the 
development of electronic medical records 
systems, digital learning in education and 
corporate wellness, which drive a need for 
sit/stand workstations. Staying on top of 
these markets requires continuous focus 
on product research and development.

External factors
Electronic medical record and digital 
learning regulation and funding varies 
widely by country and trends are localised. 
Although the US market is relatively mature 
and growth is modest, we are seeing new 
applications for tablets in healthcare that 
represent new opportunity. Internationally 
we are likely to see significant growth for 
the foreseeable future across the sector.

Wellness trends have driven strong 
interest in sit/stand workstations in the 
office in the US and other geographies. 
Public awareness of the benefits of 
creating workplace cultures of movement 
is growing and with it investment in 
ergonomic office equipment. 

Business response
In 2016, Ergotron launched a record number 
of new products, including two families of 
display arms and mounts. To support future 
growth the business has accelerated 
investment in product development, 
capitalising on the growing usage of mobile 
devices in healthcare and continued interest 
in ergonomic workstations in education (with 
its LearnFit™ line) and wellness (with the 
WorkFit® series of sit/stand workstations). 
New product management and engineering 
personnel have been hired to accelerate the 
business’s penetration of new markets.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016p.07
Chief Executive’s review 

p.20
Divisional review

p.30
Finance Director’s review

11

Energy

Brush Turbogenerators 
(Generators) is the world’s largest 
independent manufacturer of 
electricity generating equipment 
for the power generation, industrial, 
oil & gas and offshore sectors. 
Brush designs and manufactures 
systems and power transformers 
(Transformers) and also produces 
a wide range of indoor and outdoor 
medium voltage AC switchgear and 
low voltage DC switchgear for rail 
and industrial use (Switchgear).

Current market trends
Slower global GDP growth continues to 
negatively impact the demand for electricity 
generation. Demand for gas fired electricity 
generation has been impacted by strong 
growth in the renewable energy sector, 
whilst orders for gas turbines remain 50% 
below peak levels seen in 2008-2011.

The exceptionally low oil & gas prices 
experienced during the last two years 
have led to the cancellation or the deferral 
of many investment projects. However, 
the recent OPEC agreement to cut output 
and the subsequent price increase has 
resulted in a growing number of projects 
being reactivated. Brush typically supplies 
generators to the major oil & gas 
infrastructure OEMs and EPC contractors.

External factors
Some of Brush’s businesses have strong 
UK revenue streams, principally the 
Switchgear and Transformer businesses 
which sell to the UK Distribution Network 
Operators (DNOs). The DNOs are 
regulated by Ofgem, the UK government 
regulator for gas and electricity markets, 
under the eight year RIIO-ED1 network 
regulation model which runs from 
1 April 2015 to 31 March 2023.

Business response
In addition to action taken to broaden 
the customer base, management have 
implemented capacity adjustment actions, 
including flexible working patterns and 
targeted shutdowns, in all factories.

In addition, further fixed cost reduction 
programs were put in place with the 
objective of making Brush more agile 
and better able to respond to the uneven 
demand which has become a feature of  
the market. The effect of all of these actions 
has been to reduce overall Brush headcount 
by 25% since the beginning of 2015. 

The difficult market environment in both the 
power generation and the oil & gas sectors 
has resulted in a number of customer and 
supply side consolidation initiatives within 
the industry. In addition, lower overall facility 
utilisation is forcing traditional Brush 
customers to re-examine their supply 
chain strategies. Furthermore, both order 
to delivery lead time and overall response 
time have shortened dramatically from 
what was previously traditionally expected 
in the industry.

In China, the government’s 13th five-year 
plan, which was issued at summary level 
in March 2016, reinforced its commitment 
to become a less carbon intensive 
economy. In particular, the commitment 
to progressively replace coal fired power 
generation with alternative forms of energy 
(including gas) was reaffirmed.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201612

Our strategy and business model

Capital raised from markets

Buy

Melrose aims to acquire high-quality manufacturing 
businesses, with strong fundamentals and the 
potential for significant development and 
improvement under Melrose management. 

Through investing in businesses, changing 
management focus and operational improvements, 
Melrose seeks to increase and realise the value  
in such businesses at the appropriate time and  
to return the proceeds to shareholders.

Amount of investment in the businesses(1)

38%
 Further investment 
in the  businesses to 
improve  operations 

Total investment 
in  businesses 
acquired

100%
Equity raised  
to acquire 
businesses

How has Melrose created value? (1)

Improve

Sell

   Selling for a higher  multiple than paid  

   Cash generation 

   Sales growth 

   Margin growth 

30%

15%

4%

51%

(1) 

In respect of the McKechnie, Dynacast, FKI and Elster acquisitions.

Melrose business  
principles

Governance
Melrose is led by an experienced management team which has a  
strong track record in the successful implementation of the Melrose 
strategy. The Board remains committed to maintaining the high standards 
of corporate governance required to ensure that Melrose can continue to 
deliver its strategy to the benefit of shareholders.

p.54 Governance overview

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
p.18
Key performance indicators

p.38
Risk management

p.40
Risks and uncertainties

13

• Good manufacturing businesses whose  

performance can be improved

•  Use low leverage, with predominantly  

equity financing

Profit generated by improved performance

•  Set strategy and targets and sign off investments

• Drive operational improvements

• Invest in the business 

•  Change management’s strategic focus

• Incentivise well  

• Focus on operating cash generation

•  Identify the optimal commercial time to sell,  
often between three and five years, but  
with flexibility to adapt to market changes  
and opportunities

• Return value to shareholders from  

significant disposals

Melrose  
Group
profit  
generated

Returns to 
shareholders

Aligned interests
The Melrose management own a substantial shareholding in the  
Company and are subject to minimum share retention restrictions.  
The Melrose team also partake in long-term incentive arrangements  
which link remuneration directly to shareholder value, ensuring interests  
are directly aligned with those of shareholders.

Operational and financial efficiency
Melrose is not a passive investor in the businesses it acquires.  
The leadership team has a hands-on relationship with each  
acquired business and work closely with them to develop long-term 
strategic plans, as well as having regular input on restructuring  
decisions, capital expenditure and working capital management.

p.72 Directors’ remuneration report

p.30 Finance Director’s review

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201614

Strategy in action

Buy

Acquisition of Nortek

In July 2016, Melrose announced that it had reached  
an agreement with Nortek, Inc. on the terms of a 
recommended proposal to acquire, for cash, the  
entire issued ordinary share capital of Nortek.

The offer price of US$86 per Nortek share in cash 
valued the entire issued share capital of Nortek at 
£1.1 billion, with an enterprise value of £2.2 billion. 
The acquisition was completed in August 2016.

Melrose financed the acquisition, related expenses and 
the repayment of part of the existing debt of Nortek from 
the proceeds of a fully underwritten Rights Issue of 12 
new shares at 95 pence each for each 1 existing share 
held, raising £1.6 billion (net of commission and expenses). 
The balance of the debt repayment was funded through 
a new US$1.25 billion term loan and revolving credit 
facilities agreement.

Enterprise value

£2.2bn

Rights Issue

£1.6bn

Debt financing

£0.6bn

“The acquisition of Nortek represents the next chapter in the Melrose 
story. Since formation we have created £4.8 billion of value for our 
shareholders and we believe that Nortek presents an excellent 
opportunity to build on that track record. As a UK-listed business we 
were gratified by the vote of confidence – from our shareholders and 
lending institutions – in assembling the equity and debt package 
within such a short period of time. We believe that we will be able to 
justify their confidence as we help reinvigorate these fine businesses, 
and their performance in the first four months of Melrose ownership 
as set out in this Report demonstrates we are on track.”

Christopher Miller, Chairman

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Melrose Industries PLC
Annual Report 2016

15

Improve

Nortek Central

Upon acquisition we undertook various actions 
to reduce Nortek’s central cost base, including:

•  closure of the central headquarters in Providence, 
Rhode Island shortly after completion and the 
reorganisation of the businesses into three divisions 
in the Melrose Group: Air Management; Security 
& Smart Technology; and Ergonomics;

•  decentralisation of head office functions back to 

the businesses, including HR, IT, legal, supply chain,  
distribution and benefits administration;

•  implementation of Melrose treasury processes 

for hedging and cash control;

•  removal of the Nortek Board, with oversight retained 

by the Melrose Board; and

•  significant de-leveraging of the Nortek businesses, 

from 5.1x EBITDA(1) to 1.9x EBITDA(1).

£6.3m

Cost saving from removal of Nortek Board

(1)  Underlying(2) operating profit before depreciation and 

amortisation of computer software and development cost.

(2)  Considered by the Board to be the best measure of 

performance. A reconciliation of statutory profit/(loss) to 
underlying profit/(loss) is given in the Finance Director’s 
review on page 30.

Strategic Report16

Strategy in action 
continued

Improve

Air Management

At Air Quality & Home Solutions, Melrose 
has committed to an investment of £10 million 
to improve manufacturing processes and 
warehousing, and a further £3 million in clean 
room production capabilities. 

The combination of RCH and CAS into HVAC will capture 
synergies and eliminate duplicative costs. RCH’s loss making 
UK Eaton-Williams business was closed as part of the 
restructuring, whilst CAS’ central Eden Prairie office was 
consolidated into RCH’s site in O’Fallon, Missouri. Latin 
America operations were also closed due to minimal 
growth opportunities. 

£10m

committed to improve manufacturing  
processes and warehousing

Improve

Ergonomics

At Ergotron, investments totalling over £1 million are 
committed for tooling to enable the business to break 
into new markets, including large furniture, insertion 
machines and new carts.

The business is continuing its ongoing review of lower 
margin product lines and markets. Further, in line with the 
general trend under Melrose ownership of decentralisation 
across all former Nortek businesses, warehousing and 
distribution have been taken in house.

Over £1m

committed for tooling

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201617

Improve

Security & Smart Technology

Under Melrose ownership, the Security & 
Control, Core Brands and GTO businesses 
have been consolidated into one division, 
Security & Smart Technology. 

£3 million has been committed for investment in Security 
& Control’s Shenzhen plant and in new software and 
technology across the business, whilst Core Brands’ 
premium ELAN family of products has been extended 
significantly. Security & Control conducted a major product 
review that resulted in good margin, high technology 
additions to its product range.

£3m

committed for investment  
in Security & Control

Improve

Energy

At Generators, the new sales team has successfully 
diversified the generator customer base by adding 
five new Brush customers in 2016 including a new 
US supplier in the fracking industry. 

Within Aftermarket, the new state-of-the-art balance pit at 
Brush’s Pittsburgh facility commenced operations in 2016 
and has immediately proved a success, increasing sales for 
the facility by 18%. The facility balanced 22 rotors in its first 
year of operation, whilst attracting incremental third party 
rotor balancing work into Pittsburgh, with a capability up 
to 300MVA. At Switchgear, the “Lightning” low voltage 
DC circuit breaker product has been selected for the 
Guangzhou metro project in China, whilst at 
Transformers, improved manufacturing processes 
for 33kV and 66kV products have further 
reduced lead times to enable very short lead 
time orders to be accepted.

18%

improvement in Pittsburgh 
facility sales following new 
balance pit investment

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201618

Key performance indicators

In order to support the 
Group’s strategy and 
to monitor performance, 
the Board uses a number 
of financial and non-
financial key performance 
indicators (KPIs). Details 
of a selection of the KPIs 
are shown here. Additional 
business level KPIs are 
also used, which are 
relevant to their particular 
circumstances.

Financial KPIs 

Underlying (1) proforma (2) 
diluted earnings per share

Underlying (1) 
operating profit

4.4p

2014

2015(3)

2016

£104.1m

 3.0p(6)

 3.2p (6)

2014

 £51.7m

2015

 £24.8m

 4.4p

2016

 £104.1m

Method of calculation 
Group underlying (1) profit after tax, 
attributable to owners of the parent 
of businesses in existence at each 
year end, divided by the related 
diluted number of shares in issue.

Strategic objective 
To create consistent and long-term 
value for shareholders. 

Method of calculation 
Underlying (1) operating profit 
for the continuing Group.

Strategic objective 
To improve profitability of 
Group operations. 

Cash conversion

123%

 73%

 65%

2014

2015

2016

 123%

Method of calculation 
Percentage of underlying(1) 
EBITDA(4) conversion to cash for 
the continuing Group, pre-capital 
expenditure.

Strategic objective 
To ensure businesses are suitably 
cash generative in order to have 
adequate cash reserves for the 
effective running of the Company 
and for significant capital 
investment where required. 

(1) 

(2) 

 Considered by the Board to be 
the best measure of performance. 
A reconciliation of statutory profit/(loss) 
to underlying profit/(loss) is given in the 
Finance Director’s review on page 30.
 Calculated using the businesses in 
existence at each year end using the 
related diluted number of shares in issue.

(3)   Includes the results of Elster, which 
was owned until 29 December 2015.

(4)  Underlying(1) operating profit 

before depreciation and amortisation 
of computer software and 
development costs.

(5)   All external debt had been repaid 

as at 31 December 2015.

(6)  Adjusted by a bonus factor of 18.8% 
related to the Rights Issue completed 
in August 2016.

Non-financial KPIs

Health and safety

Method of calculation
A variety of different health and 
safety KPIs are used by the 
businesses owned by the Group 
from time to time, which are specific  
to the exact nature of the business 
and its associated risks.

Strategic objective
The Company has an objective 
to stop all preventable accidents.

Performance 
The Group’s current businesses 
measure three key health and 
safety KPIs:

The increase in 2016 is principally 
due to two incidents at separate Brush 
plants that each resulted in an employee 
being off work for an extended period. 
A full review was conducted and 
improvements implemented, and health 
and safety remains a key focus for the 
business. Further details are provided 
in the Corporate Social Responsibility 
report on pages 50 to 51.

To assist with comparison to prior 
years, the Group health and safety 
KPIs exclude Nortek (left), which was 
acquired on 31 August 2016. KPIs for 
the Nortek businesses in 2016 are 
as follows:

(i) major accident frequency rate: 0.5;

(ii) accident frequency rate: 0.8; and

(iii) accident severity rate: 13.9.

Further information in relation to the 
various health and safety initiatives 
undertaken by the Group’s businesses 
during 2016 can be found within the 
Corporate Social Responsibility report 
on pages 50 to 51.

Major accident frequency rate:
Records the number of lost time 
accidents that have resulted in more 
than three days off work (defined 
as ‘major’ accidents), per 200,000 
hours worked:

2014

2015

2016

 0.3

 0.3

 0.3

Accident frequency rate:
Records the number of all lost time 
accidents, both major and minor, 
per 200,000 hours worked:

2014

2015

2016

 0.4

 0.5

 0.5

Accident severity rate:
Records the average number of days 
an employee takes off work following 
an accident at work:

2014

 22.0

2015

 14.0

2016

 57.6

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
Financial KPIs 

Non-financial KPIs

p.38
Risk management

p.40
Risks and uncertainties

19

Underlying (1) operating 
profit margin

Net debt to underlying (1) 
EBITDA(4)

11.7%

1.9x

Interest cover

20.7x

2014

 15.9%

2014

 1.7x

2015(3)

 9.5%

2016

 11.7%

2015(5)

 n/a

2016

 1.9x

2014

2015

2016

 15.3x

 15.3x

Final dividend per share

1.9p

2014

 1.0p(6)

2015

 0.5p(6)

 20.7x

2016

 1.9p

Method of calculation 
Underlying (1) operating profit 
as a percentage of revenue, 
for the continuing Group.

Strategic objective 
To improve profitability of 
Group operations. 

Method of calculation 
Net debt at average exchange 
rates divided by underlying (1) 
EBITDA(4) for existing businesses  
at each year end. 

Strategic objective 
To ensure the Group has suitable 
amounts of debt and remains 
within its banking covenants. 

Method of calculation 
Calculated as underlying (1) 
EBITDA(4) as a multiple of interest 
payable on bank loans and 
overdrafts for the Group during 
each year. 

Strategic objective 
To ensure the Group has suitable 
amounts of debt and remains 
within its banking covenants.

Method of calculation 
Amount declared as payable 
by way of dividends in terms 
of pence per share. 

Strategic objective 
To operate a progressive dividend 
policy whenever the financial 
position of the Company, in the 
opinion of the Board, justifies  
the payment.

For discussions on the dividend, 
please refer to the Chairman’s 
statement on page 06. 

Environment and 
energy usage

Method of calculation
Due to the decentralised nature of 
the Group and differing operations 
of businesses which the Company 
may acquire, there are no standardised 
environmental KPIs used throughout 
the Group. A range of environmental 
measures are utilised, including energy 
consumption, CO2 emissions, water 
consumption, water contamination, 
waste disposal, solid and liquid waste 
generation, recycling and volatile 
organic compound emissions. 

Strategic objective
Melrose fully understands the 
importance of the Group’s 
environmental responsibilities 
and is committed to ensuring that 
operations have a minimum possible 
adverse effect on the environment.

Performance 
Information in relation to the various 
environmental initiatives undertaken 
by our business divisions during 2016 
can be found within the Corporate 
Social Responsibility report on pages 
52 and 53. The Group is required to 
disclose greenhouse gas emissions 
data for the year ended 31 December 
2016. Such data can be found within 
the Corporate Social Responsibility 
report on page 52.

Other non-financial KPIs

Due to the diverse nature of the 
Group, each business acquired by 
the Group uses a range of its own 
specific non-financial KPIs, which are 
used to drive business performance 
and assist in managing risk. This 
helps to ensure that the KPIs used 
are relevant to each business and 
take into account specific operational 
and reporting requirements. Such 
KPIs cover operational, quality, 
commercial and human resource 
measures. Further information 
regarding some of the Group’s recent 
initiatives can be found within the 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
report on pages 46 to 53.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
20

Divisional review

Air Management

The Air Management division is the largest in 
the Melrose Group and has the greatest scope 
for improvement. It comprises three businesses: 
Residential & Commercial HVAC (RCH) and 
Custom & Commercial Air Solutions (CAS), 
which we have consolidated under one global 
HVAC management team based in St. Louis, 
Missouri; and Air Quality & Home Solutions 
(AQH), which is under new management 
headquartered in Hartford, Wisconsin.

£416.5m(1)

Revenue

£46.8m(1)

Underlying operating profit

11.2%(1)

Underlying operating margin

(1) 

Includes results for the four months in 2016 under 
Melrose ownership.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201621

p.08
Market overview

Since acquisition, cash flows from 
this division have been strong, reflecting 
improvements implemented to streamline 
material flows through our manufacturing 
sites and management of supply chain 
logistics, with further improvements 
still available.

Outlook
HVAC management is moving at pace 
to implement their strategic plan and the 
business is responding well, providing a 
solid platform and robust momentum for 
further improvement in 2017 as capital is 
redeployed to growing profitable parts 
of the business. After exiting a significant 
amount of loss making or low margin sales, 
growth is expected on the underlying 
businesses. North American building trends 
are important for HVAC, and upwards 
projections for school, warehousing and 
hospital construction are expected to 
provide a helpful backdrop for higher 
margin sales growth in 2017 as we seek 
to implement the rest of the planned 
operational improvements. 

HVAC
www.nortekair.com

Key strengths

Largest provider of HVAC solutions  
for manufactured housing and leader  
in residential ducted inverter solutions  
for better comfort and energy control.

Provides cutting edge technology for  
high performance computing solutions, 
including from array innovations and 
pioneering unit heaters.

Expert in applied solutions for critical 
spaces such as operating rooms, 
pharmaceutical facilities, semi-conductor 
manufacturing facilities and data centres.

Post Melrose’s acquisition, RCH 
and CAS were combined under a 
single strengthened management 
team. Its predominantly North 
American production is 
complemented by European 
facilities in the manufacture and 
sale of split-system and packaged 
air conditioners, heat pumps, 
furnaces, air handlers and parts 
for the residential replacement 
and new construction markets, 
along with custom-designed 
and engineered HVAC products 
and systems for non-residential 
applications.

In addition to the business combination, 
our short period of ownership has seen 
substantial structural change, including the 
closures of the Eden Prairie corporate office, 
the underperforming Eaton-Williams custom 
commercial business in the UK (with selected 
profitable product lines transferred within the 
business internally), and its non-core Latin 
America operations. These changes have 
refocused the business towards its higher 
margin products and markets, making it 
well positioned to benefit from growth. 

Together with the cost saving and efficiency 
initiatives, we have made significant targeted 
investments across the business following a 
manufacturing and product review. This has 
included approval for a £3 million investment 
in clean room production capabilities, 
installation of advanced test systems 
and other improvements.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201622

Divisional review 
continued

Air Quality & Home Solutions
www.broan-nutone.com

Key strengths

Leading unit market share and installed 
base in US residential ventilation fans  
and range hoods.

Extensive distribution in the US and 
Canadian retail, appliance, private brands 
and wholesale channels, driven by strong, 
long-standing relationships.

Exceptionally strong customer service  
in North America and Europe.

We have refocused the business on 
increasing market penetration in targeted 
geographies, and we have committed 
investment of £10 million to improve 
manufacturing processes and warehousing 
and to support website and software 
upgrades. We have also opened two new 
showrooms in China, one in Beijing and 
one in Shanghai, reflecting the importance 
of this growing market to our international 
sales strategy.

Outlook
We anticipate further growth at AQH this 
year following modest growth in 2016. 
Complementing an improved product 
offering, key market indicators such as North 
American housing starts and remodelling 
forecasts are positive in the short to medium 
term, driven by a strong labour market and 
upwards wage trends. Growth in new homes 
is also expected to continue in China, as 
greater land supply is made available in order 
to re-balance supply and demand as well as 
an increasing demand for clean air in 
residential dwellings. Further costs savings 
and new product launches throughout the 
year are expected to improve the profitability 
of this sales growth.

AQH is a leading manufacturer 
of ventilation products for the 
professional remodelling and 
replacement market, residential 
new construction market and 
do-it-yourself market. It supplies 
to distributors and dealers of 
electrical and lighting products, 
kitchen and bathroom dealers, 
retail home centres and private 
label customers from its eight 
manufacturing locations around 
the world.

Some restructuring and cost saving activities 
have already been approved under Melrose 
ownership, including headcount reductions, 
the consolidation of the Wisconsin 
warehousing arrangements and upgrades 
to the Hartford production capabilities. 
However, the full benefits are yet to be 
reflected in the 2016 results and there are 
significant operational improvements due 
to be made in 2017 and beyond, with new 
management fully aligned to our program.

We have continued to refresh the product 
offering of the business, including new 
bathroom ventilation fan and range hood 
product lines, which maximise margin 
enhancement through common platforms 
and improved design elements and 
consumer features. This revitalisation of the 
product portfolio reverses the trend from 
recent years and will be a key factor in 
building on the strong market share of the 
business and driving margin improvement.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201623

Residential 
market opportunity

The products offered by the former 
Nortek businesses have a high degree 
of penetration in the residential repair 
and remodelling market, with a presence 
in approximately 80% of US homes, 
meaning the businesses are well 
positioned for sector growth. 

1

4

21

16

17

22

18

20

19

2

3

5

15

25

23

14

13

24

12

11

7

6

8

Air Management
HVAC
1  Attic ventilator
7  Air conditioner/heat pump
8  Data centre/‘cloud’ cooling
9  Air exchanger
16  Minisplit ‘ductless’ AC
20  Garage heater

AQH
4  Bath fan
5  Range hood
6  Trash compactor

9

10

10  Furnace
14  Door chime
22  Central vac
25  Intercom system

Security & Smart Technology
2  Motion sensor
3  Z Wave lighting controls
11  Remote door locks
12  Built-in speakers
15  Smoke detector/CO2 detector

18  Window and door sensors
19  Security camera
21  Garage door operator/controller
23  Security/home automation system
24  Thermostat

Ergonomics
13 
17 

 TV mount
 Sit/stand workstation

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201624

Divisional review 
continued

Security & Smart 
Technology

£130.4m(1)

Revenue

£17.1m(1)

Underlying operating profit

13.1%(1)

Underlying operating margin

(1) 

Includes results for the four months in 2016 under 
Melrose ownership.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201625

p.08
Market overview

Security & Smart Technology
www.nortekcontrol.com
www.corebrands.com
www.gtoaccess.com

Key strengths

Expertise in the design and manufacture  
of wireless connectivity devices.

Flexibility in developing partnerships 
with service companies and integrators 
through standard, specified and 
customised technology solutions.

Strong brand presence in professional 
security, integrator and custom installer 
channels and relationships with 
top re-sellers.

Our Security & Smart Technology 
division comprises the Security 
& Control (SCS), Core Brands 
and GTO Access Systems (GTO) 
businesses. These were 
consolidated under one 
management team in Carlsbad, 
California shortly after completion 
of the Nortek acquisition. It is one of 
the world’s leading developers and 
manufacturers of security, home 
automation and access control 
technologies for the residential 
and commercial markets, together 
with audio visual equipment for 
the residential audio video and 
professional video markets.

The division operates in a rapidly 
evolving market in which intellectual 
property plays a key role, with consumers 
increasingly demanding a greater focus 
from manufacturers on software and 
connectivity as they embrace the 
possibilities of the IoT. In response, 
under Melrose ownership the division 
has improved and accelerated its product 
development processes and invested in 
building its patent portfolio. 

SCS conducted a major product review that 
has led to the introduction of good margin, 
high technology additions to its product 
range, including the 2GIG® Vario Hybrid 
Security System extension to its existing 
wireless solutions platform. Core Brands 
achieved a pleasing return to profitability 
under our ownership while continuing its 
development program, principally centred 
around the major update of its premium 
ELAN home control system, which 

streamlines management of lighting, 
security, audio, video and other aspects 
of the connected home to a single device 
and was recently awarded Human Interface 
of the Year at the International Consumer 
Electronics Show in 2017. GTO settled 
recent management changes while 
developing the next generation smart 
garage door and gate operators equipped 
with full inter-connectivity.

A strong focus on efficiency programs and 
cost saving measures across the division, 
such as the restructure of distribution and 
logistics arrangements, has been balanced 
with targeted investments, including a 
£3 million approved expansion in the 
production facilities, that have contributed 
to the improvement in profitability under our 
stewardship. This has been coupled with an 
expansion of its international sales structure 
through entry into strategic arrangements 
with key partners in Europe, Turkey and 
Latin America.

Outlook
The controlled expansion of the division’s 
international strategy through key partners 
is expected to continue to drive profitable 
growth, supported by further investment 
in broadening its product offering into the 
smart ecosystem and sensor markets. An 
underlying growth in demand for automated 
security and other home connectivity 
products has continued to fuel significant 
technological advancements in the market. 
We expect this trend to continue in 2017 and 
the division has a clear technology plan that 
means it is well positioned to take advantage 
of these changing market developments. 

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201626

Divisional review 
continued

Ergonomics

£96.0m(1)

Revenue

£24.4m(1)

Underlying operating profit

25.4%(1)

Underlying operating margin

(1) 

Includes results for the four months in 2016 under 
Melrose ownership.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Ergotron
www.ergotron.com

Key strengths

Expertise in the design and manufacture  
of ergonomic technology workstations  
and computer mounts.

Strong and advanced supply chain, 
leveraging component suppliers from 
the global computer industry.

Continuous improvement mindset across 
the business, with a strong testing regimen 
to ensure highest quality.

27

p.08
Market overview

Our Ergonomics division 
comprises Ergotron, a world 
leading manufacturer and 
distributor of innovative products 
designed with ergonomic features 
including wall mounts, carts, 
workstations and stands. The 
business is headquartered in 
Minneapolis, USA and is organised 
into three segments: commercial; 
original design and manufacture 
(ODM); and consumer. 

Continual refreshment of the product 
portfolio remains the key to maintaining 
the business’s market-leading position, 
with developments since our acquisition 
including design updates to the WorkFit-DL 
sit/stand desk and the introduction of the 
ErgotronHome™ line, which delivers 
elevated work surfaces and other ergonomic 
products to the home consumer market. The 
business expects these products to make 
a strong contribution to divisional sales in 
2017. The business continues to maximise 
its strong intellectual property portfolio to 
protect its position in the market and license 
to competitors where appropriate.

Ergotron’s commercial business provides 
display mounts and computer workstations 
for the rapidly growing healthcare, schools 
and corporate facilities markets, where 
employers are increasingly designing 
workspaces with amenities that support 
employee wellbeing and productivity. The 
ODM business designs and manufactures 
computer display mounts and charging carts 
for large computer manufacturers, 

as well as technology customers, for use 
in the growing medical equipment sector. 
The consumer business incorporates sit/
stand workstations under the ErgotronHome 
brand as well as OmniMount, which 
provides television mounts to electronics and 
home improvement retailers, predominantly 
in North America.

The business took the opportunity to 
reassess its manufacturing strategy 
following our acquisition, which led to a 
reorganisation of certain product lines 
between its facilities. It also redesigned its 
distribution arrangements to enable direct 
shipping and implemented a number of 
operational improvements that have enabled 
the business to maintain strong margins. 

Outlook
Product development has long been a key 
differentiator for Ergotron, with the constant 
introduction of new and innovative products 
whilst exiting older, declining margin 
products, driving sustained profitability. 
Under Melrose ownership the business 
will continue to invest in research and 
development, with a dedicated research 
team currently staging new market leading 
products for 2017 and beyond, yielding a 
number of concepts which have been met 
with strong customer interest. New product 
management and engineering personnel 
have been hired to accelerate the business’s 
penetration of new markets.

The division is well positioned in the markets 
it serves, and with growth trends from 2016 
expected to continue in 2017, our outlook 
is positive.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201628

Divisional review 
continued

Energy

£246.4m

Revenue

£32.0m

Underlying operating profit

13.0%

Underlying operating margin

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Brush
www.brush.eu

Key strengths

Expertise in the innovative design and 
manufacture of an extensive range of 
high-quality, 2 and 4-pole, high-voltage 
generators with production facilities 
strategically located around the world.

Comprehensive Aftermarket support 
tailored to meet customers’ needs 
throughout a product’s operating life.

Market leading Switchgear and 
Transformer products in service with  
UK Distribution Network Operators.

29

p.08
Market overview

Flexible working patterns, targeted 
shutdowns and other capacity adjustment 
actions were taken in all factories, including 
the mothballing of the China factory. 
In addition, further fixed cost reduction 
programs were put in place with the 
objective of making Brush more agile 
and better able to respond to the uneven 
demand which has become a feature of 
the market. The effect of all of these actions 
has led to a reshaping of the business and 
further headcount reductions resulting in 
staffing levels 25% below those in the 
business two years ago.

While the Aftermarket business benefited 
from a solid performance in the USA, with 
sales up by 18% over the previous year, 
reasonable second half performances were 
not enough to overcome slow starts for the 
Transformer and Switchgear businesses, 
both of which ended 2016 below the 
previous year. Nonetheless, Brush 
continues to invest in product development 
across all of its businesses, putting it in a 
position to launch eight new products in 
Generators and Switchgear during 2017.

Outlook
2017 continues to look very challenging 
with no improvement expected in the power 
generation market in 2017, only modest 
improvement in oil & gas project activity and 
weakening demand for gas fired electricity 
generation impacted by strong growth in 
renewable energy sources. There is some 
optimism for Aftermarket performance 
in 2017, whilst both Switchgear and 
Transformers should benefit from entering 
the third year of the Ofgem network 
regulation model in the UK. However, this 
is not expected to result in upside for the 
business as a whole for 2017.

Accordingly, Brush will continue to adjust 
capacity to match market demand where 
required and implement further operational 
and process improvements to become even 
more responsive.

Brush Turbogenerators (Generators) 
is the world’s largest independent 
manufacturer of electricity 
generating equipment for the power 
generation, industrial, oil & gas and 
offshore sectors. In addition, Brush 
designs and manufactures systems 
and power transformers under the 
brand name Brush Transformers 
(Transformers) and also produces 
a wide range of indoor and outdoor 
medium voltage AC switchgear and 
low voltage DC switchgear for rail 
and industrial use under the Hawker 
Siddeley Switchgear brand name 
(Switchgear). Finally, Brush’s 
subsidiary, Harrington Generators 
International, is a specialist UK-
based small generator manufacturer 
supplying the construction, military, 
telecoms and rail sectors.

Generators is the foremost design, 
manufacturing and service provider for 
turbogenerators, principally in the 10 MVA 
to 300 MVA range, for both gas and steam 
turbine applications. It serves a globally-
diverse customer base. As expected, there 
was no overall improvement in its end 
markets in 2016 and, despite strenuous 
efforts, Generators revenues declined when 
compared to 2015. Nevertheless, within 
this challenging environment, Generators 
produced an acceptable operating 
performance in 2016. 

There was no recovery in the key gas 
turbine sector with orders running 50% 
below the peak levels experienced in 
2008-2011. Specifically, oil & gas project 
activity was unusually low, driven by the low 
oil price and the subsequent cancellation 
and deferral of many investment projects. 
These macro elements continued to 
hamper the Generators business and its 
Aftermarket business, although the 
performance of the new rotor balance 
facility in the USA was positive. The 
Transformers and Switchgear businesses 
entered 2016 with low order books, both 
impacted by delays in the first year of the 
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets 
(Ofgem) network regulation model in 2015. 

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201630

Finance Director’s review

“ The acquisition of Nortek significantly increased 
the size of the Melrose Group during 2016 and 
therefore the results shown for the year ended 
31 December 2016 cannot be compared to the 
results for the year to 31 December 2015 in a 
meaningful way.”

  Geoffrey Martin, Group Finance Director

Acquisition during the year
Nortek was acquired for an enterprise value of £2.2 billion on 
31 August 2016. The total transaction costs were £92.1 million 
which represented 4% of the enterprise value, of which £42.5 million 
related to the raising of equity, and were offset against share 
premium, whilst £10.9 million related to bank facility arrangement 
fees, and have been included within net debt to be amortised over 
the five-year life of the facility. The remaining £38.7 million of 
acquisition costs relating to general transaction fees are included 
within the Income Statement.

The Nortek acquisition and the repayment of its existing bank 
facilities was funded through a combination of a fully underwritten 
12 for 1 Rights Issue and a new US$1.25 billion bank facility.

The Rights Issue was completed on 24 August 2016 and 
subsequently 1,741.6 million new ordinary shares in the Company 
were issued raising £1.6 billion, net of costs. In addition, the new 
five-year multi-currency bank facility was agreed and is split into a 
US$0.35 billion term loan and a US$0.9 billion revolving credit 
facility. The details of this facility are included in the liquidity risk 
management section of this review.

Segmental split of divisions
As a consequence of the Nortek acquisition, the continuing 
operations of Melrose now consist of four divisions: the Energy 
division, which includes Brush, along with three divisions acquired 
with Nortek, namely: the Air Management division, which contains 
both the Air Quality & Home Solutions business and the Heating, 
Ventilation & Air Conditioning business; the Security & Smart 
Technology division, which includes the Security & Control business 
along with the Core Brands and GTO businesses; and the 
Ergonomics division, which includes Ergotron.

Melrose Group trading results
For simplicity and clarity and in response to the Guidelines on 
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) issued by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the format of the Income 
Statement has been changed in these financial statements to show 
the unadjusted statutory results of the Group on the face of the 
Income Statement followed by the underlying results.

The Melrose Board considers the underlying results to be the most 
suitable measure to monitor how the businesses are performing and 
consequently underlying operating profit and underlying operating 
margin are key performance indicators reported to the Board.

These measures are used to partly determine the variable 
element of remuneration of senior management throughout 
the Group and are also in alignment with performance measures 
used by certain external stakeholders. They are also used to value 
individual businesses as part of the “buy, improve, sell” Melrose 
strategy model.

In 2016 continuing revenue was £889.3 million (2015: £261.1 million), 
the statutory operating loss was £61.6 million (2015: profit of 
£4.8 million) and the statutory loss before tax was £69.3 million 
(2015: £30.7 million). This includes all trading and non-trading costs.

For the year ended 31 December 2016 the underlying operating 
profit was £104.1 million (2015: £24.8 million) and the underlying 
profit before tax was £96.4 million (2015: £2.4 million). The following 
table reconciles the statutory result to underlying operating profit:

Statutory operating (loss)/profit

Restructuring costs

Acquisition and disposal costs

Amortisation of intangible assets

Removal of one-off uplift in the value of inventory

Equity-settled compensation scheme charges

Release of fair value provision

2016
£m

(61.6)

51.4

38.7

36.3

18.2

22.8

(1.7)

2015
£m

4.8

7.6

0.3

8.1

–

4.0

–

Adjustments to operating profit

165.7

20.0

Underlying operating profit

104.1

24.8

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201631

Underlying results by division
A split of revenue, underlying operating profit and underlying 
operating profit margin for the continuing Melrose Group in 2016 
and 2015 is as follows:

2016
Underlying
operating
profit/
(loss)
£m

2016
Underlying 
operating 
profit 
margin
%

2015
Revenue
£m

2015
Underlying
operating
profit/
(loss)
£m

2015
Underlying
operating
profit
margin
%

2016
Revenue
£m

Air 
Management 416.5

Security 
& Smart
Technology

130.4

Ergonomics

96.0

–

246.4

Nortek 
central

Energy

Central 
– corporate(¹)

Continuing 
Melrose 
Group

46.8

11.2

13.1

25.4

–

17.1

24.4

(2.0)

32.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.0

261.1

38.5

14.7

–

(14.2)

–

–

(13.7)

–

889.3

104.1

11.7

261.1

24.8

9.5

Restructuring costs in the year ended 31 December 2016 
include £31.8 million relating to the closure of the Nortek head 
office and £13.5 million relating to the restructuring of certain 
Nortek businesses. Within the Brush business, £6.1 million 
(2015: £5.9 million) was incurred to align the cost base with the 
reduced revenue. In addition, in 2015, £1.7 million of restructuring 
costs related to the introduction of a new holding company for the 
Group, along with the costs of returning capital to shareholders. 
These items are excluded from underlying results due to their size 
and non-trading nature.

Acquisition and disposal costs relate primarily to the acquisition of 
Nortek in the year. These items are excluded from underlying results 
due to their size and non-trading nature.

The amortisation of intangible assets acquired in business 
combinations are excluded from underlying results due to their 
non-trading nature.

Finished goods and work in progress which are present in a 
business when acquired are required to be uplifted in value to closer 
to their selling price. As a result, in the early months following an 
acquisition, reduced profits are made as the inventory is sold. 
This one-off effect is excluded from underlying results due to 
its size and non-recurring nature.

The charge for the Melrose incentive scheme, including its 
associated employer’s tax charge, is excluded from underlying 
results due to its size and volatility.

The release of a fair value provision is excluded from underlying 
profit because it was previously booked as a fair value item on 
the acquisition of FKI.

(1) 

Includes divisional cash based long-term incentive plans

The performance of each of the trading divisions is discussed in 
detail in the Chief Executive’s review.

Central costs were £14.2 million (2015: £13.7 million), which 
increased towards the end of the year as expected following the 
acquisition of Nortek.

These results include Nortek for four months of ownership. 
However, IFRS 3: “Business combinations” requires that the impact 
on the Group results of the acquisition, as if the acquisition had been 
made at the start of the year, should be disclosed. This has been 
calculated and shows that Melrose continuing revenue, including 
Brush and Nortek for the full year, would have been approximately 
£2,077 million (or £1,966 million when adjusting for sales channels 
that have been exited in Nortek) and underlying operating profit 
approximately £196 million in the year to 31 December 2016, 
using average exchange rates for the year (US$1.36/£1).

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Air 
Management

Security 
& Smart
Technology

Ergonomics

32

Finance Director’s review 
continued

The table below compares the Nortek underlying results for the first 
four months of Melrose ownership against the Nortek results for the 
final four months of the year ended 31 December 2015. The results 
for 2015 are derived from the numbers Nortek announced under 
previous ownership, prepared under US GAAP, and have been 
translated from US Dollars to Sterling at constant exchange rates 
to show comparable year-on-year growth.

2016
Underlying
operating
profit/
(loss)
£m

2016
Underlying 
operating 
profit 
margin
%

2015
Revenue
£m

2015
Underlying
operating
profit/
(loss)
£m

2015
Underlying
operating
profit
margin
%

2016
Revenue
£m

416.5

46.8

11.2

441.1

39.1

8.9

130.4

96.0

17.1

24.4

(2.0)

86.3

13.1

137.6

25.4

105.6

–

–

13.4 684.3

13.2

23.0

(11.5)

63.8

9.6

21.8

–

9.3

Nortek central

–

642.9

Finance costs and income
The net finance cost in 2016 was £7.7 million (2015: £35.5 million).

Net interest on external bank loans, overdrafts and cash balances 
was £5.9 million (2015: £17.8 million). Melrose uses interest rate 
swaps to fix the majority of the interest rate exposure on its drawn 
debt. More detail on these swaps is given in the finance cost risk 
management section of this review.

In addition, a £0.7 million (2015: £15.9 million, including £13.1 million 
relating to the acceleration of future years charges) amortisation 
charge relating to the arrangement costs of raising the new bank 
facility was incurred in 2016.

Also included in net finance costs is a net interest cost on net 
pension liabilities of £0.9 million (2015: £1.6 million) and a charge for 
the unwinding of discounts on long-term provisions of £0.2 million 
(2015: £0.2 million).

Tax
The underlying Income Statement tax rate for the full 12 months was 
27.0%. As expected, this rate represents a mixture of profits arising 
in the UK at low tax rates and in the rest of the world at higher rates, 
particularly the US with a federal rate of 35%, plus state taxes.

The Statutory Income Statement tax rate was 43.7% and therefore 
a higher tax rate than would normally be expected. This is principally 
due to credits arising from the recognition of additional deferred tax 
assets on UK tax losses, which are more likely to be utilised in the 
future following the Nortek acquisition.

The corporate tax paid during the year was £5.9 million 
(2015: £2.8 million). The Melrose Group continues to benefit 
from the utilisation of pre-existing tax losses, Nortek losses 
and other deferred tax assets.

The total amount of corporation tax or federal tax losses in the 
Melrose Group has increased in the year mainly due to the 
acquisition of Nortek. The total gross tax losses are shown below:

Tax losses

UK

USA

Rest of World

Total 2016

Total 2015

Recognised
£m

Unrecognised
£m

144.8

24.1

0.2

169.1

114.8

43.9

–

61.4

105.3

69.2

Total
£m

188.7

24.1

61.6

274.4

184.0

The Melrose Group’s current tax creditor has increased by 
£6.9 million in the year to £10.2 million, primarily as a result of the 
acquisition of the Nortek businesses. The net deferred tax position 
has increased more significantly from a £5.5 million asset to a 
£144.4 million liability mostly as a result of £163.7 million of net 
deferred tax liabilities acquired with Nortek. The net liability includes 
a gross deferred tax liability of £355.4 million in respect of brand 
names, customer relationships, intellectual property and other 
intangible assets. The deferred tax liability in respect of intangible 
assets is not expected to represent a future cash tax payment and 
will unwind as they are amortised.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) and number of shares in issue
On 28 January 2016, alongside the Return of Capital to 
shareholders following the sale of Elster, a 7 for 48 share 
consolidation took place which reduced the number of shares in 
issue at that time from 995.2 million to 145.1 million. Later in the year, 
a Rights Issue relating to the Nortek acquisition completed on 
24 August 2016, increasing the 145.1 million shares in issue by a 
factor of 13 resulting in 1,886.7 million shares in issue for the final 
130 days of the year.

The calculation of the weighted average number of shares in issue 
for 2016 requires a Rights Issue bonus factor of 18.8491% to be 
applied to the number of shares in issue prior to 24 August 2016. 
This calculation gives a weighted average number of shares of 
1,499.3 million for the year which should be used for the basic EPS 
calculation in 2016. At 31 December 2016, the number of shares 
expected to be issued in respect of the Melrose share-based 
compensation scheme is 89.8 million, resulting in the number of 
shares to be used for diluted EPS in 2016 being 1,589.1 million.

The underlying diluted EPS for the year ended 31 December 2016 
was 4.4p (2015: nil p). This includes twelve months of the Brush 
business and four months of Nortek.

In accordance with IAS 33, two sets of statutory basic and diluted 
EPS numbers are disclosed on the face of the Income Statement, 
one for continuing operations and one that also includes 
discontinued operations. In the year ended 31 December 2016 
the diluted EPS for continuing operations was a loss of 2.6p 
(2015: 0.3p). There were no discontinued operations in 2016 but the 
diluted EPS including discontinued operations in 2015 was 25.8p.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201633

Cash generation and management
At the start of the year the Melrose Group had net cash in hand of 
£2,451.4 million. This was prior to returning the Elster sale proceeds 
to shareholders and before making the early contributions to the 
Brush UK Pension Plan. After these two payments the proforma 
opening net cash position was £54.1 million. The movement during 
the year to a net debt position of £541.5 million at 31 December 
2016 is summarised as follows:

The conversion of underlying operating profit before depreciation 
and amortisation into cash was 123% in 2016. Within this strong 
level of cash generation Brush was 89% and Nortek was an 
encouraging 134% meaning that Nortek net working capital was 
reduced by £32.2 million, 16%, in the period.

The net capital spend to depreciation ratio was 0.9x in 2016 
(being 0.4x in Brush and 1.5x in Nortek) including a healthy 
investment into the Nortek businesses in the early months.

Movement in net cash/(debt)

Net cash at 1 January 2016

Return of Capital from the proceeds of the Elster disposal

Early contributions to the Brush UK Pension Plan

Proforma net cash at 1 January 2016

Acquired net debt with Nortek

Net repayment, on acquisition, of the Nortek net debt

Cash inflow from trading, after all costs including tax

Amounts paid to shareholders

Foreign exchange and other non-cash movements

Closing net debt at 31 December 2016

£m

2,451.4

(2,388.5)

(8.8)

54.1

(1,056.5)

429.8

86.2

(5.8)

(49.3)

(541.5)

When Nortek was acquired it had £1,056.5 million of net debt. 
This included Senior Notes with a fair value of £602.4 million, bank 
debt of £460.2 million, finance leases and other loans of £3.3 million 
and cash of £9.4 million. The Senior Notes and bank debt were 
subsequently repaid and replaced by the new Melrose facility, 
described in the liquidity risk management sub-section of this 
review. In total, on acquisition, Nortek net debt was reduced by 
£429.8 million using part of the proceeds of the Rights Issue 
as follows:

Net repayment, on acquisition, of the Nortek net debt

Net proceeds from the Rights Issue

Cash payment to Nortek shareholders (including costs)

£m

1,612.0

(1,182.2)

Movement in net debt in funding the Nortek acquisition

429.8

The detail of the cash flow from trading, which included a full year 
of Brush and four months of ownership of Nortek, is shown below:

Cash flow from trading (after all costs including tax)

Underlying operating profit

Depreciation(1)

Working capital movement

Underlying operating cash flow (pre capex)

Underlying EBITDA conversion to cash (pre capex) %

Net capital expenditure

Net interest and net tax paid

Defined benefit pension contributions

Other

Cash inflow from trading (after all costs including tax)

(1) 

Including amortisation of computer software.

£m

104.1

18.1

28.2

150.4

123%

(17.1)

(8.6)

(1.7)

(36.8)

86.2

The Melrose Group’s leverage, calculated as net debt divided by 
underlying operating profit before depreciation and amortisation, 
both calculated at average exchange rates for the year, was 
approximately 1.9x at 31 December 2016. This includes eight months 
of the results of the Nortek businesses under previous ownership.

Fair value exercise
Following the acquisition of Nortek, Melrose has undertaken an 
extensive review of Nortek’s assets, liabilities and accounting 
policies. This, along with the change from reporting under US GAAP 
to reporting under IFRS and from US Dollars to Sterling, has resulted 
in a significant amount of adjustments to the Nortek Balance Sheet.

In addition to a fair value review of all Nortek assets and liabilities at 
the acquisition date and a review of the accounting policies, Melrose 
has undertaken significant actions to improve the operational and 
financial nature of the Nortek Group, discussed further in the Chief 
Executive’s review.

Assets and liabilities
The summary Melrose Group assets and liabilities are shown below:

Fixed assets (tangible, intangible and goodwill)

2,938.9

385.9

2016
£m

2015
£m

Net working capital

Retirement benefit obligations

Provisions

Deferred tax and current tax

Net derivative financial instruments

Total

These assets and liabilities are funded by:

Net (debt)/cash

Equity

Total

228.2

(33.4)

(279.6)

(154.6)

4.8

53.4

(17.2)

(30.0)

2.2

(0.3)

2,704.3

394.0

2016
£m

2015
£m

(541.5)

2,451.4

(2,162.8)

(2,845.4)

(2,704.3)

(394.0)

The increase is primarily related to the Rights Issue and the movement 
from cash in hand to a net debt position as explained earlier in the 
cash generation and management section of this review.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201634

Finance Director’s review 
continued

Goodwill, intangible assets and impairment review
The total value of goodwill as at 31 December 2016 was 
£1,706.0 million (31 December 2015: £198.1 million) and intangible 
assets acquired with business combinations was £950.1 million 
(31 December 2015: £73.7 million). These items are split by division 
as follows:

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Nortek
£m

Brush
£m

Total
£m

1,493.1

212.9 1,706.0

880.0

70.1

950.1

Total goodwill and intangible assets

2,373.1

283.0 2,656.1

The goodwill and intangible assets have been tested for impairment 
as at 31 December 2016. The Board is comfortable that no 
impairment is required.

During 2016, production in the new Brush China factory was 
reduced because sales orders were not meeting expectations. 
Despite seeking to resolve current contractual discussions with key 
customers, at the year end the factory has been mothballed. Based 
on a review of the potential market and the Chinese government’s 
published future energy strategy and assuming the successful 
resolution of the contractual discussions, it is believed that there is 
still a potentially attractive market opportunity for the Brush China 
factory. This view is supported by commercial arrangements already 
in place and under discussion.

Because the plant was mothballed at the year end, a review was 
undertaken to determine whether the carrying value of the Brush 
China assets could be supported. This concluded that they could 
be, but it does require the assumption that the Chinese market will 
grow in the future and the current contractual discussions with key 
customers will be successfully resolved.

There is obviously uncertainty as to the timing and quantity of future 
sales for Brush China as well as the resolution of the discussions 
and therefore there is significant judgement involved in the 
preparation of this analysis. Should either element not be realised in 
line with current expectations, it may be that the carrying value of 
the factory of £37 million cannot be supported at some point in the 
future and could require a potential impairment to reduce the value 
of the Brush China assets to a net realisable value of approximately 
£9 million. This will be kept under review.

More detail on the Brush China situation is included in the notes 
to the financial statements.

Provisions
Total provisions at 31 December 2016 were £279.6 million 
(31 December 2015: £30.0 million), a significant increase from the 
previous year. However, this is to be expected given the acquisition 
of Nortek. The increase in 2016 included £209.7 million of provisions 
acquired with Nortek, along with non-underlying charges of 
£61.4 million primarily relating to restructuring costs and the 
employer’s tax payable on equity-settled compensation schemes, 
described earlier in this review. The following table summarises 
the movement in provisions in the year:

At 31 December 2015

Acquired with Nortek

Net charge to underlying profit

Net charge to non-underlying profit

Spend against provisions

Other (including foreign exchange)

At 31 December 2016

Total
£m

30.0

209.7

24.2

61.4

(62.1)

16.4

279.6

Within the £209.7 million of provisions acquired with Nortek 
were £76.3 million of provisions relating to product warranty 
and £49.1 million of provisions covering product liability, workers 
compensation, automotive and group health. The spend on 
provisions was £62.1 million in the year, whilst the net charge 
to underlying profit was £24.2 million.

Pensions
At 31 December 2016 the accounting net deficit of the Melrose 
Group’s defined benefit pension plans was £33.4 million 
(2015: £17.2 million). Total plan assets at 31 December 2016 were 
£522.6 million (2015: £343.5 million) and total plan liabilities were 
£556.0 million (2015: £360.7 million). The plan assets and liabilities 
at 31 December 2016 were split as follows:

Plan liabilities

Plan assets

Brush
UK Plan
£m

Brush
US Plan
£m

Nortek
Plans
£m

Total
£m

(236.4)

(188.1)

(131.5)

(556.0)

253.5

174.9

94.2

(37.3)

522.6

(33.4)

Net surplus/(deficit)

17.1

(13.2)

The values of the Melrose Group plans were updated at 
31 December 2016 by independent actuaries to reflect the latest 
key assumptions. A summary of the assumptions used are  
shown below:

Discount rate

Inflation (RPI)

2016
UK
%

2.7

3.3

2016
US
%

3.9

n/a

2015
UK
%

3.7

3.0

2015
US
%

4.1

n/a

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201635

It is noted that a 0.1 percentage point decrease in the discount rate 
would increase the pension liabilities of the Melrose Group by 
£8.0 million, or 1%, and a 0.1 percentage point increase to inflation 
would increase the liabilities by £4.5 million, or 1%. Furthermore, an 
increase by one year in the expected life of a 65 year old member 
would increase the pension liabilities on these plans by £19.4 million, 
or 3%.

Annual contributions to the Melrose Group defined benefit pension 
plans are expected to be approximately £4.9 million in 2017.

Financial risk management
The financial risks the Melrose Group faces have been considered 
and re-evaluated following the acquisition of Nortek and policies 
have been implemented to best deal with each risk. The most 
significant financial risks are considered to be liquidity risk, finance 
cost risk, exchange rate risk, contract and warranty risk and 
commodity cost risk. These are discussed in turn below.

Liquidity risk management
The Melrose Group’s net debt position at 31 December 2016 was 
£541.5 million compared to a net cash position of £2,451.4 million a 
year earlier. The prior year cash balance reduced significantly early 
in 2016 when £2,388.5 million was returned to shareholders and 
£8.8 million was contributed to the Brush UK Pension Plan. The 
Melrose Group continued to be in a net cash position during the 
year until £1,056.5 million of net debt was acquired with Nortek.

Subsequent to the acquisition, Melrose refinanced all of Nortek’s 
debt facilities, which consisted of 8.5% Senior Notes with a principal 
value of US$735.0 million which were due to mature in 2021, in 
addition to a US$605.4 million Senior Secured Term Loan facility 
due to mature in 2020. Nortek also held a US$325.0 million ABL 
facility which was due to mature in 2021 but this was not drawn 
against at the date of acquisition. The ABL facility and the Senior 
Secured Term Loan facility were cancelled immediately on the date 
of acquisition and on 30 September 2016 the Nortek 8.5% Senior 
Notes were repaid together with the applicable redemption premium 
of US$31.2 million and accrued interest of US$28.7 million, resulting 
in a repayment including principal of US$794.9 million.

A new Melrose five-year multi-currency US$1.25 billion committed 
bank facility was entered into on 6 July 2016 to assist with the 
acquisition of Nortek, which consists of a US$350 million term loan 
facility and a US$900 million revolving credit facility.

As with previous facilities the new facility has two financial 
covenants. There is a net debt to underlying EBITDA (underlying 
operating profit before depreciation and amortisation) covenant 
and an interest cover covenant, both of which are tested half yearly, 
each June and December.

The first of these covenants is set at a maximum 3.5x leverage for 
each of the half yearly measurement dates for the remainder of the 
term. For the year ended 31 December 2016 it was approximately 
1.9x, after including the first eight months of Nortek EBITDA, 
showing significant headroom compared to the covenant test.

The interest cover covenant is set at 4.0x or higher throughout the 
life of the facility and was 20.7x at 31 December 2016, also affording 
comfortable headroom compared to the covenant test.

The new facility, to the extent it has been utilised, has been drawn 
down in US Dollars, the core currency of Nortek, to protect the 
Melrose Group as efficiently as possible from currency fluctuations 
on net assets and profit.

In addition, there are a number of uncommitted overdraft, guarantee 
and borrowing facilities made available to the Melrose Group. These 
uncommitted facilities have been lightly used.

Cash, deposits and marketable securities amounted to 
£42.1 million at 31 December 2016 and are offset against gross debt 
of £583.6 million to arrive at the net debt position of £541.5 million. 
The combination of this cash and the size of the new facility allows 
the Directors to consider that the Melrose Group has sufficient 
access to liquidity for its current needs.

The Board takes careful consideration of counterparty risk with 
banks when deciding where to place Melrose’s cash on deposit.

Finance cost risk management
The new Melrose bank facility carries a cost of LIBOR plus a margin.

In October 2016, the Melrose Group entered into new interest rate 
swap arrangements to fix the cost of LIBOR. The profile of the 
interest rate swaps has been designed to hedge, on average, 
70% of the interest exposure on the projected gross debt as it 
reduces over the five-year term. Under the terms of these swap 
arrangements, the Melrose Group will pay a cost of 1.0% up to 
30 June 2018, 1.1% up to 30 June 2019, and 1.2% until the 
remaining swaps terminate on 6 July 2021.

The margin depends on the Melrose Group leverage, and ranges 
from 0.85% to 2.00%; as at 31 December 2016 the margin was 
1.35%. The interest on the swaps is payable annually in arrears on 
1 July. The bank margin is payable monthly.

Exchange rate risk management
The Melrose Group trades in various countries around the world and 
is exposed to many different foreign currencies. The Melrose Group 
therefore carries an exchange rate risk that can be categorised into 
three types; transaction, translation and disposal related risk as 
described below. The Board policy is designed to protect against 
the majority of the cash risks but not the non-cash risks.

The most common exchange rate risk is the transaction risk the 
Group takes when it invoices a sale in a different currency to the one 
in which its cost of sale is incurred. This is addressed by taking out 
forward cover against approximately 60% to 80% of the anticipated 
cash flows over the following twelve months, placed on a rolling 
quarterly basis and for 100% of each material contract. This does 
not eliminate the cash risk but does bring some certainty to it.

Exchange rates used in the period
Following the acquisition of Nortek, 81% of the Melrose Group’s 
annual revenue has been denominated in US Dollars and therefore 
the largest foreign exchange rate exposure is the translation risk 
from changes in the US Dollar exchange rate relative to Sterling. 
In addition, the Melrose Group has foreign currency exposure, the 

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201636

Finance Director’s review 
continued

largest being a transactional exchange rate exposure due to the 
Nortek US businesses transacting in the Chinese Renminbi. The 
following exchange rates were used in respect of these two 
currencies during the year:

US Dollar

2016

2015

CNY

2016

2015

Twelve month 
average rate

Four month 
average (Nortek 
businesses)

1.36

1.53

8.99

9.60

1.26

N/A

8.56

N/A

Closing
rate

1.23

1.47

8.57

9.56

The translation rate risk, being the effect on the results in the year 
due to the translation movement of exchange rates from one year 
to the next is shown below. The table below illustrates what the 
translation movement in revenue and underlying operating profit 
would have been if the 2015 average exchange rates had been 
used to calculate the 2016 results rather than the 2016 average 
exchange rates.

The translation difference in 2016

Revenue decrease

Underlying operating profit decrease

£m

121.3

15.8

For reference, in respect of the continuing Melrose Group, an 
indication of the short-term exchange rate risk, which shows both 
translation exchange risk and unhedged transaction exchange rate 
risk, is as follows:

Sensitivity of profit to translation and 
unhedged transaction exchange risk

For every 10 per cent strengthening 
of the US Dollar against Sterling

For every 10 per cent strengthening 
of the CNY against Sterling

Increase/(decrease) in 
underlying operating profit
£m

29.4

(3.1)

The long-term exchange rate risk, which ignores any hedging 
instruments, is as follows:

Sensitivity of profit to translation 
and full transaction exchange rate risk

For every 10 per cent strengthening 
of the US Dollar against Sterling

For every 10 per cent strengthening 
of the CNY against Sterling

Increase/(decrease) in 
underlying operating profit
£m

35.5

(15.7)

No specific exchange instruments are used to protect against the 
translation risk because it is a non-cash risk to the Melrose Group. 
However, when the Melrose Group has net debt, the hedge of 
having a matching debt facility funding these foreign currency 
trading units protects against some of the balance sheet and 
banking covenant translation risk.

Lastly, and potentially most significantly for Melrose, exchange risk 
arises when a business that is predominantly based in a foreign 
currency is sold. The proceeds for those businesses may be 
received in a foreign currency and therefore an exchange risk might 
arise if foreign currency proceeds are converted back to Sterling, for 
instance to pay a dividend to shareholders. Protection against this 
risk is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contract and warranty risk
The financial risks connected with contracts and warranties, which 
include the consideration of warranty terms, duration and any other 
commercial or legal terms, are considered carefully by Melrose 
before being entered into.

Commodity cost risk management
As Melrose can own engineering businesses across various sectors 
the cumulative expenditure on commodities is important. The Melrose 
Group addresses the risk of base commodity costs increasing by, 
wherever possible, passing on the cost increases to customers or 
by having suitable purchase agreements with its suppliers which 
sometimes fixes the price over some months into the future. These 
risks are minimised through sourcing policies (including the use of 
multiple sources, where possible) and procurement contracts where 
prices are agreed for up to one year to limit exposure to price volatility. 
On occasions, Melrose does enter into financial instruments on 
commodities when this is considered to be the most efficient way 
of protecting against movements.

Going concern
The Melrose Group’s business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, performance and position 
are set out in the Chief Executive’s review. In addition, the 
consolidated financial statements, and in particular notes 19 and 24, 
include details of the Melrose Group’s borrowing facilities and 
hedging activities along with the processes for managing its 
exposures to credit risk, capital risk, liquidity risk, interest risk, 
foreign currency risk and commodity cost risk.

The Melrose Group has adequate financial resources and has a 
consistent cash generation record, and, as a consequence, the 
Directors believe that the Melrose Group is well placed to manage 
its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain 
economic outlook.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Melrose Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, 
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Longer-term viability statement

37

In preparing this statement, the following qualifications 
and assumptions are made:

(i) 

 the viability model is based on the Group as at the date of this 
Annual Report with no consideration of any further acquisitions 
or future disposals of continuing businesses. We note future 
acquisitions would be based on the same proven business 
model applied previously, with related bank debt and equity 
raised to support the acquisition with sufficient headroom to 
cover business risks; and

(ii) 

 financing arrangements and bank covenant testing are in 
line with the current facility which is committed for the period 
under review. 

In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the Directors have assessed the prospects 
of the Company over a longer period than the 12 months 
required by the “Going Concern” provision.

A period of three years is believed to be appropriate for this 
assessment since this is consistent with the Group’s financing 
cycle, whereby on average the Group has refinanced debt in line 
with this timescale.

The Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will continue in operation and meet its liabilities, as they 
fall due, up to December 2019.

The Directors’ assessment has been made by reference to the 
Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2016, its prospects, 
the Group’s strategy, the Board’s risk appetite and the Group’s 
principal risks and their management, all of which are described 
in the Strategic Report.

The Directors’ assessment of the Group’s viability is supported 
by comprehensive and detailed analysis and modelling. The 
model underpinning this statement is stress-tested, proven and 
is frequently used by management when determining working 
capital requirements for transactions and corporate restructuring. 
The main assumptions included in the model relate to forecast 
revenue, operating margins and cash generation. The model 
includes three years of forecast data from the Group’s business 
assets and incorporates agreed sensitivities for economic risk, 
foreign exchange risk and liquidity risk (1) (each of which have been 
considered both individually and in combination by the Board), 
together with expected achievable mitigating actions, from the 
working capital model to create severe, but plausible, scenarios. 
These scenarios sensitise the main assumptions noted above.

(1) 

 For further details on the economic risk, foreign exchange risk and liquidity risk, 
and the mitigating actions being taken by management, please refer to the Risks 
and uncertainties section of the Strategic Report on pages 40 to 45.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201638

Risk management

The Board recognises that operating in a dynamic and rapidly evolving commercial 
environment requires a pragmatic, flexible and responsive risk management 
framework that changes with the business and provides management with a 
comprehensive view of the Group’s risk profile at any given time.

Risk management responsibilities
The Board, having overall responsibility for risk management, has approved  
a formalised, but pragmatic, Group risk management framework.

Board
Overall responsibility  
for risk management

•  Agrees the Group’s risk strategy and 

defines its risk appetite

•  Reviews reports and recommendations 

from Audit Committee on risk governance

•  Maintains oversight of key risks and 

mitigation plans

Audit Committee
Monitors the effectiveness 
of the Group’s internal  
control processes

•  Oversees the risk management processes 

and controls

•  Supports the Board in monitoring risk 

exposure against risk appetite

Melrose senior 
management and 
business unit 
senior managers

•  Set the risk management processes  

and controls

•  Consider emerging risks

•  Oversee and challenge risk mitigation plans

Operational 
managers  
and financial 
controllers

•  Risk identification, assessment and 
monitoring at the business unit level

•  Implementing risk mitigation plans  

and controls

•  Embedding risk awareness  

and culture throughout the business

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d
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e
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l

The Board’s risk management 
assessment undertaken in 2016, 
following the acquisition of 
Nortek, Inc., has resulted in certain 
changes to our principal risks and 
uncertainties. These changes are 
detailed in the principal risks and 
uncertainties table on pages 40 
to 45.

Risk management strategy 
and framework 
The objectives of the Directors and senior 
management are to safeguard and increase 
the value of the business and assets of the 
Group. Achievement of these objectives 
requires the development of policies and 
appropriate internal control frameworks to 
ensure the Group’s resources are managed 
properly and any key risks are identified 
and mitigated, where possible.

The Board recognises that it is ultimately 
responsible for determining the nature and 
extent of the principal risks it is willing to take 
to achieve its strategic objectives. It also 
recognises the need to define a risk appetite for 
the Group, to maintain sound risk management 
and internal control systems and to monitor 
its risk exposures and mitigations to ensure 
that the nature and extent of risks taken by 
the Group are consistent and aligned with 
its strategic objectives.

The Board confirms that there is an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the principal risks faced by the 
Company and that these systems, which 
are subject to regular monitoring and review, 
have been in place for the year under review 
and up to the date of approval of the 
Annual Report and financial statements.

The Board further confirms that the 
systems, processes and controls in place 
accord with the guidance contained in the 
Financial Reporting Council’s “Guidance 
on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial Business Reporting”.

The Audit Committee monitors the 
effectiveness of the risk management and 
internal control processes implemented 
across the Group, through regular updates 
and discussions with management and a 
review of the key findings presented by the 
external and internal auditors. The Board 
is responsible for considering the Audit 
Committee’s recommendations and ensuring 
implementation by management of those 
recommendations it deems appropriate for 
the business. A description of the Audit 
Committee’s activities during the year on risk 
management can be found on page 68. 

During 2016, in accordance with provision 
C.2.3 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Audit Committee undertook a 
robust review of the effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems, covering all material 
controls including financial, operational and 
compliance controls. The Audit Committee 
reported its findings to the Board. From this 
review of the risk management and internal 
control systems, the Board did not identify, 
nor was it advised of, any failings or 
weaknesses which it would determine to 
be significant. The Board concluded that 
the Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems and processes were 
operating effectively and therefore a 
confirmation in respect of necessary 
actions to be undertaken has not been 
considered appropriate.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
p.40
Risks and uncertainties

p.54
Governance overview

39

Risk management framework

Identification
Financial and 
non-financial risks 
recorded in controlled 
risk registers

Evaluation
Risk exposure 
reviewed and 
  risks prioritised 

Mitigation
Risk owners 
identified and 

  action plans 
implemented

Analysis
Risks analysed 
for impact and 

  probability to 
  determine gross 

exposure

Review and 
monitoring

  Robust mitigation 
  strategy subject 
to regular and 
rigorous review

Assessment of principal risks
During the year the Board undertook a robust, 
in-depth and comprehensive assessment of 
the principal risks facing the Group and 
specifically those that might threaten the 
delivery of its strategic business model, its 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

A summary of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that could impact on the Group’s 
performance is shown on pages 40 to 45. 
Further information detailing the internal 
control and risk management policies and 
procedures operated within the Group is 
shown on page 65 of the Corporate 
Governance Report.

Risk management priorities for 2017
Sound progress has been made during 2016 
in respect of the Group’s risk management 
processes. However, the Board recognises 
that Melrose cannot be complacent. In 2017, 
management will continue to focus on refining 
the risk management framework and on 
embedding a culture of effective risk 
management across the Group to ensure 
that risks and opportunities are identified and 
managed to support the delivery of long-term 
value creation. Further resources will be 
devoted to strengthening the mechanisms  
for providing independent assurance on the 
effectiveness of the Group’s risk management 
governance, processes and controls.

The Group operates on a decentralised 
basis and the Board has established an 
organisational structure with clear reporting 
procedures, lines of responsibility and 
delegated authority, as depicted in the 
diagram on the previous page. Consistent 
with this, the Group operates a top-down/
bottom-up approach to risk management, 
comprising Board and senior management 
oversight coupled with bottom-up risk 
management embedded in the day-to-day 
activities of its individual businesses. 

Risk appetite 
The Board has undertaken a comprehensive 
exercise to consider its risk appetite across 
a number of key business risk areas. The 
results of this review indicate the relative 
appetite of the Board across the risk factors 
at a specific point in time. Any material 
changes in risk factors will impact the 
Board’s assessment of its risk appetite. 

The Board has a higher risk appetite 
towards its strategic and operational risks 
and a balanced appetite towards macro-
economic and political risk. The Board 
seeks to minimise all health and safety 
risks and has a low risk appetite in relation 
to legal, compliance and regulatory risk. 
Similarly, a conservative appetite is indicated 
by the Board with respect to pension and 
finance-related risks. 

The results of the risk appetite review 
will support the Board’s decision making 
processes during 2017. It is the intention 
to undertake a review of the Board’s risk 
appetite at least annually.

Risk management actions 
Following a root and branch audit and review 
of the risk management framework and the 
underlying processes in operation in every 
business across the Melrose Group, the 
results were presented to the Board and an 
action plan setting out key risk management 
priorities was agreed. 

During 2016, the Board continued to deliver 
on these priorities across the Group, utilising 
and updating where necessary the 
enhanced risk management framework 
implemented in 2015. Specific actions 
undertaken during the year include:

•   reviewing and reaffirming the Board’s  

risk appetite;

•   implementing the risk management 

governance framework across all Nortek 
business divisions. This framework 
defines the Melrose principles for risk 
management and sets the standards for 
the identification, evaluation, prioritisation, 
recording, review and reporting of risks 
and their management or mitigation 
throughout the organisation;

•  cascading the Melrose risk register 
template and risk profile mapping 
application throughout the Nortek 
business divisions. These provide the 
Board with greater levels of detail and 
visibility on the risk management systems 
and processes in place, and illustrate 
each principal risk facing the Group from 
both a gross risk (pre-mitigation) and net 
risk (post-mitigation) position. The risk 
mapping application provides Directors 
with a clear risk profile for the Group and 
enables the Board to determine the 
degree to which its profile is aligned with 
its risk appetite;

•    updating and rolling out across the 
Nortek divisions the Group-wide 
education and training program focused 
on instilling and embedding a culture of 
effective risk management; and

•   reviewing and improving the Group’s 
processes around the assessment 
of principal risks and the monitoring 
and reporting of the Group’s risk 
management performance. 

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40

Risks and uncertainties

The table below lists the principal risks and uncertainties that may affect 
the Group and highlights the mitigating actions that are being taken. The 
content of the table, however, is not intended to be an exhaustive list of 
all the risks and uncertainties that may arise and nor is the order of the 
list intended to be any indication of priority.

A risk management and internal controls framework is in place within the 
Group to ensure that such risks and uncertainties can be identified and, 
where possible, managed suitably. Each Group business maintains a risk 
register which is reviewed regularly by both the management of the 
business and the Melrose Board.

Key risk

Description and impact

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 

Trend 

trend 

commentary

Strategic 

priorities

Strategic risk

Acquisition  
of new 
businesses 
and 
improvement 
strategies

The success of the Group’s acquisition strategy depends on identifying available and suitable targets, obtaining any consents or 
authorisations required to carry out an acquisition and procuring the necessary financing, be this from equity, debt or a combination 
of the two. In making acquisitions, there is a risk of unforeseen liabilities being later discovered which were not uncovered or known 
at the time of the due diligence process.

Further, as per the Group’s strategy to buy and improve high-quality but underperforming manufacturing businesses, once an acquisition 
is completed, there are risks that the Group will not succeed. These risks include driving strategic operational improvements to achieve 
the expected post-acquisition trading results or value as they were originally anticipated, that the acquired products and technologies 
may not be successful or that the business may require significantly greater resources and investment than anticipated. If anticipated 
benefits are not realised or trading by acquired businesses falls below expectations, it may be necessary to impair the carrying value 
of these assets. The Group’s return on shareholder investment may fall if acquisition hurdle rates are not met. The Group’s financial 
performance may suffer from goodwill or other acquisition-related impairment charges, or from the identification of additional liabilities 
not known at the time of the acquisition.

Timing of 
disposals

In line with our strategy and depending where the Group is within the “buy, improve, sell” cycle, the expected timing of any disposal 
of businesses is considered as a principal risk which could have a material impact on the Group strategy. Further, due to the Group’s 
global operations, there may be a significant impact on timing of disposal due to political and macroeconomic factors. Depending on 
the timings of disposals and nature of businesses’ operations there may be long-term liabilities which could be retained by the Group 
following a disposal. Insufficient allowance for such retained liabilities may affect the Group’s financial position.

•  Directors are experienced in judging and regularly reviewing 

the appropriate time in a business cycle for a disposal to 

Executive 

management (1)

Melrose remains flexible 

in the timing of disposals.

Operational risk

Economic 
and political

The Group operates, through manufacturing and/or sales facilities, in numerous countries and is affected by global economic conditions. 
Businesses are also affected by government spending priorities and the willingness of governments to commit substantial resources. Current 
global economic and financial market conditions, including any fluctuation in commodity prices (in particular, the prices of oil and gas), the 
potential for a significant and prolonged global recession and any uncertainty in the political environment may materially and adversely affect 
the Group’s operational performance, financial condition and could have significant impact on timing of acquisitions and disposals.

Following the EU referendum on 23 June 2016 there has been some uncertainty in the UK regarding the nature of Brexit and what this will 
mean for business and the economy. However, following the acquisition of Nortek in August 2016 the majority of the Group’s revenue is 
generated in North America, where any effects are expected to be minimal, and the Group remains agile and well positioned to deal with 
any short-term uncertainty in the UK.

A recession may also materially affect customers, suppliers and other parties with which the Group does business. Adverse economic 
and financial market conditions may cause customers to terminate existing orders, to reduce their purchases from the Group, or to 
be unable to meet their obligations to pay outstanding debts to the Group. These market conditions may also cause our suppliers to be 
unable to meet their commitments to the Group or to change the credit terms they extend to the Group’s businesses.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

•  Structured and focused due diligence undertaken on 

all acquisitions.

Executive 

management (1)

Following the acquisition of 

Nortek, the Group is currently 

actively searching for its 

next acquisition.

Buy

Sell

Improve

•  Focus on acquisition targets that have strong headline 

fundamentals, high-quality products and leading market share 

but which are underperforming their potential and ability to 

generate sustainable cash flows and profit growth.

•  Hands-on role taken by Directors and other senior employees 

of the Group.

•  Promptly following completion of an acquisition, executive 

management work with the business management teams to 

develop and implement strategic plans, particularly focused 

on restructuring opportunities, investment, capital expenditure 

and working capital management that will deliver the anticipated 

operational improvement. 

realise maximum value for shareholders.

•  Each disposal is assessed on its merits, with a key focus 

on a clean disposal.

•  Following the acquisition of Nortek in 2016, Melrose is seeking 

improvements to the business and sale at the appropriate time, 

maximising return to shareholders.

•  Regular monitoring of order books and other leading indicators, 

Executive 

to ensure the Group and each of its businesses can respond 

management (1)

quickly to any adverse trading conditions. This includes the 

identification of cost reduction and efficiency measures.

•  Finance for acquisitions is readily available to the Group from 

banking syndicates. This has proven to be available to the Group 

even during periods of economic downturn, for example during 

the global financial crisis in 2008.

Improve

Buy

Sell

Buy

Sell

Improve

With the acquisition of Nortek, 

the Group has increased its 

global presence and 2016 

witnessed geopolitical 

uncertainty in major economies, 

a trend that may continue into 

2017. However, the Board notes 

that economic uncertainty can 

depress business valuations 

and this may increase the 

number of potential acquisition 

opportunities for Melrose.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201641

Strategic risk profile
Our updated view of the current strategic risk profile is shown below. The residual risk scores have been calculated on a post-mitigation basis.

No

Risk rating

Risk title

High

Acquisition of new businesses  
and improvement strategies

Moderate

Timing of disposals

1

2

3   Moderate

Economic and political

4

5

6

7

8

9

Moderate

Loss of key management

Moderate

Legal, regulatory and environmental

Low

Low

Low

Low

Information security and cyber threat

Foreign exchange rate

Pensions

Liquidity

Risk trend since  
last Annual Report

No change

No change

Increase

No change

Increase

Increase

Increase

No change

No change

n
o
i
t
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d
n
o
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l

i

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a
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c
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I

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h

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V

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H

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o
M

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L

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o

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e
V

2

1

7

4

9

3

5

8

6

Remote

Unlikely

Possible

Likely

Very likely

Probability

Key risk

Description and impact

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 
trend 

Trend 
commentary

Strategic 
priorities

Acquisition  

The success of the Group’s acquisition strategy depends on identifying available and suitable targets, obtaining any consents or 

•  Structured and focused due diligence undertaken on 

of new 

authorisations required to carry out an acquisition and procuring the necessary financing, be this from equity, debt or a combination 

all acquisitions.

Executive 
management (1)

businesses 

of the two. In making acquisitions, there is a risk of unforeseen liabilities being later discovered which were not uncovered or known 

and 

at the time of the due diligence process.

Further, as per the Group’s strategy to buy and improve high-quality but underperforming manufacturing businesses, once an acquisition 

is completed, there are risks that the Group will not succeed. These risks include driving strategic operational improvements to achieve 

the expected post-acquisition trading results or value as they were originally anticipated, that the acquired products and technologies 

may not be successful or that the business may require significantly greater resources and investment than anticipated. If anticipated 

benefits are not realised or trading by acquired businesses falls below expectations, it may be necessary to impair the carrying value 

of these assets. The Group’s return on shareholder investment may fall if acquisition hurdle rates are not met. The Group’s financial 

performance may suffer from goodwill or other acquisition-related impairment charges, or from the identification of additional liabilities 

not known at the time of the acquisition.

Timing of 

disposals

In line with our strategy and depending where the Group is within the “buy, improve, sell” cycle, the expected timing of any disposal 

of businesses is considered as a principal risk which could have a material impact on the Group strategy. Further, due to the Group’s 

global operations, there may be a significant impact on timing of disposal due to political and macroeconomic factors. Depending on 

the timings of disposals and nature of businesses’ operations there may be long-term liabilities which could be retained by the Group 

following a disposal. Insufficient allowance for such retained liabilities may affect the Group’s financial position.

•  Focus on acquisition targets that have strong headline 

fundamentals, high-quality products and leading market share 
but which are underperforming their potential and ability to 
generate sustainable cash flows and profit growth.

•  Hands-on role taken by Directors and other senior employees 

of the Group.

•  Promptly following completion of an acquisition, executive 

management work with the business management teams to 
develop and implement strategic plans, particularly focused 
on restructuring opportunities, investment, capital expenditure 
and working capital management that will deliver the anticipated 
operational improvement. 

•  Directors are experienced in judging and regularly reviewing 
the appropriate time in a business cycle for a disposal to 
realise maximum value for shareholders.

•  Each disposal is assessed on its merits, with a key focus 

on a clean disposal.

•  Following the acquisition of Nortek in 2016, Melrose is seeking 
improvements to the business and sale at the appropriate time, 
maximising return to shareholders.

Executive 
management (1)

Melrose remains flexible 
in the timing of disposals.

Following the acquisition of 
Nortek, the Group is currently 
actively searching for its 
next acquisition.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Strategic risk

improvement 

strategies

Operational risk

Economic 

and political

The Group operates, through manufacturing and/or sales facilities, in numerous countries and is affected by global economic conditions. 

Businesses are also affected by government spending priorities and the willingness of governments to commit substantial resources. Current 

global economic and financial market conditions, including any fluctuation in commodity prices (in particular, the prices of oil and gas), the 

potential for a significant and prolonged global recession and any uncertainty in the political environment may materially and adversely affect 

the Group’s operational performance, financial condition and could have significant impact on timing of acquisitions and disposals.

Following the EU referendum on 23 June 2016 there has been some uncertainty in the UK regarding the nature of Brexit and what this will 

mean for business and the economy. However, following the acquisition of Nortek in August 2016 the majority of the Group’s revenue is 

generated in North America, where any effects are expected to be minimal, and the Group remains agile and well positioned to deal with 

any short-term uncertainty in the UK.

A recession may also materially affect customers, suppliers and other parties with which the Group does business. Adverse economic 

and financial market conditions may cause customers to terminate existing orders, to reduce their purchases from the Group, or to 

be unable to meet their obligations to pay outstanding debts to the Group. These market conditions may also cause our suppliers to be 

unable to meet their commitments to the Group or to change the credit terms they extend to the Group’s businesses.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

•  Regular monitoring of order books and other leading indicators, 
to ensure the Group and each of its businesses can respond 
quickly to any adverse trading conditions. This includes the 
identification of cost reduction and efficiency measures.

•  Finance for acquisitions is readily available to the Group from 

banking syndicates. This has proven to be available to the Group 
even during periods of economic downturn, for example during 
the global financial crisis in 2008.

Executive 
management (1)

With the acquisition of Nortek, 
the Group has increased its 
global presence and 2016 
witnessed geopolitical 
uncertainty in major economies, 
a trend that may continue into 
2017. However, the Board notes 
that economic uncertainty can 
depress business valuations 
and this may increase the 
number of potential acquisition 
opportunities for Melrose.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Buy

Improve

Sell

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
42

Risks and uncertainties 
continued

Key risk

Description and impact

Operational risk continued

Loss of key 
management

The success of the Group is built upon strong management teams. As a result, the loss of key personnel could have a significant impact 
on performance, at least for a time. The loss of key personnel or the failure to plan adequately for succession or develop new talent may 
impact the reputation of the Group or lead to a disruption in the leadership of the business. Competition for personnel is intense and the 
Group may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel, particularly engineering professionals. The loss of key 
employees, the Group’s inability to attract new and adequately-trained employees or a delay in hiring key personnel could seriously harm 
the Group’s business. Over time, the Group’s competitive advantage is defined by the quality of its people; should the Group fail to 
attract, develop and retain key talent, the competitive advantage will erode, leading to weaker growth potential or returns.

Compliance and ethical risk

Legal, 
regulatory 
and 
environmental

There is a risk that the Group may not always be in complete compliance with laws, regulations or permits, for example concerning 
environmental requirements. The Group could be held responsible for liabilities and consequences arising from past or future 
environmental damage, including potentially significant remedial costs. There can also be no assurance that any provisions for expected 
environmental liabilities and remediation costs will adequately cover these liabilities or costs. Potential exposure to such risks has 
increased following the Nortek acquisition due to the increased size and complexity of the Group’s operations.

The Group operates in highly-regulated sectors. In addition, new legislation, regulations or certification requirements may require 
additional expense, restrict commercial flexibility and business strategies or introduce additional liabilities for the Group or Directors. 
For example, the Group’s operations are subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, competition, anti-trust and 
trade compliance laws and regulations. Failure to comply with certain regulations may result in significant financial penalties, debarment 
from government contracts and/or reputational damage and impact the Group’s business strategy.

Information 
security 
and cyber 
threat

Information security and cyber threats are currently a priority across all industries and remain a key UK government agenda item. 

Like many businesses, Melrose recognises that the Group may have a potential exposure in this area. Potential exposure to such 
risks has increased following the Nortek acquisition, due to the increased size and complexity of the Group’s operations and the nature 
of the product portfolio.

•  Management continues to work with information security consultants 

Executive 

to better understand the extent to which the Group is exposed to 

management (1)

cyber security risk and to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 

Trend 

trend 

commentary

Strategic 

priorities

•  Succession planning within the Group and its businesses 

is coordinated via the Nomination Committee in conjunction 

Nomination 

Committee and 

with the Board and includes all Directors and senior employees. 

executive 

management (1)

•  The Company recognises that, as with most businesses, 

particularly those operating within a technical field, it is dependent 

on Directors and employees with particular managerial, engineering 

or technical skills. Appropriate remuneration packages and 

long-term incentive arrangements are offered in an effort to attract 

and retain such individuals.

•  Regular monitoring of legal and regulatory matters at both 

Executive 

a Group and business level. Consultation with external advisers 

management (1)

where necessary.

Buy

Sell

Improve

Succession planning remains a 

core focus for the Nomination 

Committee and the Board. 

Succession planning of 

executive Directors and senior 

management, together with 

visibility of potential successors 

within the Group, has been 

selected as an area for targeted 

management focus during 2017.

The acquisition of Nortek has 

expanded the Group’s portfolio 

and therefore increased 

exposure to a wider range of 

legal, regulatory and 

environmental risks.

Buy

Sell

Improve

•  Creation of a robust legal control framework based on business 

facing divisional legal functions, with clear reporting lines to 

executive management and underpinned by comprehensive 

corporate governance and compliance procedures at both 

a Group and business level.

•  Following reviews undertaken in the past two years, the Group 

has a robust and comprehensive compliance framework. This 

framework was successfully implemented across the Nortek 

divisions shortly after acquisition.

•  Due diligence processes during the acquisition stage seek to 

identify legal, regulatory and environmental risks. At the business 

level, controls are in place to prevent such risks from crystallising. 

•  Any environmental risks that crystallise are subject to mitigation 

by specialist consultants engaged for this purpose. External 

consultants assist the Group in complying with new and emerging 

environmental regulations.

•  Insurance cover mitigates certain levels of risk. 

•  Management has developed an information security strategy to 

mitigate the Group’s exposure to cyber risk. This strategy, which 

follows the UK government’s recommended steps to cyber security, 

covers all the relevant security areas, including: network security; 

malware protection; active monitoring of information systems 

and networks; home and mobile working; and incident management.

•  This strategy has been successfully implemented across the former 

Nortek businesses following acquisition and subject to regular 

monitoring, together with the Group’s Business Continuity and 

Disaster Recovery policies and procedures, supplementing those 

already in place.

Buy

Sell

Improve

Information security and cyber 

threats are currently a priority 

across all industries. Cyber 

security breaches of the 

Group’s IT systems could result 

in the misappropriation of 

confidential information 

belonging to it or its customers, 

suppliers or employees.

In response to the increased 

sophistication of information 

security and cyber threats, 

the Group has worked, and 

continues to work, with external 

consultants to implement a 

Group-wide strategy to aid the 

prevention, identification and 

mitigation of any threats.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201643

Key risk

Description and impact

Operational risk continued

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 
trend 

Trend 
commentary

Strategic 
priorities

Loss of key 

The success of the Group is built upon strong management teams. As a result, the loss of key personnel could have a significant impact 

•  Succession planning within the Group and its businesses 

management

on performance, at least for a time. The loss of key personnel or the failure to plan adequately for succession or develop new talent may 

impact the reputation of the Group or lead to a disruption in the leadership of the business. Competition for personnel is intense and the 

Group may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel, particularly engineering professionals. The loss of key 

employees, the Group’s inability to attract new and adequately-trained employees or a delay in hiring key personnel could seriously harm 

the Group’s business. Over time, the Group’s competitive advantage is defined by the quality of its people; should the Group fail to 

attract, develop and retain key talent, the competitive advantage will erode, leading to weaker growth potential or returns.

is coordinated via the Nomination Committee in conjunction 
with the Board and includes all Directors and senior employees. 

•  The Company recognises that, as with most businesses, 

particularly those operating within a technical field, it is dependent 
on Directors and employees with particular managerial, engineering 
or technical skills. Appropriate remuneration packages and 
long-term incentive arrangements are offered in an effort to attract 
and retain such individuals.

Nomination 
Committee and 
executive 
management (1)

Compliance and ethical risk

Legal, 

There is a risk that the Group may not always be in complete compliance with laws, regulations or permits, for example concerning 

regulatory 

environmental requirements. The Group could be held responsible for liabilities and consequences arising from past or future 

and 

environmental damage, including potentially significant remedial costs. There can also be no assurance that any provisions for expected 

environmental

environmental liabilities and remediation costs will adequately cover these liabilities or costs. Potential exposure to such risks has 

increased following the Nortek acquisition due to the increased size and complexity of the Group’s operations.

The Group operates in highly-regulated sectors. In addition, new legislation, regulations or certification requirements may require 

additional expense, restrict commercial flexibility and business strategies or introduce additional liabilities for the Group or Directors. 

For example, the Group’s operations are subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, competition, anti-trust and 

trade compliance laws and regulations. Failure to comply with certain regulations may result in significant financial penalties, debarment 

from government contracts and/or reputational damage and impact the Group’s business strategy.

Information 

Information security and cyber threats are currently a priority across all industries and remain a key UK government agenda item. 

security 

and cyber 

threat

of the product portfolio.

Like many businesses, Melrose recognises that the Group may have a potential exposure in this area. Potential exposure to such 

risks has increased following the Nortek acquisition, due to the increased size and complexity of the Group’s operations and the nature 

•  Regular monitoring of legal and regulatory matters at both 

a Group and business level. Consultation with external advisers 
where necessary.

Executive 
management (1)

•  Creation of a robust legal control framework based on business 
facing divisional legal functions, with clear reporting lines to 
executive management and underpinned by comprehensive 
corporate governance and compliance procedures at both 
a Group and business level.

•  Following reviews undertaken in the past two years, the Group 
has a robust and comprehensive compliance framework. This 
framework was successfully implemented across the Nortek 
divisions shortly after acquisition.

•  Due diligence processes during the acquisition stage seek to 

identify legal, regulatory and environmental risks. At the business 
level, controls are in place to prevent such risks from crystallising. 

•  Any environmental risks that crystallise are subject to mitigation 
by specialist consultants engaged for this purpose. External 
consultants assist the Group in complying with new and emerging 
environmental regulations.

•  Insurance cover mitigates certain levels of risk. 

•  Management continues to work with information security consultants 
to better understand the extent to which the Group is exposed to 
cyber security risk and to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place.

Executive 
management (1)

•  Management has developed an information security strategy to 
mitigate the Group’s exposure to cyber risk. This strategy, which 
follows the UK government’s recommended steps to cyber security, 
covers all the relevant security areas, including: network security; 
malware protection; active monitoring of information systems 
and networks; home and mobile working; and incident management.

•  This strategy has been successfully implemented across the former 

Nortek businesses following acquisition and subject to regular 
monitoring, together with the Group’s Business Continuity and 
Disaster Recovery policies and procedures, supplementing those 
already in place.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Succession planning remains a 
core focus for the Nomination 
Committee and the Board. 
Succession planning of 
executive Directors and senior 
management, together with 
visibility of potential successors 
within the Group, has been 
selected as an area for targeted 
management focus during 2017.

The acquisition of Nortek has 
expanded the Group’s portfolio 
and therefore increased 
exposure to a wider range of 
legal, regulatory and 
environmental risks.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Buy

Improve

Sell

Information security and cyber 
threats are currently a priority 
across all industries. Cyber 
security breaches of the 
Group’s IT systems could result 
in the misappropriation of 
confidential information 
belonging to it or its customers, 
suppliers or employees.

In response to the increased 
sophistication of information 
security and cyber threats, 
the Group has worked, and 
continues to work, with external 
consultants to implement a 
Group-wide strategy to aid the 
prevention, identification and 
mitigation of any threats.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201644

Risks and uncertainties 
continued

Key risk

Description and impact

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 

Trend 

trend 

commentary

Strategic 

priorities

Financial 
risk

Foreign 
exchange

Pensions

Due to the global nature of operations and volatility in the foreign exchange market, exchange rate fluctuations have and could continue 
to have a material impact on the reported results of the Group.

•  The Group policy is to protect against the majority of foreign 

exchange risk which affects cash, by hedging such risks with 

Executive 

management (1)

The Group is exposed to three types of currency risk: transaction risk, translation risk and risk that when a business that is predominantly 
based in a foreign currency is sold, it is sold in that foreign currency. The Group’s reported results will fluctuate as average exchange 
rates change. The Group’s reported net assets will fluctuate as the year-end exchange rate changes.

financial instruments.

•  Protection against specific transaction risks is taken by the 

Board on a case-by-case basis.

Any shortfall in the Group’s pension schemes may require additional funding. As at 31 December 2016, the Brush plans were in a net 
surplus of £3.9 million on an accounting basis and the newly acquired Nortek plans had a deficit of £37.3 million. Changes in discount 
rates, inflation, asset values or mortality assumptions could lead to a materially higher deficit. For example, the cost of a buyout on a 
discontinued basis uses more conservative assumptions and is likely to be significantly higher than the accounting deficit. Alternatively, 
if the plans are managed on an ongoing basis, there is a risk that the plans’ assets, such as investments in equity and debt securities, 
will not be sufficient to cover the value of the retirement benefits to be provided under the plans. 

The Group supports Trustee actions to match the nature and duration of assets held against the plans’ liabilities. Nevertheless, the 
matching is never perfect so deficits could increase. The implications of a higher pension deficit include a direct impact on valuation, 
credit rating and potential additional funding requirements at subsequent triennial reviews. In the event of a major disposal that generates 
significant cash proceeds which are returned to the shareholders, the Group may be required to make additional cash payments to the 
plans or provide additional security.

Liquidity

The ability to raise debt or to refinance existing borrowings in the bank or capital markets is dependent on market conditions and the 
proper functioning of financial markets. As set out in more detail in the Finance Director’s review on page 30, a new US$1.25 billion term 
loan and revolving credit facility agreement was entered into, which has been partly utilised. Furthermore, in line with the Group’s 
strategy, investment is made in the businesses (capital expenditure in excess of depreciation) and there is a requirement to assess 
liquidity and headroom when new businesses are acquired. In addition, the Group may be unable to refinance its debt when it falls due.

Buy

Sell

Improve

Buy

Sell

Improve

Group results are reported in 

Sterling but a large proportion 

of its revenues are denominated 

in currencies other than Sterling. 

Following the Nortek 

acquisition, movements 

between the US Dollar and 

Sterling and Renminbi and 

Sterling could have a material 

adverse effect on Group results, 

whilst exposure remains 

through Brush against the 

Czech Koruna and the Euro.

The position with regards to the 

Brush plan remained constant 

from 2015.

The acquisition of additional 

pension plan obligations with 

Nortek increases the size of the 

financial risk but does not 

materially alter the complexity, 

nor the process of managing 

the liabilities.

The Group is satisfied that it has 

adequate resources available to 

meet its liabilities arising out of 

the Nortek acquisition.

Buy

Sell

Improve

•  The Group’s key funded pension plans, including the Nortek 

plans, are closed to new entrants and future service accrual. 

Long-term funding arrangements are agreed with the plans 

and reviewed following completion of actuarial valuations. 

•  Active management of pension plan assets.

Executive 

management (1)

•  To ensure it has comprehensive and timely visibility of the liquidity 

Executive 

position, the Group conducts monthly reviews of its cash forecast, 

management (1)

which are in turn revised quarterly.

•  The Group operates cash management mechanisms, including 

cash pooling across the Group and maintenance of revolving credit 

facilities to mitigate the risk of any liquidity issues.

•  The Group operates a conservative level of headroom across its 

financing covenants which is designed to avoid the need for any 

unplanned refinancing requirements. This is set out in more detail 

in the Finance Director’s review on page 30.

•  Executive management actively manages its debt bank syndicate 

to ensure it is well positioned to revisit its funding structure. Should 

the Group require access to further funding, it is anticipated that 

funding shall remain accessible from financial institutions or from 

the market.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201645

Key risk

Description and impact

Mitigation

Responsibility 

Risk 
trend 

Trend 
commentary

Strategic 
priorities

Financial 

risk

Foreign 

exchange

Due to the global nature of operations and volatility in the foreign exchange market, exchange rate fluctuations have and could continue 

to have a material impact on the reported results of the Group.

The Group is exposed to three types of currency risk: transaction risk, translation risk and risk that when a business that is predominantly 

•  The Group policy is to protect against the majority of foreign 

exchange risk which affects cash, by hedging such risks with 
financial instruments.

Executive 
management (1)

based in a foreign currency is sold, it is sold in that foreign currency. The Group’s reported results will fluctuate as average exchange 

•  Protection against specific transaction risks is taken by the 

rates change. The Group’s reported net assets will fluctuate as the year-end exchange rate changes.

Board on a case-by-case basis.

Pensions

Any shortfall in the Group’s pension schemes may require additional funding. As at 31 December 2016, the Brush plans were in a net 

surplus of £3.9 million on an accounting basis and the newly acquired Nortek plans had a deficit of £37.3 million. Changes in discount 

rates, inflation, asset values or mortality assumptions could lead to a materially higher deficit. For example, the cost of a buyout on a 

discontinued basis uses more conservative assumptions and is likely to be significantly higher than the accounting deficit. Alternatively, 

if the plans are managed on an ongoing basis, there is a risk that the plans’ assets, such as investments in equity and debt securities, 

will not be sufficient to cover the value of the retirement benefits to be provided under the plans. 

The Group supports Trustee actions to match the nature and duration of assets held against the plans’ liabilities. Nevertheless, the 

matching is never perfect so deficits could increase. The implications of a higher pension deficit include a direct impact on valuation, 

credit rating and potential additional funding requirements at subsequent triennial reviews. In the event of a major disposal that generates 

significant cash proceeds which are returned to the shareholders, the Group may be required to make additional cash payments to the 

plans or provide additional security.

Liquidity

The ability to raise debt or to refinance existing borrowings in the bank or capital markets is dependent on market conditions and the 

proper functioning of financial markets. As set out in more detail in the Finance Director’s review on page 30, a new US$1.25 billion term 

loan and revolving credit facility agreement was entered into, which has been partly utilised. Furthermore, in line with the Group’s 

strategy, investment is made in the businesses (capital expenditure in excess of depreciation) and there is a requirement to assess 

liquidity and headroom when new businesses are acquired. In addition, the Group may be unable to refinance its debt when it falls due.

•  The Group’s key funded pension plans, including the Nortek 
plans, are closed to new entrants and future service accrual. 
Long-term funding arrangements are agreed with the plans 
and reviewed following completion of actuarial valuations. 

•  Active management of pension plan assets.

Executive 
management (1)

•  To ensure it has comprehensive and timely visibility of the liquidity 
position, the Group conducts monthly reviews of its cash forecast, 
which are in turn revised quarterly.

Executive 
management (1)

•  The Group operates cash management mechanisms, including 

cash pooling across the Group and maintenance of revolving credit 
facilities to mitigate the risk of any liquidity issues.

•  The Group operates a conservative level of headroom across its 
financing covenants which is designed to avoid the need for any 
unplanned refinancing requirements. This is set out in more detail 
in the Finance Director’s review on page 30.

•  Executive management actively manages its debt bank syndicate 
to ensure it is well positioned to revisit its funding structure. Should 
the Group require access to further funding, it is anticipated that 
funding shall remain accessible from financial institutions or from 
the market.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Buy

Improve

Sell

Group results are reported in 
Sterling but a large proportion 
of its revenues are denominated 
in currencies other than Sterling. 
Following the Nortek 
acquisition, movements 
between the US Dollar and 
Sterling and Renminbi and 
Sterling could have a material 
adverse effect on Group results, 
whilst exposure remains 
through Brush against the 
Czech Koruna and the Euro.

The position with regards to the 
Brush plan remained constant 
from 2015.

The acquisition of additional 
pension plan obligations with 
Nortek increases the size of the 
financial risk but does not 
materially alter the complexity, 
nor the process of managing 
the liabilities.

The Group is satisfied that it has 
adequate resources available to 
meet its liabilities arising out of 
the Nortek acquisition.

Buy

Improve

Sell

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201646

Corporate Social Responsibility

Melrose supports and monitors  
the Corporate Social Responsibility 
policies, practices and initiatives 
across its businesses. 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201647

Reflecting the decentralised nature of the 
Group, responsibility for the adoption of policies, 

practices and initiatives sits at a divisional unit 

level. This ensures that rigorous and targeted 
policies and procedures are implemented that 
meet local regulatory requirements and guidance, 

whilst also taking into account the size and nature 

of the businesses.

The information set out in this Corporate Social 

Responsibility Report focuses on the initiatives taken 

during 2016 by each of the four divisions that now 

make up the Melrose Group. The policies, practices and 
initiatives set out in this Report are indicative of the approach 

taken with any new business Melrose acquires.

1
Employment matters 
p.48

2
Gender diversity 
p.50

3
Health and safety 
p.50

4
The environment 
p.52

5
Supply chain 
assurance 
p.53

6
Human rights and  
ethical standards 
p.53

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201648

Corporate Social Responsibility 
continued

1
Employment matters

The Group recognises its responsibilities for the fair treatment of all 
its current and potential employees, in accordance with legislation 
applicable to the territories within which it operates, together with 
relevant guidance on good practice where appropriate.

Employee policies 
As part of the Group’s decentralised 
approach, each of Melrose’s businesses 
is responsible for setting and measuring 
its own employment and employee related 
KPIs and, as such, these can vary 
throughout the Group. However, such 
measurements will generally include 
absenteeism, punctuality, headcount and 
employee relations issues. Any concerns 
or adverse trends are responded to in a 
timely manner.

Equal opportunities for appropriate training, 
career development and promotion are 
available to all employees within the Group 
regardless of any disability, gender, religion, 
race, nationality, sexual orientation or age.

Applications for employment by  
disabled persons are always fully and  
fairly considered by the Group and are 
considered on merit, with regard only  
to the job-specific requirements and the 
relevant applicant’s aptitude and ability  
to carry out the role. Where reasonable  
to do so, arrangements will be made  
to both enable disabled persons to carry  
out a specific role and, where practicable, 
make every effort to provide continued 
employment in the same role or suitable 
alternative role for employees who are 
disabled during their period of employment.

It is the Group’s policy that in recruitment, 
training, career development and promotion, 
the treatment of disabled persons should, 
as far as possible, be identical to that of 
other employees. Melrose is proud to be a 
member of the Business Disability Forum, 
a not-for-profit member organisation that 
works with the business community to 
understand the changes required in the 
workplace in order that disabled persons 
are treated fairly, so that they can contribute 
to business success, to society and to 
economic growth.

Employee involvement,  
consultation and development 
The Group places great importance 
on good labour relations, employee 
engagement and employee development. 
The responsibility for the implementation 
and management of employment practices 
rests with local management, in a manner 
appropriate to each business.

A culture of clear communication and 
employee consultation and engagement 
is inherent across the Group. Employee 
briefing sessions with employee 
representatives are held on a regular basis 
to communicate strategy, key changes, 
financial results, achievements and other 
important issues to employees, and to 
receive feedback from them on these 
issues. Regular appraisals, employee 
surveys, notice boards, team meetings, 
suggestion boxes and newsletters are also 
used to communicate and engage with 
employees, and to solicit their feedback 
on issues of concern to them.

Extensive training is available to all staff 
and is actively encouraged to ensure that 
a high standard of skill is maintained across 
the Group. Inter-departmental training 
programs are also put in place across 
the Group to ensure that skills are shared 
between operations. The importance of 
training extends beyond on-the-job training 
and also focuses on enhancing personal 
development. In addition, apprenticeship 
programs help to assist with training a 
new generation of employees and to 
ensure knowledge is retained within the 
businesses. Employees across the Group 
are encouraged to think innovatively and 
to have regard for both financial and 
economic factors affecting the Group.

The Group regards employee training 
and advancement as an essential element 
of industrial relations.

Employee initiatives 
During 2016, a range of employee related 
initiatives were implemented across 
the Group: 

•  Within the Security & Smart Technology 
division, employee engagement is a key 
focus, with feedback as to how best to 
maximise involvement regularly obtained 
from the workforce. One key outcome 
from an engagement survey was the 
establishment of the Inventor Award 
Program, which recognises the 
technological contributions which result 
in original inventions. In the short time this 
program has been established, the 
business has had 35 invention ideas 
submitted, of which nine have been 
moved forward with patent filings.

•  High value is also placed on career 

succession and planning at Security 
& Smart Technology. The division has 
taken steps to communicate and develop 
a culture where employees are able to 
grow and develop their careers. This 
begins from hire, where the business 
establishes career paths, current and 
future openings and actively seeks out 
qualified internal candidates. The division 
annually utilises its organisational 
capability review process to identify 
high potential employees and align them 
with learning and growth opportunities.

•  Within our Ergonomics division, Ergotron 
has conducted over 30 training programs 
globally with over 1,000 employees 
participating. Topics have included 
leadership and management skills 
training, product and marketing training, 
system, process and program training in 
addition to benefits and wellness training. 
The business has also launched a North 
American mentoring program which will 
be expanded globally and provides 
employees opportunities to enhance their 
learning through the educational 
reimbursement program.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201649

Charitable achievements

Relay for Life
A team from Air Management took part 
in the Relay for Life, an event in which 
team members take turns navigating a 
designated route to raise money for the 
American Cancer Society. The American 
Cancer Society is a nationwide, 
community-based voluntary health 
organisation dedicated to eliminating 
cancer as a major health problem.

Heart Walks
Since 2012, Ergotron has made a 
commitment to sponsor and participate 
in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 
Heart Walks throughout the US. AHA is an 
organisation whose mission is to improve 
the lives of all Americans and help people 
understand the importance of healthy 
lifestyle choices, which aligns with the 
Ergotron mission of promoting a healthy 
environment for life and work. Teams 
from the business’s Twin Cities, Phoenix 
and Tualatin offices have raised over 
US$100,000 and look forward to the 
fund raising activities and the Heart 
Walk every year.

•  Ergotron has established individual and 
team recognition programs across the 
business, honouring employees annually 
for efforts and accomplishments 
achieved in line with their values. The 
business recognises years of service 
and rewards for the hard work and 
contributions of its global, committed 
employees. Global sales, marketing 
and service, special projects, team 
and individual achievements, combined 
with honouring years of service and 
appreciation awards, resulted in over 
600 recognised employees.

•  Ergotron has a strong belief in providing 
avenues for employees to have a healthy 
lifestyle including conducting over 50 
global wellness and employee events 
last year. These events included team 
competitions, participating in numerous 
charitable activities and employee and 
family outings. In its China facility alone, 
over 900 employees and family members 
participated in these types of events.

•  Brush continues to take the health and 

well-being of its employees seriously and 
has further developed and enhanced its 
Occupational Health Service during the 
year, which is available to employees five 
days a week. The service can make 
referrals to doctors, physiotherapists 
or counselling services, as required, 
ensuring that the business supports 
its employees throughout any periods 
of absence or illness. Health promotion 
is a key feature of the service, which 
is continually developing through 
awareness campaigns and has had a 
positive impact on both the employees 
and the business as a whole.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201650

Corporate Social Responsibility 
continued

2
Gender diversity

Melrose Board

The charts opposite show the total number 
of males and females working within the 
Group as at 31 December 2016.

8

  Male 

  Female 

Melrose is a meritocracy and individual 
performance is the key determinant in 
any appointment, irrespective of ethnicity, 
gender or other characteristic, trait or 
orientation. The Board recognises the 
importance of diversity throughout the 
workforce and the Board is committed to 
equality of opportunity for all employees.

The Group currently takes into account 
a variety of factors before determining 
suitability for vacancies, including relevant 
skills to perform the role, experience and 
knowledge. The most important priority, 
however, has been and will continue to  
be ensuring that the best candidate is 
selected, and this approach will remain in 
place going forward.

Melrose notes the recommendations of 
Lord Davies’ review, “Women on Boards” 
and continues to encourage gender 
diversity throughout the Group. Although 
not appropriate to set specific gender 
diversity targets at Board level and 
throughout the Group’s workforce due to 
Melrose’s strategic business model and 
frequent turnover of businesses, Melrose is 
actively engaged in finding ways to increase 
the Group’s gender diversity.

7

1

8

0

Senior managers (1)

  Male 

  Female 

8

Other Group employees 

  Male 

  Female 

8,170

4,376

12,546

Total Group employees 

  Male 

  Female 

8,185

4,377

12,562

(1)  Defined as senior head office employees of 

Melrose, located in the London, Birmingham 
and Atlanta offices.

3
Health and safety

The Board is committed to 
minimising the health and safety 
risks that each Group employee 
is exposed to by promoting the 
effective use and management 
of business-specific policies 
and procedures.

The Group has a policy to ensure that the 
Directors are made aware of any serious 
health and safety incidents, wherever they 
occur in the world, without delay, to ensure 
that suitable investigations and corrective 
action can be organised. Current events and 
issues relating to health and safety matters 
are also discussed within the Group at 
quarterly Board meetings of the Company.

Each division is responsible for setting its 
own detailed arrangements concerning 
health and safety policies and procedures, 
in accordance with local health and safety 
legislation. As a general rule, they strive to 
achieve best practice in terms of what is 
suitable and practical for the size and nature 
of their operations. Defined and business-
specific health and safety key performance 
indicators are also used. Reports detailing 
each division’s performance in relation to 
three health and safety KPIs (major accident 
frequency rate, accident frequency rate and 
accident severity rate) are presented to the 
Melrose Board and reviewed at each 
quarterly Board meeting.

The increase in the accident severity rate at 
Brush was the only item of concern for the 
Board during 2016, and it sought a detailed 
explanation from the business of both the 
root cause and its response. Although the 
incidents were very unfortunate for all 
involved, the Board was satisfied with 
Brush’s comprehensive response. It has 
also been a reminder of the necessity for 
constant diligence and striving to improve 
health and safety standards.

For more information on the Group’s health 
and safety KPIs, see the key performance 
indicators section on page 18 of the 
Strategic Report.

A number of sites within the Group hold the 
ISO 18001 certification, the internationally 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201651

recognised assessment standard for 
occupational health and safety management 
systems, including Brush’s manufacturing 
locations in the UK and the Czech Republic, 
AQH’s facilities in Italy and Poland and 
Ergotron’s APAC-region sites. The Air 
Management division’s Tualatin, Oregon 
facility earned its fourth year SHARP Award 
(Safety & Health Achievement Recognition 
Program). SHARP is an intensive, five-year 
safety program that will conclude with full 
certification at the end of 2017. The division 
is currently evaluating its Okarche, Oklahoma 
facility for SHARP readiness and plans to 
pursue first steps in 2017.

Within the Air Management division, 
employees are instructed to report all near 
misses and minor injuries, and if an incident 
occurs immediate notification is required to 
the Plant Manager, Group Health & Safety 
Manager and Group VP of Operations. Plant 
managers are accountable at monthly 
group strategy deployment meetings for the 
identification and evaluation of root causes 
and counter measures related to health and 
safety indicators. There is a significant 
commitment from management throughout 
the division, with safety performance criteria 
incorporated into operations managers’ 
annual objectives.

The Security & Smart Technology 
manufacturing facility has a health 
and safety manager responsible for 
co-ordinating its safety program on-site, 
together with a dedicated health and 
safety committee composed of heads of 
departments. The committee is responsible 
for providing assistance in the event of an 
incident, reporting any incidents to the local 
authority, meeting weekly to review health 
and safety indicators and conducting a 
comprehensive annual audit. Health and 
safety data is reported centrally within the 
division on a monthly basis. At GTO’s facility 
in Michigan, a dedicated safety team 
conducts bi-annual audits to identify any 
potential issues and take corrective action 
where necessary, while at its Tallahassee 
location, a safety committee holds 
quarterly meetings.

The Ergonomics division has implemented  
a continuous improvement program, driving 
safety standards across the business and 
actively seeking improvement suggestions 
from its employee base. A culture of 

promoting safety has been established 
across the business, with improved 
training programs being undertaken 
by the workforce and enhanced personal 
protective equipment implemented. 
Managers are provided with health and 
safety reports to ensure matters are 
given high visibility and any necessary 
improvements are authorised and 
implemented quickly.

At Brush, divisional managers are 
responsible for ensuring that health and 
safety remains a key focus and that active 
procedures and monitoring systems are 
in place which were reviewed and updated 
in response to the incidents leading to the 
increase in the accident severity rate in 
2016. Detailed health and safety plans are 
set by Brush management each year to 
determine annual targets and improvement 
initiatives. Brush also has health and safety 
committees, which meet on a regular basis 
and are made up of representatives from 
both management and shop floor level 
personnel. Each of the committees has 
wide-ranging responsibilities which vary 
between operations and include the review 
of reported incidents and the monitoring of 
incident trends. These committees are also 
responsible for ensuring that corrective 
measures are implemented when accidents 
occur and that all incidents, whether or not 
they are deemed reportable under local 
legislation, are given due attention.

During 2016, a range of health and safety 
initiatives were implemented across the 
Group, some of which are listed below:

•  At the end of the year, each of AQH’s 

manufacturing locations conducted an 
extensive external safety audit consisting 
of over 500 detailed subject matter 
questions. The business is in the process 
of finalising actions to prioritise and 
address open items. Follow-up “cross-
facility” audits will be conducted later 
in 2017 by the Group Health & Safety 
Manager and peer personnel.

•  At Air Management, the business 

implemented monthly safety committee 
meetings at its Okarche and Oklahoma 
City facilities, mirroring programs already 
established at its Canada and Tualatin 
plants. Air Management also introduced 
cut and strain awareness training (these 

being the two most frequent injury 
types at all plants in 2016). This reflects 
a focused approach to educate and 
reduce these occurrences. Forklift and 
high lift training is also being rolled out at 
Oklahoma and Canada sites, together 
with incentive programs to encourage 
positive safety behaviour and improve 
attendance.

•  Air Management has commenced 
the process of establishing a safety 
counsel across all plants to collectively 
work on projects that will drive continuous 
improvement in its safety program, with 
participants being nominated by their 
managers as empowered representatives. 
Key areas of focus for the counsel in 2017 
will include specific safety challenges at 
each site, the identification of any 
shortcomings in the business’ approach 
to safety and the identification of areas that 
would benefit from a collective approach. 

•  Within Security & Smart Technology, 
GTO’s Michigan facility implemented 
65 improvements during 2016, while a 
separate ergonomics improvement team 
researched and implemented seven 
actions designed to reduce ergonomic 
injuries at the facility. Regular health and 
safety inspections were conducted by 
the health and safety team across the 
division throughout the year and the 
annual internal audit process was 
effectively implemented. 

•  At Brush, the recently implemented 

behavioural safety program continued 
to improve the already strong health 
and safety culture within the business. 
The program focuses on developing 
a proactive approach among Brush 
employees so that they increase their 
responsibility and accountability for their 
own, and their working group’s, actions 
while ensuring they intervene at the 
earliest opportunity to stop hazardous 
acts or correct any unsafe conditions.

Following these initiatives, among others, 
the Group has recognised the benefits of a 
workforce engaged in matters of health and 
safety, management teams committed to 
the continuous improvement of health and 
safety standards throughout the Group’s 
businesses and a recognition that a strong 
health and safety focus can have a positive 
impact on growth and brand value.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201652

Corporate Social Responsibility 
continued

4
The environment

The Melrose Board fully understands the importance of  
the Group’s environmental responsibilities and is committed  
to ensuring that operations have the minimum possible  
adverse effect on the environment.

Although there are no Group-wide 
standardised environmental KPIs 
reflecting the Group’s decentralised 
nature, it nonetheless ensures businesses 
understand the importance of monitoring 
the impact of their operations on the 
environment. A range of KPIs are used as 
environmental measures, including energy 
consumption, CO2 emissions, water 
consumption, water contamination, waste 
disposal, solid and liquid waste generation, 
recycling and volatile organic compound 
emissions. These KPIs are then used to 
plan for ongoing improvements.

During the year, the Company continued  
to comply with the ongoing annual reporting 
requirements of the UK’s Carbon Reduction 
Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Environmental initiatives
During 2016, a range of environmental 
initiatives were implemented within the 
Group’s divisions. Some of these are  
listed below:

•  Security & Smart Technology continued 

to manage the division’s disposal 
processes for waste and recyclables, 
and complied with all applicable 
hazardous materials disposal/recycling 
requirements. GTO specifically focused 
on water and energy conservation by 
replacing overhead lighting, remodelling 
restrooms, installing solar operated 
gates and the retrofit of the facility’s air 
handler. A number of objectives have 
been established for 2017, including 
continued focus on energy conservation.

Greenhouse gas emissions
The Group is required to measure and 
report its direct and indirect greenhouse  
gas (GHG) emissions pursuant to the 
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report  
and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013. 

The GHG reporting period is aligned to  
the Company’s financial reporting year.

The data has been prepared in accordance 
with the principles and requirements of 
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard 
(Revised Edition) 2004 for Scope 1 and 
Scope 2 emissions and the Department 
for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 
(DEFRA) guidance on how to measure 
and report on greenhouse gas emissions, 
as first published in 2013 and 
subsequently updated.

We have reported on all emission sources 
required under the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013.

The reported emissions cover all 
continuing operations of the Group as 
at 1 January 2016. Emissions from entities 
acquired during the financial year ended 
31 December 2016 are not accounted for 
in the reported GHG data. Therefore, for 
example, data from the former Nortek 
businesses has not been included within 
the reported GHG data this year, as this 
business was acquired during the year.

•  Ergotron added the environmental 
certification ISO14001:2004 to its 
locations in Minnesota, EMEA, and 
APAC. The division focused throughout 
the year on reducing its impact on the 
environment, resulting in 97% of waste 
materials at its EMEA and Minnesota 
locations being recycled. APAC locations 
introduced returnable bins with some 
suppliers to avoid waste.

•  Brush continued its focus on making 

further energy savings, including in gas 
and electricity consumption. Through 
more effective energy management and 
greater employee engagement, electricity 
consumption for lighting at its Czech 
operations was reduced by 24%, whilst 
heating consumption was the lowest in 
the location’s history. Lighting initiatives 
across the Loughborough site continue 
with ad hoc upgrades which continue to 
generate savings for the business. 
Targets for 2017 include a review of 
packaging to reduce waste disposal.

Global GHG emissions data (tonnes CO2e (1) unless stated)

Emissions sources:

Combustion of fuel & operation of facilities
UK Electricity
Overseas Electricity, heat and steam (2) 
Total purchased electricity
Other purchased energy
Company’s chosen intensity measurement: 
Emissions reported above normalised to tonnes 
per £1,000 turnover (2)

Year ended  

Year ended  

31 December
2016

31 December
2015

7,122
3,717
9,008
10,689
2,035
0.081

8,825
4,053
8,719
11,043
1,729
0.083

Change

-19.3%
-8.3%
+3.3%
-3%
+17.2%
-2.4%

(1)  CO2e – carbon dioxide equivalent, this figure includes greenhouse gases in addition to carbon dioxide.
(2)  The emissions associated with overseas electricity are presented in tonnes carbon dioxide only as per  

the DEFRA guidance.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201653

6
Human rights and ethical standards

Sound business ethics and integrity are core to the 
Group’s values and a high importance is placed on 
dealings with all employees, customers, suppliers 
and other stakeholders.

The decentralised nature of the Group 
means there is no over-arching policy 
currently in place with regard to human 
rights, however Melrose is committed to 
good practice in respect of human rights. 
Employees across the Group are required, 
at all times, to exhibit the highest levels of 
integrity and to maintain the highest ethical 
standards in business affairs. The full text 
of the Melrose Code of Ethics, which all 
employees of the Group are required to 
familiarise themselves with, can be found 
on the Company’s website at 
www.melroseplc.net/about-us/ 
code-of-ethics

In addition to the Melrose Code of Ethics, 
each Group business is expected to have  
its own code of ethics dealing with matters 
such as human rights. All business-specific 

employee policies are prepared locally  
within each business in order to ensure 
compliance with local laws and standards 
as a minimum. Responsibility for the 
communication and implementation of  
such policies rests with the relevant senior 
managers within the Group’s businesses.

Finally, in advance of the need for the 
Company to report in accordance with  
the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Group  
is taking steps to put in place effective  
and proportionate procedures to ensure  
that there are no forms of modern slavery  
in the Group’s business or supply chains.  
It is expected that a full statement will be 
prepared and published on the Group’s 
website during the current financial year.

The Strategic Report, as set 
out on pages 02 to 53, has 
been approved by the Board

On behalf of the Board

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive
2 March 2017

All material emissions from within the 
organisational and operational scope 
and boundaries of the Group are reported. 
The emissions from owned vehicle transport 
(i.e. Group-owned cars and vans, lorries and 
fork lift trucks) and the emissions associated 
with refrigeration have been excluded from 
the report on a de minimis basis. The GHG 
emissions from these sources have been 
estimated to account for less than 1% of the 
total Melrose Group emissions reported on 
an individual basis and as a combined total 
to account for less than 2% of the total 
Melrose Group GHG emissions reported.

Given that the Melrose business model is 
to acquire and divest businesses over a 
three-to-five-year time frame, there may 
be significant year-on-year changes in the 
reported emissions data which may not 
reflect the underlying GHG performance  
of the Group’s businesses. 

5
Supply chain assurance

Each of the businesses is 
responsible for the management 
of its supplier base, including the 
application of the appropriate 
policy, which best suits the 
geographical and operational 
diversity of the Group.

The security, assurance and  
ethical compliance of business supply 
chains are very important to Melrose 
and its businesses. Responsibility for the 
implementation and management of all 
supplier-related policies rests with local 
management. Such policies are used  
in a manner appropriate to the size and 
complexity of the business and also take 
into account the nature and geographical 
representation of key suppliers. A supplier 
approval process exists within all business 
divisions, which is linked to specific and 
tailored supplier assessments and due 
diligence requirements utilising third party 
resources and the implementation of 
appropriate terms and conditions for 
the protection of the Group.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201654

Governance overview

“  The Board remains committed to maintaining the 
high standards of corporate governance required 
to ensure that the Company can continue to deliver 
on its strategic goals and to achieve long-term 
success for the benefit of its shareholders.”

  Christopher Miller, Executive Chairman

Introduction from the Chairman 
As part of this approach, the Board supports, applies and complies 
with the Main Principles, the Supporting Principles and the 
respective related provisions of corporate governance contained in 
the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “UK Code”) issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council (the “FRC”) and available to view on the 
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Codes-Standards/
Corporate-governance.aspx

In support of this commitment, the Board carried out a number 
of key governance activities during 2016 designed to ensure that 
Melrose remains compliant with the provisions of the UK Code and 
also to enable continuous improvement in line with best practice 
corporate governance guidelines.

Succession planning
Succession planning was an area of focus for Melrose in 2016 
and a dedicated Board session was held to review the leadership 
needs of the Group, present and future, together with the skills and 
experiences needed from its Directors going forward. We recognise 
that succession planning is an ongoing process and is critical to 
maintaining an effective and high-quality board.

With this in mind, a number of changes to the Board are planned during 
2017. John Grant will be retiring from the Board at the conclusion of this 
year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held on 11 May 2017. John 
has held a non-executive position on the Melrose Board since 2006 
and his advice and extensive financial experience have been invaluable 
to Melrose; we wish him every success in the future. 

John will be replaced as senior non-executive Director by Justin 
Dowley, who will also continue to hold the position of Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. John’s position as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee will be taken up by Liz Hewitt, who will step down as 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee, to be replaced by David Lis. 

The Nomination Committee has determined that in seeking a 
replacement for John, the number of non-executive Directors serving 
on the Board will be increased to five so that there are a majority 
of independents serving on the Board, and a search and selection 
specialist has been engaged to support the recruitment process. 
Appointments are expected to be made in the coming months. 

Remuneration
The Directors’ Remuneration Report is set out on pages 72 to 84. 
Following the introduction of a new holding company for the Group 
in November 2015, we were required to seek shareholder approval 
for the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at last year’s AGM which 
remains unchanged.

The Company’s existing long-term incentive plan, the 2012 Incentive 
Plan, will crystallise on 31 May 2017 and, subject to shareholder 

approval at a general meeting to be held immediately following the 
2017 AGM on 11 May 2017 (the General Meeting), be replaced by 
a new scheme, the 2017 Incentive Plan, on equivalent economic 
terms. Accordingly, at the General Meeting shareholder approval will 
be sought for a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy to be adopted in 
order to incorporate, and allow for awards to be made under, the 2017 
Incentive Plan. The 2017 Incentive Plan will be on equivalent economic 
principles as the 2012 Incentive Plan with additional, shareholder 
focussed features, and its terms are set out in the circular posted to 
shareholders with or prior to this Report (the “Circular”). The proposed 
new Directors’ Remuneration Policy for which shareholder approval will 
be sought at the General Meeting is set out in the annex to the Circular. 
The only change to that Policy as compared to the Policy approved at 
the 2016 AGM is to reflect the inclusion of the 2017 Incentive Plan. 
All other elements remain the same as approved at the 2016 AGM. 
In addition, our remuneration philosophy remains unchanged; executive 
remuneration should be simple, transparent, support the delivery of 
the Melrose value creation strategy and only pay for performance.

Risk management and compliance 
During 2016, the Melrose risk management framework was 
implemented across the newly acquired Nortek business divisions, 
and the Group’s compliance policies were comprehensively 
reviewed and updated to ensure their effectiveness for the enlarged 
Group. Taken together, these initiatives have ensured the former 
Nortek businesses’ effectiveness at identifying and managing risks 
and have promoted and embedded a more risk-aware culture. 
Further details on the Group’s management of risk can be found 
on pages 40 to 45 of this Annual Report.

Melrose’s reputation for acting responsibly plays a critical role in 
its success as a business and its ability to generate shareholder 
value. We maintain high standards of ethical conduct and take a 
zero tolerance approach to bribery, corruption and other unethical 
or illegal practices. Supporting our updated compliance policies are 
a comprehensive online training platform and an industry-leading 
whistleblowing reporting facility. The integrity of the compliance 
framework is further reinforced by the use of independent assurance 
and compliance audits. 

Engagement with shareholders 
During 2016, the Company continued its program of engagement 
with major investors and the governance bodies in respect of our 
Remuneration Policy and incentive arrangements. The Board is 
pleased with the support and constructive feedback throughout 
these discussions and it is our intention to continue this program 
for the foreseeable future. 

Christopher Miller 
Executive Chairman 
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016p.66
Audit Committee report

p.70
Nomination Committee report

p.72
Directors’ remuneration report

55

Board structure

Board composition

Industry background

Board diversity

 Executive Chairman 1

 Executive Directors

  Non-executive 
Directors

3

4

 Finance

 Industry

6

2

 Male

 Female

7

1

Executive Directors

Christopher Miller 
Executive Chairman

David Roper 
Executive  
Vice-Chairman

Simon Peckham 
Chief Executive

Geoffrey Martin 
Group Finance 
Director

Non-executive Directors

John Grant (1) 
Senior non-executive 
Director

Justin Dowley (2) 
Non-executive 
Director

Liz Hewitt 
Non-executive 
Director

David Lis 
Non-executive 
Director

Audit Committee
John Grant 
Chairman

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis

Nomination Committee
Liz Hewitt 
Chairman

Remuneration Committee
Justin Dowley 
Chairman

John Grant

Justin Dowley

David Lis

Christopher Miller

John Grant

Liz Hewitt

David Lis

(1)  John Grant assumed the position of Senior non-executive Director at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM 

and will be retiring from the Board at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM.

(2)  Subject to shareholder approval of Justin Dowley’s re-election at the 2017 AGM, he will assume the position 

of Senior non-executive Director at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM.

Main responsibilities 
of the Board:

•  Effectively manage and control the 
Company via a formal schedule of 
matters reserved for its decision

• Determine and review Company 

strategy and policy

•  Consider acquisitions, disposals  
and requests for major capital 
expenditure

•  Review trading performance

• Ensure that adequate funding 
and personnel are in place

• Maintain sound internal control systems

• Report to shareholders and give 

consideration to all other significant 
financial matters

•  Review the Group’s risk management 

and internal control systems

• Determine the nature and extent  

of the risks the Group is willing to take

• Agree the Group’s governance 
framework and approve Group 
governance policies

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Governance56

Board of Directors

Christopher Miller
Executive Chairman

David Roper
Executive Vice-Chairman

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director

Year appointed
Appointed as Executive 
Chairman on 29 May 2003.

Skills and experience
Christopher’s long-standing 
involvement in manufacturing 
industries and private investment 
brings a wealth of experience  
to the Board. 

A chartered accountant, 
Christopher qualified with 
Coopers & Lybrand, following 
which he was an Associate 
Director of Hanson plc. In 
September 1988, Christopher 
joined the board of Wassall PLC 
as its Chief Executive. Between 
October 2000 and May 2003, 
Christopher was involved in 
private investment activities.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
2/3

Other significant 
appointments
–

Committee membership
• Nomination

Independent
Not applicable

Year appointed
Appointed as Executive 
Vice-Chairman on 9 May 2012, 
having previously served as  
Chief Executive from May 2003.

Skills and experience
From a wide range of roles  
in corporate finance, private 
investment and management 
in manufacturing industries, 
David brings significant 
investment, financial and 
operational expertise. 

A chartered accountant, David 
qualified with Peat Marwick 
Mitchell, following which he 
worked in the corporate finance 
divisions of S.G. Warburg, BZW 
and Dillon Read. In September 
1988, David was appointed to 
the board of Wassall PLC, before 
becoming its deputy Chief 
Executive in 1993. Between 
2000 and 2003, David was 
involved in private investment 
activities and served as a non-
executive Director on the boards 
of two companies in France. 

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
3/3

Other significant 
appointments
•  Trustee of E-ACT, an 

independent sponsor of 
state-funded educational 
academies.

Committee membership
–

Independent
Not applicable

Year appointed
Appointed as Chief Executive  
on 9 May 2012, having 
previously served as 
Chief Operating Officer 
from May 2003.

Skills and experience
Simon provides widespread 
expertise in corporate finance, 
mergers and acquisitions, 
strategy and operations.

Simon qualified as a solicitor in 
1986, before moving to Wassall 
PLC in 1990, where he became 
an executive Director in 1999. 
Between October 2000 and  
May 2003, Simon worked  
for the equity finance division  
of The Royal Bank of Scotland 
where he was involved in several 
high profile transactions.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
3/3

Other significant 
appointments
–

Committee membership
–

Independent
Not applicable

Year appointed
Appointed as Group Finance 
Director on 7 July 2005.

Skills and experience
Geoffrey provides considerable 
public company experience and 
expertise in corporate finance, 
raising equity finance and 
financial strategy.

A chartered accountant,  
Geoffrey qualified with Coopers 
& Lybrand, where he worked 
within the corporate finance  
and audit departments. In 1996, 
Geoffrey joined Royal Doulton 
PLC, serving as Group Finance 
Director from October 2000 
until June 2005. During this time, 
Geoffrey was involved in a 
number of projects, including 
raising public equity, debt 
refinancing and the restructuring 
and outsourcing of the 
manufacturing and supply chain.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
3/3

Other significant 
appointments
–

Committee membership
–

Independent
Not applicable

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016p.66
Audit Committee report

p.70
Nomination Committee report

p.72
Directors’ Remuneration report

57

John Grant (1)
Senior non-executive 
Director
Year appointed
Appointed as Senior non-
executive Director on 11 May 
2016, having previously served 
as non-executive Director since 
1 August 2006.

Skills and experience
Following a variety of senior roles 
within the automotive industry, 
John brings financial expertise 
and global executive experience 
to the Board.

John was Chief Executive of 
Ascot Plc between 1997 and 
2000. Prior to that, he was  
Group Finance Director of Lucas 
Industries Plc (subsequently 
LucasVarity Plc) between 1992 
and 1996. He also previously 
held several senior strategy  
and finance positions with 
Ford Motor Company both 
in Europe and the US.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
3/3

Other significant 
appointments
•  Senior Independent Director 

of MHP S.A

•  Non-executive Director 

of Augean Plc

• Chairman of British Racing 

Drivers’ Limited

Committee membership
• Audit (Chairman)
• Nomination
• Remuneration

Independent
Yes (3)

Justin Dowley (2)
Non-executive Director

Liz Hewitt (2)
Non-executive Director

David Lis (2)
Non-executive Director

Year appointed
Appointed as a non-executive 
Director on 1 September 2011.

Year appointed
Appointed as a non-executive 
Director on 8 October 2013.

Year appointed
Appointed as an non-executive 
Director on 12 May 2016.

Skills and experience
Justin has extensive experience 
with over 35 years spent within 
the banking, investment and 
asset management sector.

A chartered accountant, Justin 
qualified with Price Waterhouse 
and was latterly Vice Chairman  
of EMEA Investment Banking,  
a division of Nomura 
International plc. He was also a 
founder partner of Tricorn 
Partners, Head of Investment 
Banking at Merrill Lynch Europe 
and a director of Morgan 
Grenfell.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Business reviews attended
3/3

Other significant 
appointments
•   Non-executive Director 
of Novae Group plc, 
Scottish Mortgage Investment 
Trust PLC

•  Director of a number of private 

companies.

• Steward of the Jockey Club

Committee membership
• Audit
• Nomination
• Remuneration (Chairman) (2)

Independent
Yes (3)

Skills and experience
Liz has extensive business, 
financial and investment 
experience gained from  
a number of senior roles  
in international companies.

A chartered accountant, Liz 
qualified with Arthur Andersen  
& Co., following which she  
held a variety of positions  
within Gartmore Investment 
Management, CVC and 3i 
Group plc. Between 2004 and 
2011, Liz was the Group Director  
of Corporate Affairs for Smith  
& Nephew plc, following a 
secondment to the Department 
for Business, Innovation and 
Skills and the HM Treasury, 
where Liz worked to establish 
The Enterprise Capital Fund.

Skills and experience
David has held several senior 
roles in investment and fund 
management and brings 
extensive financial experience 
to the Board.

David commenced his career 
at NatWest, and held positions 
at J Rothschild Investment 
Management and Morgan 
Grenfell after which David 
founded Windsor Investment 
Management. David joined 
Norwich Union Investment 
Management in 1997 (later 
merging to form Aviva Investors), 
before becoming Head of 
Equities in 2012 and latterly 
Chief Investment Officer, Equities 
and Multi Assets, until his 
retirement in March 2016.

Board meetings attended
4/4

Board meetings attended
3/3 (4)

Business reviews attended
3/3

Business reviews attended
1/1(4)

Other significant 
appointments
•  Non-executive Director 

of Novo Nordisk A/S and 
Savills plc.

• Member of the House of Lords 

Commission

Committee membership
• Audit
• Nomination (Chairman)(2)
• Remuneration

Independent
Yes(3)

Other significant 
appointments
• Director of the Investor Forum

• Non-executive Director of 
Electra Private Equity PLC 
and BCA Marketplace plc

Committee membership
• Audit 
• Nomination (2)
• Remuneration

Independent
Yes (3)

(1)  John Grant assumed the position of Senior non-executive Director at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM and will be retiring from the Board with effect from the conclusion of the 2017 AGM.
(2)  Following John Grant’s retirement at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM, John will be replaced as Senior non-executive Director by Justin Dowley, who will continue to hold the position of 

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and John’s position as Chairman of the Audit Committee will be taken up by Liz Hewitt, who will step down as Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee, to be replaced by David Lis.

(3)   Details on the consideration given by the Board to the independence of its non-executive Directors, in light of the UK Corporate Governance Code, 

are provided on page 62 of the Corporate Governance Report.

(4)  David Lis was appointed as a non-executive Director with effect from 12 May 2016. 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Governance58

Directors’ report

The Directors of Melrose Industries PLC 
present their Annual Report and audited 
financial statements of the Group for the 
year ended 31 December 2016. 

Incorporated information
The Corporate Governance Report on pages 62 to 65, the Finance 
Director’s review on pages 30 to 36 and the Corporate Social 
Responsibility section of the Strategic Report on pages 46 to 53 
are each incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report. 

Disclosures elsewhere in the Annual Report are cross-referenced 
where appropriate. Taken together, they fulfil the combined 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) and of the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (the DTRs) and the Listing 
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. 

AGM 
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 
Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, Monkwell Square, Wood Street, London, 
EC2Y 5BL at 11.00 a.m. on 11 May 2017 (the AGM). The notice 
convening the meeting is shown on pages 147 to 152 and includes 
full details of the resolutions to be proposed, together with 
explanatory notes in relation to such resolutions (the AGM Notice).

Directors 
The Directors of the Company as at the date of this Annual Report, 
together with their biographical details, can be found on pages 56 
and 57. 

During 2016, Perry Crosthwaite retired from the Board with effect 
from the conclusion of the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016, having held 
a non-executive position since 2005. David Lis was appointed as a 
non-executive Director with effect from 12 May 2016.

Anticipated changes to the Board during the year are set out in 
the Governance overview on pages 54 to 55. Details of Directors’ 
service contracts are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
on pages 80 and 81 of the 2015 Annual Report. 

The statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the 
consolidated financial statements is set out on page 85, which 
is incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference. 

Appointment and removal of Directors and their powers 
The Company’s articles of association (Articles) give the Directors 
the power to appoint and replace other Directors. Under the terms 
of reference of the Nomination Committee, any appointment must 
be recommended by the Nomination Committee for approval by 
the Board. 

Pursuant to the Articles and in line with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, all of the Directors of the Company are required to stand for 
re-election on an annual basis. All current Directors of the Company 
will be standing for re-election by the shareholders at the forthcoming 
AGM, with the exception of John Grant, who will be retiring from office 
with effect from the conclusion of the AGM.

The Directors are responsible for managing the business of the 
Company and exercise their powers in accordance with the Articles, 
directions given by special resolution and any relevant statutes 
and regulations. 

Insurance and indemnities 
In accordance with the Articles and the indemnity provisions 
of the Act, the Directors have the benefit of an indemnity from 
the Company in respect of any liabilities incurred as a result of 
their office. This indemnity is provided both within the Articles 
and through a separate deed of indemnity between the Company 
and each of the Directors.

The Company has taken out an insurance policy in respect of those 
liabilities for which the Directors may not be indemnified. Neither 
the indemnities nor the insurance provides cover in the event that 
a Director is proved to have acted dishonestly or fraudulently. 

Capital structure
The Company’s issued share capital and changes to it during the 
financial year are detailed below and in note 25 to the financial 
statements (which are incorporated by reference into this report).

In December 2015, the Company completed the disposal of its 
Elster business to a subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for 
cash consideration of £3.3 billion. In accordance with its strategy to 
return value to shareholders, the Company returned approximately 
£2.4 billion of the proceeds for the disposal to shareholders (the 
Return of Capital).

In order to realise the Return of Capital, holders of ordinary shares in 
the Company as at 5.00 p.m. on the record date, 26 January 2016, 
received one B share with a nominal value of 240 pence each in the 
capital of the Company for every ordinary share held as at that date. 
The B shares were not admitted to listing or dealing on any exchange.

On 27 January 2016, the High Court of England and Wales 
approved the cancellation of the B shares. On 5 February 2016, 
cheques representing the nominal value of the B shares (240 pence 
each) were dispatched to their holdings and CREST accounts were 
credited with the proceeds, as appropriate.

Following the Return of Capital, the ordinary share capital of the 
Company was sub-divided and consolidated (the Share Capital 
Consolidation). This was to ensure that, so far as possible, the 
market price of an ordinary share in the Company remained 
approximately the same before and after the Return of Capital and, 
so far as possible, historical per share data remained comparable 
against future per share data.

The Share Capital Consolidation was effected by the sub-division of 
each existing ordinary share of 1 penny in the capital of the Company 
into seven shares of 1/7 pence each and consolidating 48 shares 
resulting from such sub-division into one new ordinary share of 48/7 
pence in the capital of the Company (the New Ordinary Shares). 
The record date for the Share Capital Consolidation was 6.00 p.m. 
on 27 January 2016 and the New Ordinary Shares were admitted 
to listing and trading from 8.00 a.m. on 28 January 2016. Subject to 
allowance for fractional entitlements, shareholders continued to own 
approximately the same proportion of the ordinary share capital of 
the Company before and after the Share Capital Consolidation.

The Return of Capital and the Share Capital Consolidation were 
approved by shareholders of the Company at a general meeting of 
the Company held on 2 October 2015 and by shareholders of the 
then parent company of the Group at a general meeting of that 
company held on 29 October 2015.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201659

In connection with the acquisition of Nortek, Inc., which completed 
on 31 August 2016, the Company raised £1,612 million (net of 
commissions and expenses) by way of a fully underwritten rights 
issue of 1,741,612,236 ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each in the 
capital of the Company issued pursuant to the Rights Issue (New 
Melrose Shares) (equating to a basis of 12 New Melrose Shares 
for every one existing share held) at 95 pence per share (the Rights 
Issue). The admission of the New Melrose Shares (issued in 
connection with the Rights Issue) to listing and to trading nil paid on 
the main market on the London Stock Exchange plc was effective 
on 9 August 2016 (Admission) and dealings commenced on that 
date. On 24 August 2016, the Company announced that it had 

received valid acceptances in respect of 1,689,589,213 New 
Melrose Shares offered pursuant to the Rights Issue, and further 
that subscribers had been procured for the remaining 52,023,023 
New Melrose Shares for which acceptances were not received.

As set out in detail on pages 43 to 46 of the prospectus published 
by the Company on 6 July 2016 in connection with the Rights Issue, 
upon completion of the acquisition of Nortek on 31 August 2016 the 
listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the premium segment 
of the Official List was cancelled, and on that date the Company 
announced that its ordinary shares had been re-admitted to the 
standard segment of the Official List (Readmission).

The table below shows details of the Company’s issued share capital as at: 31 December 2015; immediately following the Share Capital 
Consolidation becoming effective on 28 January 2016; immediately following Admission on 9 August 2016; immediately following 
Readmission on 31 August 2016; and as at 31 December 2016.

Share class

Ordinary shares of 1 penny each

Ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each

31 December 2015

995,206,966(1)

28 January 2016 
(Post the 
Share Capital 
Consolidation)

9 August 2016
(Post Admission)

31 August 2016 
(Post Readmission)

31 December 2016

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

145,134,353

1,886,746,589(2)

1,886,746,589(2)

1,886,746,589(2)

(1) 

 Fractional entitlements resulting from the Share Capital Consolidation effective on 28 January 2016 were aggregated and sold in the market. The aggregated proceeds of sale, net of 
commission, were donated to a charity nominated by the Board, the Motor Neurone Disease Association. In order to ensure that the aggregate of all fractional entitlements to be sold in 
the market added up to a whole number of new ordinary shares, 26 existing ordinary shares were allotted and issued to Investec Bank plc on 26 January 2016 at 281.0 pence per share, 
being the closing middle-market price of an existing ordinary share on 26 January 2016. These ordinary shares were issued pursuant to the authority granted by the Company’s 
shareholders in accordance with section 551 and section 570 of the Act at a general meeting of the Company held on 2 October 2015. The terms of this issue were fixed on 26 January 
2016 following a meeting of the Board. These existing ordinary shares were not entitled to participate in the Return of Capital, but were subject to the Share Capital Consolidation.
(2)  These ordinary shares were issued pursuant to the general authorities granted by the Company’s shareholders in accordance with section 551 of the Act at a general meeting of the 

Company held on 25 July 2016. The terms of this issue were fixed on 8 August 2016 following a meeting of a transaction committee of the Board.

Details of the 2012 Incentive Plan are set out on pages 76 and 77 
of the Directors’ Remuneration Report and note 22 to the financial 
statements, which are incorporated by reference into this report.

Shareholders’ voting rights
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting attached 
to any class of shares by or in accordance with the Articles, at a 
general meeting of the Company each member who holds ordinary 
shares in the Company and who is present (in person or by proxy) 
at such meeting is entitled to:

•  on a show of hands, one vote; and

•  on a poll, one vote for every ordinary share held by them.

There are currently no special rights or restrictions as to voting 
attached to any class of shares.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between 
shareholders that restrict voting rights attached to the ordinary 
shares in the Company.

Where any call or other amount due and payable in respect of an 
ordinary share remains unpaid, the holder of such shares shall not 
be entitled to vote or attend any general meeting of the Company 
in respect of those shares. As at 2 March 2017, all ordinary shares 
issued by the Company are fully paid.

Details of the deadlines for exercising voting rights in respect of 
the resolutions to be considered at the 2017 AGM are set out in 
the AGM Notice on pages 147 to 152.

Restrictions on transfer of ordinary shares
The Articles do not contain any restrictions on the transfer of 
ordinary shares in the Company, aside from the usual restrictions 
applicable where shares are not fully paid up, if entitled to do so 
under the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, where the 
transfer instrument does not comply with the requirements of the 
Articles or, in exceptional circumstances, where approved by the UK 
Listing Authority provided such refusal would not disturb the market 
in such shares. Restrictions may also be imposed by laws and 
regulations (such as insider trading and market abuse provisions). 
Directors and certain senior employees of the Group may also be 
subject to internal approvals before dealing in ordinary shares of 
the Company and minimum share holding requirements.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders 
that restrict the transfer of ordinary shares in the Company.

Articles of association
The Articles may only be amended by a special resolution at a 
general meeting of the shareholders of the Company. There are 
no amendments proposed to be made to the Articles at the 
forthcoming AGM. However, the AGM will be immediately followed 
by a General Meeting to approve the 2017 Incentive Plan on 
equivalent economic principles as the 2012 Incentive Plan with 
additional, shareholder focussed features when the 2012 Incentive 
Plan expires on 31 May 2017. Further details are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 82.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201660

Directors’ report 
continued

Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 December 2016, the following voting interests in the 
ordinary share capital of the Company, disclosable under DTR 5, 
had been notified to the Directors.

Shareholder

Fidelity Management 
& Research Company

Old Mutual

Shareholding

170,378,038

156,460,263

Columbia Threadneedle Investments

117,048,297

BlackRock Inc

Dimensional Fund Advisors

92,944,584

78,915,792

% of ordinary 
share capital as at  
31 December 2016

9.03%

8.29%

6.20%

4.93%

4.18%

Between 1 January 2017 and 1 March 2017, the following voting 
interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company, disclosable 
under DTR 5, were notified to the Directors:

Shareholder

Artemis Investment Management

Aviva plc

Shareholding(1)

93,899,567

57,828,273

% of ordinary share 
capital as at date 
of disclosure(1)

4.98%

3.06%

(1)  Since the acquisition date, the shareholders’ interests in the Company 

may have changed.

Shareholder dividend
The Directors are pleased to recommend the payment of a final 
dividend of 1.9 pence per share (2015: 0.5(2) pence) to be paid on 
16 May 2017 to ordinary shareholders on the register of members 
of the Company at the close of trading on 7 April 2017. This dividend 
recommendation will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming 
AGM of the Company, to be held on 11 May 2017. Subject to 
shareholder approval being obtained at the AGM for the final 
dividend, this will mean a full year 2016 dividend of 2.2 pence 
per share (2015: 1.0(2) pence).

Following the disposal of the Elster business in December 2015, 
the Company returned approximately £2.4 billion from the proceeds 
of the disposal to shareholders, by way of the Return of Capital. 
The Return of Capital and the Share Capital Consolidation were 
approved by shareholders of the Company at a general meeting 
of the Company held on 2 October 2015 and by shareholders of 
Melrose Holdings Limited at a general meeting of Melrose Holdings 
Limited held on 29 October 2015. The Return of Capital is not 
included in the full year dividend figure stated above. 

For discussions on the Board’s intentions with regards to the 
dividend policy, please see the Chairman’s statement on page 6, 
which is incorporated into this report by reference. 

The Company offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) which 
gives shareholders the opportunity to use their dividend payments 
to purchase further ordinary shares in the Company. Further details 
about the DRIP and its terms and conditions can be found within the 
Investors section of the Company’s website at www.melroseplc.net 

Ability to purchase own shares
Pursuant to sections 693 and 701 of the Act and a special resolution 
passed at a general meeting of the Company on 25 July 2016, the 
Company is authorised to make market purchases of up to 
188,674,658 of its ordinary shares, representing approximately 10% 
of the issued share capital of the Company immediately following 
the Rights Issue. The Company has not made any purchases of its 
own shares pursuant to this authority.

This authority will expire at the end of this year’s AGM, at which 
the Company is seeking approval to make market purchases of 
its ordinary shares up to the same number, thereby renewing the 
authority. The full text of the resolution, together with minimum 
and maximum price requirements, is set out in the AGM Notice 
on pages 147 to 152.

Financial instruments
The disclosures required in relation to the use of financial 
instruments by the Company, including the financial risk 
management objectives and policies (including in relation to 
hedging) of the Company and the exposure of the Company to 
price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, cash flow risk, exchange rate risk, 
contract and warranty risk and commodity cost risk, can be found 
in the Finance Director’s review on pages 30 to 36, the risks and 
uncertainties section of the Strategic Report on pages 40 to 45 
and in note 24 to the financial statements, which are incorporated 
by reference into this Directors’ Report.

Research and development activities
The industries in which the Melrose Group invests are highly 
competitive and the businesses within the Group are encouraged 
to research and develop new and innovative product lines and 
processes in order to meet customer demands in a continuously 
evolving environment.

An example of the types of new products being launched within the 
former Nortek businesses include AQH’s intermediate range hood 
product line, as noted in the Divisional reviews on pages 20 to 29, 
which are incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report. 

Business review and risks
A review of the Group’s performance, the key risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group and details on the likely development of the Group 
can be found in the Chairman’s statement on page 6 and the 
Strategic Report on pages 2 to 53 of this Annual Report (including 
the longer-term viability statement on page 37 and the risks and 
uncertainties section on pages 40 to 45) which are incorporated 
into this Directors’ Report by reference.

Employees
Details in relation to employment policies, employee involvement, 
consultation and development, together with details of some of the 
human resource improvement initiatives implemented during 2016, 
are shown on pages 46 to 53 of the Corporate Social Responsibility 
section of the Strategic Report and on page 70 of the Nomination 
Committee Report, which are incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report.

(2) Adjusted by a bonus factor of 18.8% related to the Rights Issue completed in August 2016.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201661

Following the acquisition of Nortek, divisional long-term incentive 
plans are being finalised for certain businesses. These plans are 
on similar terms to previous divisional schemes used to incentivise 
business level senior management to deliver value for shareholders, 
and typically contain change of control provisions that would be 
triggered by a change of control of the Company.

Auditor
So far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information (being information that is needed by the Company’s 
auditor to prepare its report) of which the Company’s auditor is 
unaware. Each Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to 
have taken as a Director to make him/herself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is 
aware of that information. 

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of section 418 of the Act.

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee has reviewed the 
effectiveness, performance, independence and objectivity of the 
existing external auditor, Deloitte LLP, for the year ended 
31 December 2016 and concluded that the external auditor was in 
all respects effective. Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness to 
continue in office as auditor of the Group. Accordingly, resolutions 
will be proposed at this year’s AGM for the reappointment of Deloitte 
LLP as auditor of the Group and to authorise the Audit Committee 
to determine its remuneration. 

Approval
Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Jonathon Crawford
Company Secretary
2 March 2017

Environmental
Details of the Group’s environmental initiatives, greenhouse 
gas emissions and the methodology used to calculate such 
emissions are set out on pages 52 and 53 of the Corporate 
Social Responsibility section of the Strategic Report, which is 
incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report.

Political donations
The Group’s policy is not to make any political donations and 
there were no political donations made during the year ended 
31 December 2016 (2015: nil).

Branches
The Melrose Group and its businesses operate across various 
jurisdictions. Other than the Ergonomics division, which has a 
registered branch of Ergotron, Inc. in the Netherlands called 
Ergotron Computer Mounting Solutions Limited, the Group 
has no registered branches.

Disclosures required under Listing Rule 9.8.4R
Other than the following, no further information is required to be 
disclosed by the Company in respect of Listing Rule 9.8.4R:

•  details of the 2012 Incentive Plan, which are set out on pages 
76 to 77 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report and note 22 
to the financial statements (incorporated by reference into this 
report); and

•  details of an allotment of ordinary shares to Investec Bank plc, 
as part of the Share Capital Consolidation, which are set out 
on page 59 of this Directors’ Report.

Significant agreements and change of control
With the exception of the Group’s banking facilities, the 2012 
Incentive Plan (including the options granted under this plan) and 
the divisional management long-term incentive plans, there are 
no other agreements that would have a significant effect upon a 
change of control of Melrose Industries PLC as at 1 March 2017.

In July 2016, as part of the process to acquire Nortek, the 
Group entered into a US$1,250 million term loan and revolving 
credit facilities.

In the event of a change of control of the Company following a 
takeover bid, the Company and lenders under the facility agreement 
are obliged to enter into negotiations to determine whether, and if 
so how, to continue with the facility. There is no obligation for the 
lenders to continue to make the facility available for more than 
30 days beyond any change of control. Failure to reach agreement 
with parties on revised terms could require an acquirer to put in 
place replacement facilities.

In the event of a takeover of the Company, options granted under 
the 2012 Incentive Plan would be exercised and any 2012 incentive 
shares resulting from such exercise, or that had previously been 
issued, would convert into ordinary shares in the Company or an 
entitlement to a dividend paid in cash, the rate of conversion being 
based upon the offer price of the Company’s ordinary shares as 
calculated on the date of the change of control of the Company. If 
the offer price, or any element of the offer price, is not in cash, the 
Remuneration Committee will determine the value of the non-cash 
element, having been advised by a reputable investment bank that 
such valuation is fair and reasonable.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201662

Corporate governance report

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code)  
and the Listing Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority,  
this section of the Annual Report details the ways in which the 
Company has applied and complied with the principles and 
provisions of the Code during the year ended 31 December 2016.

In April 2016, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) amended the 
Code, a copy of which is available at www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/
Publications/Corporate-Governance/UK-Corporate-
Governance-Code-April-2016.pdf

The Audit Committee Report, Nomination Committee Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and the risk management and 
risks and uncertainties sections of the Strategic Report also form 
part of this Corporate Governance Report.

As set out in detail on page 12 of the circular published by the 
Company on 6 July 2016 in connection with the acquisition of 
Nortek (“Circular”), the transaction was a reverse takeover 
for the purpose of the Listing Rules. As a result, on completion 
on 31 August 2016 the listing of the Company’s ordinary shares 
on the premium segment of the Official List was cancelled, and 
on that date the Company announced that its ordinary shares 
had been re-admitted to the standard segment of the Official 
List (“Readmission”).

Notwithstanding its Standard Listing, as indicated on page 12 
of the Circular the Company is complying on a voluntary basis 
with obligations applicable to it were it a Premium Listed company, 
including the provisions of the Code.

Having stated that it was the Company’s intention to transfer to 
the Premium List as soon as practicable, the Company expects 
to publish an intention to transfer announcement in March 2017 
following its approval by the UKLA, formally commencing this process 
which will be complete 20 business days after publication, upon 
which the Company’s shares will be included in the premium 
segment again.

Statement of compliance
Throughout the year ended 31 December 2016, the Company  
has applied and complied with the main principles, the supporting 
principles and the respective related provisions of the Code,  
with the exception of the following:

D.1.1 

 Schedule A of the Code recommends that grants under 
executive share options and other long-term investment 
plans should normally be phased, rather than awarded in 
one block. Grants under the 2012 Incentive Plan, details  
of which are set out on pages 76 to 77 of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report in the Annual Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2015, were awarded in one block, 
rather than phased. The 2012 Incentive Plan was 
recommended as being in the best interests of 
shareholders as a whole by the Board and was approved 
by shareholders at a general meeting held on 11 April 2012.

All other aspects of the executive Directors’ remuneration fully 
comply with Schedule A of the Code. Furthermore, the 
Remuneration Committee has determined that grants under the 
new 2017 Incentive Plan, which, subject to shareholder approval, 
is proposed to replace the 2012 Incentive Plan on its crystallisation 
on 31 May 2017, will be phased rather than awarded in one block. 
The 2017 Incentive Plan will be put to shareholders for approval at 
the General Meeting immediately following the AGM.

Main Principle A: Leadership
The Board
Details of the structure of the Board and its key responsibilities  
are shown on page 55.

There were four formally-scheduled Board meetings held during  
the year and the attendance of each Director at these meetings is 
shown on pages 56 to 57. In addition, a number of unscheduled 
Board meetings were held during the year in connection with 
corporate transactions, for example in relation to the acquisition 
of Nortek Inc. and the associated Rights Issue.

In addition, business review meetings are held between scheduled 
Board meetings. There were three business review meetings held 
during the year. The attendance of each Director at these review 
meetings is set out on pages 56 to 57. These meetings are critical to 
providing the Directors with a comprehensive understanding of the 
current performance of, and the key issues affecting, the Group’s 
businesses, without the formality or rigidity of a Board meeting. 
Chief executives and other senior management from the Melrose 
businesses are periodically invited to attend and present to these 
meetings, providing the Directors with an opportunity to discuss 
each business directly and to develop relationships with their 
leadership teams.

A pack of briefing papers and an agenda are provided to each 
Director in advance of each Board, Committee or business review 
meeting. The Directors are able to seek further clarification and 
information on any matter from any other Director, the Company 
Secretary or any other employee of the Group whenever necessary. 
Decisions are taken by the Board in conjunction with the 
recommendations of its Committees and advice from external 
consultants, advisers and senior management.

The Board has a fully-encrypted electronic board portal system, 
enabling Board, Committee and review papers to be delivered 
securely and efficiently to Directors. This facilitates a faster and more 
secure distribution of information, accessed using electronic tablets 
and reduced resource usage.

The Company Secretary is responsible for advising and supporting 
the Chairman and the Board on corporate governance matters  
as well as ensuring a smooth flow of information to enable effective 
decision making. All Directors have access to the advice and 
services of the Company Secretary and, through him, have access 
to independent professional advice in respect of their duties, at the 
Company’s expense. The Company Secretary acts as secretary  
to the Board, the Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee  
and the Remuneration Committee.

In accordance with its Articles and in compliance with the 
Companies Act 2006, the Company has granted a qualifying third 
party indemnity to each Director. This indemnity is provided both 
within the Company’s Articles and through a separate deed of 
indemnity between the Company and each of the Directors. The 
Company also maintains Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance.

Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive
The roles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman are, and will remain, 
separate to that of the Chief Executive of the Company, in 
accordance with best practice and Board policy.

The Chairman, with the assistance of the Vice-Chairman, is 
responsible for leadership of the Board. The Chairman sets  
the Board agenda and ensures that adequate time is given to  
the discussion of issues, particularly those of a strategic nature. 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201663

Responsibility for ensuring effective communications are made  
to shareholders rests with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the 
two other executive Directors. 

The Board notes, and confirms its satisfaction with, the choice  
of an executive Chairman. Christopher Miller, the current executive 
Chairman of the Group, is one of the founding members of Melrose, 
having been a Director since its incorporation in 2003. Christopher’s 
long-standing involvement brings a wealth of experience to the 
Board and his oversight of corporate governance and compliance 
matters complements the work of the Group’s non-executive 
Directors. Christopher continues to play an active role in identifying 
and evaluating new opportunities for the Group.

The Chief Executive is responsible for strategic direction and 
decisions involving the day-to-day management of the Company.

Non-executive Directors
The Company’s non-executive Directors are encouraged to,  
and do, scrutinise the performance of the executive Directors  
in all areas, including on strategy, risks and financial information, 
through their roles on the Company’s Committees, at the Board’s 
scheduled meetings and review sessions and on an ad hoc basis.

Main Principle B: Effectiveness
Board composition
As at 2 March 2017, the Board comprised an executive Chairman, 
three other executive Directors and four non-executive Directors. 
The Board believes that the Directors possess diverse business 
experience in areas complementary to the activities of the Company. 
Biographies of the Directors are shown on pages 56 and 57 and 
on the Company’s corporate website at www.melroseplc.net 

These biographies identify any other significant appointments  
held by the Directors. None of the executive Directors hold 
non-executive positions outside the Company. 

The Board and the Nomination Committee undertake an annual 
review of the time commitment required from both the executive 
and non-executive Directors. The consensus view between the 
Directors is that the current time commitment is appropriate.

The Board notes that, unless a replacement has already been 
secured, following John Grant’s retirement as a non-executive 
Director at the conclusion of this year’s AGM, the Board will consist 
of an executive Chairman, three other executive Directors and three 
non-executive Directors and, as a result, will therefore temporarily 
have a greater proportion of executive Directors to non-executive 
Directors. The Nomination Committee has determined that in 
securing a replacement for Mr Grant the number of non-executive 
Directors serving on the Board will be increased to five so that there 
are a majority of independents serving on the Board. Stonehaven 
Associates, search and selection specialists, have been engaged 
to support the recruitment process. Aside from their assistance 
with the recruitment process, Stonehaven Associates have no 
other connection with the Company.

The Nomination Committee has agreed upon selection criteria  
for the roles, which have formed the basis of a shortlist. The 
Nomination Committee is currently in the process of working 
through such a shortlist, using a rigorous and comprehensive 
weighted scoring system to select the candidate most appropriate 
for the position. Appointments are expected to be made in the 
coming months.

Whilst the recruitment process continues, the Board is satisfied 
that there will be sufficient challenge by non-executive Directors 
of executive management in meetings of the Board and that no 
individual or small group of individuals dominates its decision making.

Non-executive Director independence
In accordance with the provisions of the Code, consideration has 
been given to the independence of all non-executive Directors. The 
Board considers all of the non-executive Directors to be independent.

Under the Code, the Board is required to state its reasons if it 
determines that a Director is independent notwithstanding the 
existence of any circumstances which may appear relevant  
to its determination.

John Grant, currently the Board’s senior non-executive Director, 
will retire from his position at the conclusion of this year’s AGM, having 
served three three-year terms as a non-executive Director. John’s 
role as a non-executive Director, and in particular the length of his 
time in office, has been closely monitored by the Board. Even though 
John has served as a non-executive Director for more than nine 
years since the date of his first election, the Board has determined 
that he continues to maintain his independence. In addition, the 
Board has continued to benefit from John’s invaluable experience 
in financial and other corporate matters. John will be replaced in 
the position of senior non-executive Director by Justin Dowley.

The non-executive Directors are not entitled to any cash bonus 
or shares under the 2012 Incentive Plan.

Board induction, training and support
A full and formal induction program tailored to the needs of individual 
Directors is provided for new Directors joining the Board. 

The primary aim of the induction program is to introduce 
new Directors to, and educate new Directors about, the Group’s 
businesses, its operations and its governance arrangements. 
Individual induction requirements are monitored by the Chairman 
and the Company Secretary to ensure that new Directors gain 
sufficient knowledge to enable them to contribute to the Board’s 
deliberations as quickly as possible.

Board evaluation
Evaluation approach and process
During 2016, the Chairman held meetings with each of the 
Directors, including the senior non-executive Director, to discuss 
the performance of individual Directors and the Board as a whole. 

In view of the fact that two of the evaluation exercises undertaken in 
the previous three years had been externally facilitated (supported by 
Lintstock Limited, a specialist governance consultancy), the Board 
decided that a more free-ranging discussion was merited for 2016.

A range of topics were discussed including: Board mix, profile  
and diversity, succession planning, risk and internal controls, 
strategy, Board processes, future investor strategy and the Group’s 
preparedness at managing the cyber risks facing the business.

The discussion also included a review of the actions agreed following 
the 2015 Board evaluation, and the steps taken in 2016 to address 
these needs.

Actions agreed 
from 2015 evaluation

What we have delivered 
in 2016

To focus on 
succession planning 
for the executive 
Directors and senior 
management and the 
Board’s visibility of 
potential successors 
within the Group, and 
to further scrutinise 
the composition, 
expertise and diversity 
of the Board.

Executive succession planning, talent 
management and senior executive career planning 
were considered by the Board throughout the 
year, and the composition, expertise and diversity 
of the Board were subject to continuous review. 
Accordingly, it has been decided to increase the 
number of independent non-executive Directors 
to five so that they are a majority of the Board.

It is intended that these issues remain a core focus 
for the Board and that they be reviewed on at least 
an annual basis.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201664

Corporate governance report 
continued

Actions agreed 
from 2015 evaluation

What we have delivered 
in 2016

To continue to focus 
on risk management 
and internal control 
and, in particular, 
further embedding  
a culture of effective 
risk management 
across the Group.

The Board and the Audit Committee monitored 
throughout the year the key elements of the 
Melrose risk management framework and its 
application to the Group, including the updated 
risk strategy, best practice risk register with risk 
mapping and profiling application, education 
and training programs and audit and assurance 
processes. The implementation of these elements 
across the newly acquired Nortek business 
divisions was an area of particular focus.

Outputs of the evaluation
Overall, the Board was satisfied with its performance, and agreed 
that the Chairman and the senior non-executive Director continued  
to be very effective.

In order to continue and further enhance the Board’s effectiveness, 
the following areas were designated as the subject of management 
focus during 2017:

•  executive Director succession and managing the succession 

of non-executive Directors;

•  risk management and internal control and to delineate 

accountabilities between the Board and the Audit Committee; and

•  to continue visits to major operating units to ensure that the 
Board maintains sound knowledge of the businesses within 
the Group and is visible to the operations.

It was further recognised that cyber risk was an increasing area  
of concern and would be focused on in 2017. 

In accordance with the provisions of the Code, it is anticipated that 
externally-facilitated Board evaluations will be carried out at least 
once every three years. The scope for each evaluation is designed  
to build upon learning gained in the previous year to ensure that the 
recommendations agreed in the evaluations are implemented and 
that year-on-year progress is measured and reported upon. 

Annual re-election of Directors
Pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Association and in 
accordance with the provisions of the Code, all of the Directors 
stood for re-election at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. With 
the exception of John Grant, who will be retiring from office with 
effect from the conclusion of the meeting, and David Lis who is 
standing for election for the first time since his appointment took 
effect on 12 May 2016, all current Directors of the Company will 
be standing for re-election by shareholders at this year’s Annual 
General Meeting. 

Following performance evaluations of each of the Directors  
and having carefully considered the commitments required and  
the contributions made by each Director, the Chairman is of the  
opinion that each Director’s performance continues to be effective 
and continues to demonstrate commitment to the role. Similarly, 
following performance evaluations of the Chairman and having 
carefully considered the commitments required and the contributions 
made by the Chairman, the non-executive Directors, led by the 
senior non-executive Director, are of the opinion that the Chairman’s 
performance continues to be effective and that he continues to 
demonstrate commitment to the role.

Attendance of Directors at meetings
The following table shows the attendance of each of the Directors  
at the scheduled meetings of the Board and its Committees held 

during the year. The quorum necessary for the transaction  
of business by the Board and each of its Committees is two. 
Briefing papers and meeting agendas are provided to each  
Director in advance of each meeting. Decisions are taken by the 
Board in conjunction with the recommendations of its Committees 
and advice from external advisers and senior management as 
appropriate. The representations of any Director who is unable  
to attend a meeting of the Board or a standing Committee are  
duly considered by those Directors in attendance.

The table also shows attendance at business review meetings  
held between scheduled Board meetings.

Attendance of Directors

Board

Audit Nomination Remuneration Business

Number of 
meetings(1)

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Perry Crosthwaite (3)

John Grant

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis (4)

4

4

4

4

4

1

4

4

4

3

3

–

–

–

3 (2)

1

 3

3

3

2

2

2

–

–

–

–

2

2

2

2

2

–

–

–

–

1

2

2

2

1

3

2

3

3

3

2

3

3

3

1

(1) 

 In addition, ad hoc meetings are held from time to time which are attended by a 
quorum of Directors and are convened to deal with specific items of business.

(2)  Geoffrey Martin attends by invitation.
(3)  Perry Crosthwaite retired as a non-executive Director with effect from the conclusion 
of the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016. Mr Crosthwaite attended all Board and Committee 
meetings held during the period 1 January 2016 to 11 May 2016.

(4)  David Lis was appointed as a non-executive Director with effect from 12 May 2016. 

Mr Lis attended all Board and Committee meetings held during the period 12 May 2016 
to 31 December 2016.

Main Principle C: Accountability
Objectives and policy
The objectives of the Directors and senior management are to 
safeguard and increase the value of the business and assets of  
the Group for the benefit of its shareholders. Achievement of their 
objectives requires the development of policies and appropriate 
internal control frameworks to ensure the Group’s resources are 
managed properly and any key risks are identified and mitigated 
where possible.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the development of the 
Group’s overall risk management policies and system of internal 
control frameworks and for reviewing their respective effectiveness, 
while the role of senior management is to implement these policies 
and frameworks across the Group’s business operations. The 
Directors recognise that the systems and processes established  
by the Board are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk 
of failing to achieve business objectives and cannot provide absolute 
assurance against material financial misstatement or loss.

The Board is committed to satisfying the internal control guidance 
for Directors set out in the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management, 
Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.  
In accordance with this guidance, the Board assumes ultimate 
responsibility for risk management and internal controls, including 
determining the nature and extent of the principal risks it is willing  

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201665

to take to achieve its strategic objectives (its “risk appetite”) and 
ensuring an appropriate culture has been embedded throughout 
the organisation. The establishment of a revised risk management 
and internal control system has been complemented by ongoing 
monitoring and review, to ensure the Company is able to adapt  
to an evolving risk environment. 

A separate Audit Committee Report is set out on pages 66 to 69 
and provides details of the role and activities of the Committee 
and its relationship with the internal and external auditors.

Managing and controlling risk
Since 2014, the Group’s approach to risk management has been 
reviewed and enhanced. The systems, processes and controls  
in place accord with the Code and the FRC’s updated guidance. 
Details on the Group’s risk management strategy are set out on 
pages 38 to 39.

Further information regarding the Group’s financial risk objectives  
and policies can be found in the Finance Director’s review on pages 
30 to 36. A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties that 
could impact upon the Group’s performance is set out on pages 
40 to 45.

Internal financial controls and reporting
The Group has a comprehensive system for assessing the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls, including strategic 
business planning and regular monitoring and reporting of financial 
performance. A detailed annual budget is prepared by senior 
management and thereafter is reviewed and formally adopted  
by the Board. 

The budget and other targets are regularly updated via a rolling 
forecast process and regular business review meetings are held  
with the involvement of senior management to assess performance.  
The results of these reviews are in turn reported to and discussed  
by the Board at each meeting. As discussed in the Audit Committee 
Report on page 69, the Group engages BM Howarth as internal 
auditor. A total of two internal audit visits, covering 32% of Group 
turnover prior to the acquisition of Nortek, were completed prior to 
30 June 2016. In addition, as part of the fair value exercise carried 
out on the acquisition of Nortek, the internal auditors visited 37 sites, 
accounting for 100% of turnover of the former Nortek businesses.

The Directors are pleased to report that there were no material 
deficiencies and that the majority of the recommendations 
presented in the internal audit reports have now been, or are  
in the process of being, implemented. 

The Board confirms that, from the review of internal controls, it  
has not determined any significant failings or weaknesses that it 
considers to require remedial action. The Board also confirms that  
it has not been advised of any material weaknesses in the internal 
control systems that relate to financial reporting. 

The Audit Committee also monitors the effectiveness of the internal 
control process implemented across the Group through a review  
of the key findings presented by the external and internal auditors. 
Management is responsible for ensuring that the Audit Committee’s 
recommendations in respect of internal controls and risk 
management are implemented.

Compliance and ethics
The Company takes very seriously its responsibilities under the 
laws and regulations in the countries and jurisdictions in which the 

Group operates and has in place appropriate measures to ensure 
compliance. A compliance framework is in place comprising a suite 
of policies governing anti-bribery and anti-corruption, money 
laundering, competition, trade compliance, data privacy, 
whistleblowing, document retention and joint ventures. These policies 
were reviewed and updated following the acquisition of Nortek and are 
in place within each business. They apply to all directors, employees 
(whether permanent, fixed-term, or temporary), pension trustees, 
consultants and other business advisers, contractors, trainees, 
volunteers, business agents, distributors, joint venture partners or 
any other person working for or performing a service on behalf of 
the Company, its subsidiaries and/or associated companies in which 
the Company or any of its subsidiaries has a majority interest. 

In addition, in conjunction with their internal audit function,  
BM Howarth conduct compliance audits across the Group and its 
businesses to identify any areas for improvement. Furthermore, an 
anti-bribery and anti-corruption assurance exercise is undertaken 
by the Group on an annual basis.

During 2016, the Company implemented its externally-hosted 
whistleblowing hotline across the Nortek divisions, together with 
a roll-out of its online compliance training platform, covering topics 
such as antitrust, trade compliance and export controls, data 
privacy, anti-bribery and anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. 

During the year 685 modules of the training platform were 
completed by employees of the Group. 

Main Principle D: Remuneration
Details regarding Directors’ remuneration, both generally and 
in relation to the requirements of the Code, are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report, which is presented in the 
following two sections:

•  the annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 

Committee, which can be found on pages 72 to 75; and

•  the Annual Report on Remuneration, which can be found 

on pages 76 to 81.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy remains unchanged and 
therefore is not included within the Report, but can be found 
on pages 72 to 84 of the 2015 Annual Report.

Main Principle E: Relations with shareholders
Through regular meetings and presentations between the executive 
Directors, analysts and institutional shareholders, including those 
following the announcements of the Company’s annual and interim 
results, the Company seeks to build on a mutual understanding  
of objectives with its shareholders. The non-executive Directors  
are available to meet institutional shareholders should there be 
unresolved matters shareholders wish to bring to their attention. 
The views of key analysts and shareholders are generally reported 
to the Board directly by individual Directors or via the Company’s 
brokers. This helps to ensure that all members of the Board develop 
an understanding of the views and any concerns of shareholders.

The Board welcomes the attendance of shareholders at the  
Annual General Meeting, the notice for which can be found  
on pages 147 to 152. The Annual General Meeting provides all 
shareholders with the opportunity to attend and vote on the matters 
put to shareholders, either in person or by proxy. The results of  
the voting on each of the resolutions proposed will be announced 
shortly after the Annual General Meeting has concluded, via the 
Melrose corporate website at www.melroseplc.net

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201666

Audit Committee report

John Grant
Audit Committee 
Chairman

The responsibilities of the Audit Committee  
(the Committee) include overseeing 
financial reporting, risk management and 
internal controls, in addition to making 
recommendations to the Board regarding  
the appointment of the Company’s internal 
and external auditors. 

Member

John Grant (Chairman) 

Perry Crosthwaite (1) 

Justin Dowley 

Liz Hewitt 

David Lis (2)

No. of meetings

3/3 

1/1

3/3 

3/3

2/2

(1)  Retired from the Audit Committee with effect from the conclusion of the 2016 AGM 

on 11 May 2016.

(2)  Appointed to the Audit Committee with effect from 12 May 2016.

Role and responsibilities 
The Committee’s role and responsibilities are set out in its terms  
of reference. These were updated in December 2016 in line with 
best practice and are available on the Company’s website and 
from the Company Secretary at the Company’s registered office. 
In discharging its duties, the Committee embraces its role of 
protecting the interests of shareholders with respect to the integrity 
of financial information published by the Company and the 
effectiveness of the audit. The responsibilities of the 
Committee include: 

•  reviewing and monitoring the integrity of the financial statements 
of the Group, including the Annual Report and interim report, 
and reviewing and reporting to the Board on significant financial 
reporting issues and judgements which they contain; 

•  keeping under review the effectiveness of the Group’s financial 
reporting, risk management and internal control systems and 
compliance controls;

•  monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal 

audit function;

•  reviewing and challenging the going concern assumption 
and the assessment forming the basis of the longer-term 
viability statement;

•  focusing and challenging the consistency of accounting policies, 
methods used to account for significant or unusual transactions 
and compliance with accounting standards; 

•  reviewing the Group’s arrangements for its employees to raise 
concerns in confidence about possible wrongdoing in financial 
reporting, in accordance with the Company’s whistleblowing policy; 

•  assessing annually the external auditor’s independence and 

objectivity, taking into account relevant UK law, regulation, the 
Ethical Standards and other professional requirements and the 
relationship with the auditors as a whole, including the provision 
of any non-audit services;

•  developing, implementing and monitoring the Group’s policy 

on external audit and for overseeing the objectivity and 
effectiveness of the auditor; and 

•  reviewing and considering the Annual Report and financial 

statements to ensure that it is fair, balanced and understandable 
and advising the Board on whether it can state that this is the case. 

Composition 
Each member of the Committee is deemed to be independent by 
the Company and brings recent and relevant financial experience 
from senior executive and non-executive positions as described  
in their biographies on pages 56 to 57. 

Perry Crosthwaite stepped down from the Committee following 
his retirement from the Board with effect from the conclusion of 
the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016 and David Lis was appointed to 
the Committee in his place.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. 

The Committee invites the Group Finance Director, the Head of 
Financial Reporting and senior representatives of the external and 
internal auditors to attend meetings where appropriate to the business 
being considered. The Committee has the right to invite any other 
Directors and/or employees to attend meetings where this is 
considered appropriate. In addition, the Committee meets at least 
once per year with both the external and internal auditors without 
management present. 

Summary of meetings in the year
The Committee is expected to meet not less than three times  
a year. In 2016, the Committee met in March, July and November. 
The scheduling of these meetings is designed to be aligned with 
the financial reporting timetable, thereby enabling the Committee  
to review the Annual Report and financial statements, the interim 
financial report and the audit plan ahead of the year-end audit  
and to maintain a view of the internal controls and processes 
throughout the year. 

The attendance of its members at these meetings is shown in  
the table opposite. 

Significant issues related to the financial statements 
In discharging its duties under its terms of reference, the Committee 
undertook the following recurring activities that receive annual scrutiny: 

•  reviewed the Annual Report and financial statements and interim 
financial report, including the going concern assumption and the 
assessment forming the basis of the longer-term viability statement. 
As part of this review the Committee received reports from the 
external auditor on their audit of the Annual Report and financial 
statements and their review of the interim financial report; 

•  considered the processes in place to generate forecasts 

of cash flows and accounting valuation information, including 
the reasonableness and consistent use of assumptions; 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201667

•  reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management  

and internal controls and disclosures made in the Annual Report 
and financial statements on this matter; 

•  considered the Annual Report and financial statements in the 

context of being fair, balanced and understandable and reviewed 
the content of a paper prepared by management with regard 
to this principle in relation to the 2016 Annual Report and 

financial statements. The Committee advised the Board that, in 
its view, the 2016 Annual Report and financial statements when 
taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy; and 

•  reviewed and agreed the scope of the audit work to be 

undertaken by the internal auditor and the external auditor.

In addition to these matters, the Committee considered the following significant issues in relation to the financial statements during the year:

The Audit Committee’s activities during 2016

Significant issue considered by the Audit Committee

How the issue was addressed by the Audit Committee

Acquisition of Nortek
The Nortek acquisition was completed on 31 August 2016, 
and therefore the consolidated Group accounts include 
Nortek results for the period 31 August to 31 December 2016.

Judgement was required in identifying the fair value of the 
assets and liabilities acquired.

A detailed opening balance sheet review of Nortek was undertaken by management 
with assistance from internal auditors BM Howarth and external valuation specialists 
with a view to identifying fair value adjustments. Further, in order to gain assurances 
over the opening balance sheet position and to audit all material fair value 
adjustments, Deloitte visited the eleven most material Nortek sites. The Committee 
considered the methodology used and key judgements and estimates involved in the 
identification and measurement of the acquired assets and liabilities and concluded 
that they were appropriate.

(Refer to note 12)

Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets 
and other fixed assets
The judgements in relation to goodwill impairment testing 
relate to the assumptions applied in calculating the value in  
use of the cash-generating units being tested for impairment. 
In particular, the Committee considered the Brush China 
assets in connection with impairment testing. The key 
assumptions applied in the calculation relate to the future 
performance expectations of the cash-generating units. 

The Committee has also considered the related disclosures 
within the financial statements.

(Refer to notes 3 and 12)

Budget plans prepared by management, which support the future performance 
expectations used in the calculation, were approved by the executive Directors.  
The Committee challenged the outcome of the impairment review performed 
by management.

The impairment review was also an area of focus for the external auditor,  
who reported their findings to the Committee.

The Committee considered management’s approach, the assumptions applied  
in relation to the impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other fixed assets  
and related disclosures and, having taken input from the external auditor, agreed 
with management’s impairment assessment.

Provisions for legal and environmental claims, 
other provisions and contingent liabilities
The level of provisioning for legal and environmental claims 
and other provisions requires significant judgement. 

The Committee considered management’s proposed provisioning in respect  
of these legal and environmental claims and other provisions including the key 
judgements made and relevant legal advice, together with new provisions and 
contingent liabilities recognised on the acquisition of the former Nortek businesses.

Although provisions are reviewed on a regular basis  
and adjusted for management’s best current estimates,  
the judgemental nature of these items means that future 
amounts settled may be different from those provided.

The external auditor also reported on all material provisions to the Committee.

Having considered the matter and sought guidance from the external auditor,  
the Committee concluded that management’s proposed provisioning and the 
associated disclosures in the Annual Report were appropriate.

(Refer to notes 3 and 20)

Classification of non-underlying items 
The reporting, classification and consistency of 
non-underlying items, specifically restructuring, 
were an area of continued focus for the Committee.

(Refer to note 6)

Taxation risks and recognition of deferred tax assets
Judgement is required in determining the Group’s income 
statement tax charge and its provision for income taxes 
including estimating tax provisions where additional current  
tax may become payable in the future following the audit by 
the tax authorities of previously filed tax returns. Judgement  
is also required as to whether a deferred tax asset should be 
recognised based on the availability of future taxable profits. 

(Refer to notes 3, 8 and 21)

The Committee considered the nature, classification and consistency of 
non-underlying items. These items were detailed in the external auditor’s paper to 
the Committee. Having sought guidance from the external auditor, the Committee 
considered that the Company’s current reporting practice as to non-underlying items 
was clear, transparent and appropriate, thereby assisting shareholders in measuring 
the ongoing performance of the Company. The Committee therefore concluded that 
these non-underlying items were appropriately captured and disclosed.

Management’s taxation judgements, accounting treatment and the appropriateness 
of tax disclosures have been reviewed by the Committee. 

The Committee reviewed the tax implications of corporate transactions undertaken 
during the year. The tax risks and provisions, particularly those relating to audits  
by non-UK tax authorities, were also examined. The Committee also reviewed  
the Group’s recognised UK deferred tax asset and the key judgements which 
underpinned this.

Having taken input from the external auditor, the Committee agreed with 
management’s proposed treatment of tax risks and deferred tax assets.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201668

Audit Committee report 
continued

The Audit Committee’s activities during 2016

Significant issue considered by the Audit Committee

How the issue was addressed by the Audit Committee

Non-audit fees
Under new EU and Competition Commission rules, 
effective from 17 June 2016, new restrictions on non-audit 
services now apply.

The Committee considered the application of the new rules to the Group, noting in 
particular the cap on permitted non-audit services of 70% of average audit fees over 
a three-year period, to be first applied in December 2020, with fees in 2017, 2018 
and 2019 being relevant.

Risk management and internal control 
Monitored the risk management and the internal control 
systems and conducted a review of their effectiveness.

Going concern and viability 
Assessment of the going concern assumptions 
and the basis of the viability statement.

To ensure compliance with these regulatory developments, revisions were made to the 
Group’s Non-Audit Services Policy and the revised policy adopted by the Committee. 

The Committee received updates during the year from senior management on the 
Company’s risk management framework and internal control systems. 

The Committee also received a presentation from senior management on the risk 
management framework and on the financial, operational and compliance controls 
in place. The Committee considered the risk management and internal control 
systems and concluded that they were effective and reported this to the Board. 

The Committee reviewed and supported management’s recommendation 
to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. 

The Committee also considered papers prepared by management detailing the 
qualifications, assumptions, scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis and judgements 
which underpinned the longer-term viability statement to be included in the 2016 
Annual Report. The Committee concurred with the assumptions and judgements 
made by management and concluded that the longer-term viability statement  
was appropriate.

Risk management and internal control 
During 2016, the Committee monitored the effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal control systems through 
regular updates from management and a review of the key findings 
presented by the external and internal auditors. 

In accordance with provision C.2.3 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Board instructed the Committee to undertake a review 
of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems, covering all material controls including financial, 
operational and compliance controls. 

This review took the form of management presentations followed  
by a Committee discussion. The Company Secretary briefed the 
Committee on the key elements of the Melrose risk management 
framework including an updated risk strategy, a best practice  
risk register with risk mapping and profiling application, an education 
and training program and an audit and assurance process, as well 
as a confirmation to the Committee that this has been implemented 
across the newly acquired Nortek business units. Management then 
reported on the Group’s internal control systems. Samples of both 
Group and business unit controls, including financial, operational 
and compliance controls, were presented and examined. The 
Group’s risk management and internal control systems were 
reviewed and the Committee concluded that these systems were 
effective. The Committee reported its conclusions to the Board 
at the next scheduled Board meeting. 

External audit 
Appointment, re-appointment and assessment  
of effectiveness 
The Committee reviews and makes recommendations with regard 
to the re-appointment of the external auditor. In making these 
recommendations, the Committee considers auditor effectiveness 
and independence, partner rotation and any other factors which 
may impact the external auditor’s re-appointment. 

The Committee has reviewed the external auditor’s performance 
and effectiveness. For 2016, a series of questions covering the key 
areas of the audit process that the Committee is expected to have 
an opinion over were put to the Committee, including: 

•  the calibre, continuity, experience, resources and technical 
and industry knowledge of the engagement partner and of 
the wider external audit team; 

•  the planning and execution of the audit process; 

•  the quality and timeliness of communications from the 

external auditor; 

•  the quality of support provided to the Committee by the external 

audit partner; 

•  the degree to which the external auditor and the audit process 
have contributed to improvements in financial reporting to 
Melrose’s shareholders; and 

•  the external auditor’s independence and objectivity. 

The Committee, along with relevant members of the management 
team, were requested to complete a questionnaire containing these 
questions. The Company Secretary subsequently produced a report 
summarising the responses. Based on this report, the Committee 
concluded that the quality of the external audit team remains very 
high, the external audit process is operating effectively and Deloitte 
LLP continues to prove effective in its role as external auditor. 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201669

As detailed below the Committee regularly monitors the objectivity 
and independence of the external auditor. Deloitte LLP was 
appointed in 2003 when the Company commenced trading and 
the external audit has not been formally tendered since then. 
The Committee is satisfied that the effectiveness and independence 
of the external auditor are not impaired in any way. There are no 
legal or contractual obligations that restrict the Group’s capacity 
to recommend a particular firm for appointment as auditor and 
therefore a resolution proposing the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP 
as external auditor will be put to the shareholders at the 2017 
Annual General Meeting.

Audit tendering 
The Committee has considered the audit tendering provisions 
outlined in the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Committee 
has also reviewed the guidance provided by the European 
Commission and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).  
It is the Committee’s understanding that under the CMA and  
the EU rules rotation of the external audit firm is required by 2024.  
It is the Committee’s intention to put the external audit out to  
tender in accordance with the CMA and the EU timeframes.

The current audit engagement partner was appointed in 2015  
and is not due to rotate until the year ending 31 December 2019. 
The Committee remains satisfied with the quality, integrity and the 
effectiveness of the work undertaken by Deloitte LLP on behalf of 
the Melrose shareholders. Accordingly, it is not proposed to put 
the audit out to tender at the present time but the matter will be 
kept under review. 

Non-audit services 
Under new EU and Competition Commission rules, effective from 
17 June 2016, new restrictions on non-audit services now apply, 
which cap the level of permissible non-audit services awarded to 
the external auditor at 70% of the average audit fee for the previous 
three years. The cap applies prospectively and so will first apply in 
respect of the Company’s 2020 financial year, with fees in 2017, 
2018 and 2019 being relevant.

A policy on the engagement of the external auditor for the supply of 
non-audit services is in place to ensure that the provision of non-audit 
services does not impair the external auditor’s independence or 
objectivity. In accordance with best practice FRC guidelines, the 
Company policy in relation to non-audit services is kept under regular 
review (it was revised in 2016). The policy outlines which non-audit 
services are pre-approved (being those which are routine in nature, 
with a fee that is not significant in the context of the audit or audit-
related services), which services require the prior approval of the 
Committee and which services the auditor is excluded from providing. 
The general principle is that the audit firm should not be requested to 
carry out non-audit services on any activity of the Company where 
the audit firm may, in the future, be required to give an audit opinion. 

During 2016, the main non-audit services provided by Deloitte LLP 
were in relation to the Group’s acquisition of Nortek, taxation advice, 
compliance and planning services. With effect from year-end, 
Deloitte are now no longer providing taxation advice. 

Auditor objectivity and independence 
The Committee carries out regular reviews to ensure that auditor 
objectivity and independence are maintained at all times. A different 
senior partner oversaw the taxation audit of the Company to those 
working on the non-audit taxation services provided in 2016. 

No fees were paid to Deloitte LLP on a contingent basis. Based  
on these strict procedures, the Committee remains confident that 
auditor objectivity and independence have been maintained but 
accepts that non-audit work should be controlled to ensure that  
it does not compromise the auditor’s position. 

At each year end, Deloitte LLP submits a letter setting out how  
it believes its independence and objectivity have been maintained.  
As noted above, Deloitte LLP is also required to rotate the audit 
partner responsible for the Group audit every five years and 
significant subsidiary audits every five years. 

Internal audit 
Due to the size and complexity of the Group, it is appropriate  
for an internal audit program to be used within the business. 
BM Howarth, an external firm, provides internal audit services  
to the Group. A rotation program is in place, such that every 
business unit will have an internal audit at least once every three 
years, with the largest sites being reviewed at least once every  
two years. The rotation program allows divisional management’s 
actions and responses to be followed up on a timely basis. 
The internal audit programme of planned visits is discussed 
and agreed with the Committee during the year. 

The internal auditor’s remit includes assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal control systems, compliance with the Group’s Policies 
and Procedures Manual and a review of the businesses’ Balance 
Sheets. A report of key findings and recommendations is presented 
to the Group Finance Director and the Head of Financial Reporting, 
followed by a meeting to discuss these key findings and to agree on 
resulting actions. Site visits were conducted by BM Howarth across 
Brush, with a report due in March 2017. As part of producing the 
acquisition opening balance, BM Howarth assisted management 
by visiting all material Nortek sites to ensure all assets and liabilities 
were appropriately identified, recognised and recorded at fair value. 

A review of the internal audit process and scope of work covered by 
the internal auditor is the responsibility of the Committee, to ensure 
their objectives, level of authority and resources are appropriate for 
the nature of the businesses under review. A report of significant 
findings is presented by the internal auditor to the Committee at 
each meeting and implementation of recommendations by the 
Board is followed up at the subsequent Committee meeting. 
The Committee also reviews BM Howarth’s performance against 
the agreed internal audit program. 

An analysis of the fees earned by the external auditors for audit  
and non-audit services can be found in note 7 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

John Grant 
Chairman, Audit Committee 
2 March 2017

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201670

Nomination Committee report

Liz Hewitt
Nomination Committee 
Chairman

The Nomination Committee (the Committee) 
has overall responsibility for making 
recommendations to the Board on all new 
appointments to the Board and for ensuring 
that the Board and its Committees have the 
appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence, diversity and knowledge 
of the Company to enable them to 
discharge their respective duties and 
responsibilities effectively. 

Member

Liz Hewitt (Chairman) 

Justin Dowley 

John Grant 

David Lis (1)

Christopher Miller

Perry Crosthwaite (2)

No. of meetings

2/2 

2/2 

2/2

2/2

2/2

–

(1)  Appointed to the Nomination Committee with effect from 12 May 2016.
(2)  Retired from the Nomination Committee with effect from the conclusion 

of the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016.

p.72
Directors’ remuneration report

“ Melrose is a meritocracy and individual 
performance is the key determinant in any 
appointment, irrespective of ethnicity, gender 
or other characteristic, trait or orientation.”

Discharge of responsibilities
The Committee discharges its responsibilities through: 

•  regularly reviewing the size, structure and composition of 

the Board and by providing recommendations to the Board 
of any adjustments that may be necessary from time to time;

•  giving full consideration to succession planning in order to ensure 
an optimum balance of executive and non-executive Directors  
in terms of skills, experience and diversity;

•  keeping under review the leadership needs of the business; and

•  keeping up to date and fully informed about strategic issues  
and commercial changes affecting the Company and the 
markets in which it operates.

The Committee is expected to meet not less than twice a year  
and during 2016 the Committee met twice. The attendance 
of its members at these Committee meetings is shown in the 
table opposite.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which were last revised in 
August 2014, are available to view on the Company’s website at 
www.melroseplc.net/about-us/governance/ 
nomination-committee

Further details regarding the composition, diversity policy 
and the 2016 activities of the Committee are set out below.

Composition
In compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the 
majority of the members of the Committee were independent 
non-executive Directors throughout 2016. The Committee  
was chaired by Liz Hewitt. John Grant and Justin Dowley also 
served on the Committee throughout the year. Perry Crosthwaite 
served on the Committee until stepping down in May and being 
replaced by David Lis (see below for further details regarding the 
appointment of Mr Lis). Christopher Miller, Executive Chairman 
of the Board, was also a member of the Committee throughout 
the year.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee. 
On occasion, the Committee invites the Chief Executive, the 
Executive Vice-Chairman and the Group Finance Director to 
attend discussions where their input is required. 

In line with the succession planning responsibilities of the 
Committee, the decision was taken in early 2016 to recruit another 
non-executive Director to the Board in order to take account of the 
impending retirement of Mr Crosthwaite at the conclusion of the 
2016 AGM, having served on the Board and various committees 
for the past 10 years. Following this process, the Committee 
recommended to the Board the appointment of Mr Lis. In 
accordance with the articles, Mr Lis was formally appointed on 
12 May 2016 and is standing for election at the 2017 AGM.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201671

•  a review of the leadership requirements of Melrose, both 

executive and non-executive, was undertaken and this confirmed 
that the existing management team is appropriate for the Group. 
This review also demonstrated that appropriate and effective 
leadership is in place within the businesses and that processes 
are in place to ensure that performance is reviewed regularly 
against operational and financial criteria;

•  the Committee examined the career planning and talent 
management programs in operation across the Group  
and concluded that these were appropriate for the needs  
of the business;

•  the Committee reviewed and re-affirmed the principles 

underlying the Company’s diversity policy; and

•  the Committee’s terms of reference were reviewed during  
the year and it was determined that these were in line with  
best practice.

Liz Hewitt
Chairman, Nomination Committee
2 March 2017

Diversity
Melrose is a meritocracy and individual performance is the key 
determinant in any appointment, irrespective of ethnicity, gender  
or other characteristic, trait or orientation. The Board recognises  
the importance of diversity throughout the workforce, be it 
geographical, cultural or market-aligned and encompassing gender, 
race, sexual orientation and disability, and the Board is committed 
to equality of opportunity for all employees. For example, Melrose is 
proud to support the Business Disability Forum, a body committed 
to understanding the changes required in the workplace so that 
disabled people are treated fairly and they can contribute to 
business success, to society and to economic growth. 

The Committee currently takes into account a variety of factors 
before recommending any new appointments to the Board, 
including relevant skills to perform the role, experience and 
knowledge. The most important priority of the Committee, 
however, has been and will continue to be ensuring that the 
best candidate is selected to join the Board and this approach 
will remain in place going forward.

The Committee will endeavour to pursue diversity, including  
gender diversity, throughout the Melrose Group and notes the 
recommendations of Lord Davies’ review, “Women on Boards” 
and continues to encourage gender diversity throughout the Group. 
Although not appropriate to set specific gender diversity targets at 
Board level and throughout the Group’s workforce due to Melrose’s 
strategic business model and frequent turnover of businesses, 
Melrose is actively engaged in finding ways to increase the Group’s 
gender diversity.

What the Committee did in 2016
The principal focus of the Committee during 2016 has been to 
consider the items set out below:

•  the Committee considered the composition and balance of  

the Board and the timing of future Board changes and reviewed 
the succession plans in place in respect of executive Directors 
and non-executive Directors in conjunction with the provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code. In particular, it was agreed 
that action would be required to replace John Grant who, having 
served more than three, three-year terms as a non-executive 
Director, would stand down from the Board following the 
conclusion of the 2017 AGM. The Committee has determined 
that in securing a replacement for John Grant it would increase 
the number of non-executive directors to five, so there will be a 
majority of independents serving on the Board. The recruitment 
process is underway and an executive search and selection 
specialist has been appointed to assist the Committee. 
Appointments are expected to be made in the coming months;

•  the existing time commitment of the Company’s non-executive 

Directors was reviewed and confirmed as appropriate;

•  the Committee membership was reviewed and a 

recommendation made to the Board that, subject to the 
appointment of two new non-executive Directors, no changes 
would be required to be made in 2017;

•  consideration was given to the re-appointment of the Directors 
before making a recommendation to the Board regarding  
each Director’s re-election at the 2017 AGM, with the exception 
of Mr Grant, who will be retiring from office at the conclusion 
of the 2017 AGM;

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201672

Directors’ remuneration report

Justin Dowley
Remuneration Committee 
Chairman

The Board has delegated to the 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) 
responsibility for overseeing the remuneration 
of the Company’s Directors, Company 
Secretary and other senior employees.

Member

No. of meetings

Justin Dowley (Chairman) 

Perry Crosthwaite (1)

John Grant 

Liz Hewitt

David Lis (2)

2/2

1/1

2/2 

2/2

1/1

(1)  Retired from the Remuneration Committee with effect from the conclusion 

of the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016.

(2)  Appointed to the Remuneration Committee with effect from 12 May 2016.

“ Melrose’s remuneration philosophy is that 
executive remuneration should be simple 
and transparent, support the delivery of the 
business strategy and pay for performance.”

Dear Shareholder, 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present our report on 
Directors’ remuneration at the end of yet another highly successful 
year, the highlights of which have been the return of £2.4 billion to 
shareholders in February 2016 following the disposal of Elster in 
December 2015, and the acquisition of Nortek, Inc. in August for 
an enterprise value of £2.2 billion. 

This report includes the Annual Report on Remuneration, which 
provides details on the amounts earned in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2016 and will be subject to an advisory vote at the 
AGM to be held on 11 May 2017. 

The existing Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by 
shareholders at the 2016 AGM and took binding effect from  
the conclusion of that meeting, with 96.34% of votes cast in favour. 
Full details of the existing Remuneration Policy are set out on pages 
76 to 81 of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report which is available 
on the Company’s website at www.melroseplc.net 

Shareholder approval of a revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
is not sought at the 2017 Annual General Meeting. However, 
the existing instalment of the Company’s long-term incentive 
arrangements, the 2012 Incentive Plan, will crystallise on 
31 May 2017 and, subject to shareholder approval at a general 
meeting to be held immediately following the 2017 AGM on 
11 May 2017 (the General Meeting), will be replaced by a new 
scheme, the 2017 Incentive Plan. The 2017 Incentive Plan will be 
on equivalent economic principles but with additional shareholder 
focused features to the 2012 Incentive Plan, and its terms are set 
out in the circular posted to shareholders with or prior to this report 
in connection with the General Meeting (the Circular). Accordingly, 
at the General Meeting shareholder approval will be sought for a 
revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy to be adopted in order to 
incorporate, and allow for awards to be made under the 2017 
Incentive Plan, and the proposed revised Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy will be set out in the annex to the Circular. The only changes 
to that Policy as compared to the Policy approved at the 2016 AGM 
are to reflect the inclusion of the 2017 Incentive Plan, whilst 
continuing to allow for crystalisation of the 2012 Incentive Plan.

p.56 to 57
Board of Directors

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201673

Performance in 2016
2016 was another very strong year for Melrose and marked another 
milestone in our “buy, improve, sell” strategy:

•  In accordance with our strategy, following the disposal of Elster 
in December 2015, the Board in February returned £2.4 billion 
of the disposal proceeds to shareholders, equivalent to 
240 pence per ordinary share.

•  Nortek was acquired in August in a deal with an enterprise value 
of £2.2 billion, financed from the proceeds of a fully underwritten 
Rights Issue which raised £1.6 billion, with the balance funded 
through debt of £0.6 billion. 

•  Operational improvement measures have been implemented 

across the former Nortek businesses, which resulted in margin 
improvement of 4.1 ppts (1).

Since the date of the first acquisition in 2005, Melrose has created 
net shareholder value of £4.8 billion and achieved an average annual 
return for a shareholder of 26% (as at 1 March 2017).

It is with this performance in mind, and in line with Melrose’s 
remuneration philosophy of pay for performance, that the 
Committee has taken its decisions in respect of executive Directors’ 
remuneration arrangements for 2016 and 2017.

Our remuneration structure for executive Directors
Melrose’s remuneration philosophy is that executive remuneration 
should be simple and transparent, support the delivery of the 
business strategy and pay for performance. This philosophy is 
reflected in our remuneration structure. 

The Committee feels strongly that rewards should be linked to 
generation and delivery of real returns to shareholders.

•  Base salary: Base salaries are paid in line with a market-

competitive range compared with companies of similar size 
and complexity. Since flotation in 2003, all current executive 
Directors have received the same annual increases to base 
salary. In the last seven years these increases have 
averaged 3%.

•  Pension: Pension contributions/salary supplements for 

executive Directors are payable at the level of 15% of base 
salary, which is considered modest for a business of the size 
and complexity of Melrose. No executive Director participates 
in, or has ever participated in, any Group defined benefit 
pension scheme.

•  Annual bonus: The maximum bonus payable is set at 100%  

of base salary. All Directors who participate in the annual bonus 
scheme receive the same percentage bonus. In the last seven 
years, the average percentage of base salary payable has been 
86%. The maximum opportunity is deliberately positioned below 
the median maximum opportunity for FTSE 250 companies.

•  Long-term incentives – 2012 to 2017: The only long-term 
incentive arrangement in which the executive Directors have 
participated in the period of 2012 to 2017 is the 2012 Incentive 
Plan which was approved by shareholders by special resolution 
at a general meeting held on 11 April 2012. Entitlements under 
the 2012 Incentive Plan were awarded in April 2012. Any payment 
made will be dependent upon shareholder value generated over 
a five-year time period. The long-term incentive arrangements are 
intended to directly align our executive Directors’ incentive 
arrangements with the interests of shareholders by linking 
remuneration specifically to shareholder value. The structure 
of the 2012 Incentive Plan is designed to ensure that only once 
shareholder value has achieved compound annual growth in 
excess of the Retail Prices Index (RPI) + 2% does the 2012 
Incentive Plan have any value at all. This means that the 2012 
Incentive Plan has a minimum growth requirement (effectively a 
charge) which requires the net invested capital to be inflated by 
RPI + 2% per annum. The value payable to management under 
the 2012 Incentive Plan comprises 7.5% of value created in 
excess of these amounts. The 2012 Incentive Plan is then paid 
out to participants in predetermined proportions, either in 
ordinary shares or (and only in certain circumstances, which 
are within the complete control of the Remuneration Committee) 
as a cash payment, with the total being equal in value to 7.5% 
of the increase in shareholder value in excess of the minimum 
growth requirement from the commencement of the plan to 31 
May 2017. The formula by which growth is calculated, as set out 
in the Company’s articles of association, takes account of every 
change to the capital structure and dividend payment. 

We have included on pages 76 to 77 an illustration of how 
any increase in value would be shared between shareholders 
and participants in the plan, which indicates the creation of 
£2.5 billion of shareholder value over the performance period 
of the 2012 Incentive Plan to 31 December 2016.

•  Long-term incentives – 2017: Subject to approval by 

shareholders of the 2017 Incentive Plan and related revision to 
the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the General Meeting, 
the only long-term incentive arrangements in which executive 
Directors will participate, following the crystallisation of the 2012 
Incentive Plan, is the 2017 Incentive Plan.

The Remuneration Committee strongly believes that this simple  
and transparent incentive framework is aligned with the Company’s 
strategy for creating value for shareholders. We believe that this 
remuneration strategy has also directly driven historical 
outperformance when compared with our competitors, supported 
the Company’s success and has led to increased shareholder 
value. In this regard, our remuneration arrangements are tailored 
to the culture and strategy of the Company and provide a strong 
platform for the ongoing long-term success of the Company.

(1) 

 Calculated by comparing profit margin across the Nortek divisions in the four months  
of ownership in 2016 against the equivalent four month period in 2015.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201674

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Through a combination of grants under the Remuneration Policy 
and their own self-funded purchases of shares, the executive 
Directors have built significant shareholdings in the Company. As at 
31 December 2016, the Chairman and Chief Executive held 88 and 
34 times their base salary, respectively, in Melrose Shares. The table 
below shows the number of ordinary shares held by the executive 
Directors as at 31 December 2016 and the value of each executive 
Director’s shareholding at that date as a multiple of their 2016 base 
salary. Other than to satisfy tax obligations following the 
crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Plan, none of the executive 
Directors have sold any shares in the Company within the last six 
years. Further details on Directors’ shareholdings are given on 
page 80.

Number 
of shares 
held as at 
31 December 
2016

Value of  
shares held at 
31 December
2016(1)
(£)

Value of  
shares held at  
31 December 
2016 as a 
multiple of 2016 
base salary

Executive Director

Christopher Miller

20,504,193(2)

40,547,042

David Roper

10,125,813

20,023,795

Simon Peckham

8,010,496

15,840,756

Geoffrey Martin

4,140,187

8,187,220

88x

43x

34x

22x

(1) 

 For these purposes, the value of a share is 197.75 pence, being the closing mid-market  
price on 30 December 2016, the last business day prior to 31 December 2016.

(2)   As at 31 December 2016, the interest of Christopher Miller included 8,750,000 ordinary 
shares held by Harris & Sheldon Investments Limited, a company which is connected  
with Christopher Miller within the meaning of section 252 of the Companies Act 2006.

Internal Company rules on shareholdings are extended to senior 
Melrose management in addition to the executive Directors in order 
that appropriate remuneration principles are applied to senior 
management on a similar basis to executive Directors. 

Our remuneration structure for non-executive Directors
A simple remuneration structure is applied for the non-executive 
Directors. Non-executive Directors are paid fees to reflect market 
conditions and to attract individuals with appropriate knowledge 
and expertise. Fees for non-executive Directors are determined  
by the executive Directors and non-executive Directors do not 
participate in the Company’s pension arrangements, the annual 
bonus or long-term incentive arrangements. 

2016 key decisions and incentive pay-outs
The Remuneration Committee remains committed to a responsible 
approach to executive pay. As described in the Strategic Report 
section of this Annual Report, the Company had a successful year, 
with the return of £2.4 billion to shareholders in February, the 
acquisition of Nortek in August for an enterprise value of £2.2 billion 
and the significant operational improvements already implemented 
across the Nortek businesses in the short period of ownership since. 
The executive Directors’ remuneration rewards that performance. 

Annual bonuses for executive Directors are calculated using  
two elements, 80% being based on diluted earnings per share 
growth and 20% based on a strategic element. The maximum 
bonus opportunity is set at 100% of base salary, which is below  
the maximum median annual bonus opportunity for FTSE 250 
companies, and reflects the participation of the Chief Executive  
and Group Finance Director in the 2012 Incentive Plan. The 
Chairman and the Vice-Chairman do not participate in the annual 
bonus scheme.

Having listened to our investors and a number of corporate 
governance advisers, and in the interests of transparency, details 
are included on the objectives and deliverables and on how the 
Remuneration Committee determined the level of award under 
the 2016 annual bonus. The threshold, target and maximum 
performance levels relating to the acquisition of Nortek and its 
improvement are, however, commercially sensitive and are not 
reported. Further detail on the determination of the annual award 
is set out on page 79.

In line with increases in previous years, an increase of 3% was made 
to the executive Directors’ salaries with effect from 1 January 2016. 
This is consistent with the salary rises awarded to the wider head 
office population, other than where such employees’ salaries 
have been increased on a different basis to reflect individual 
circumstances, such as promotions. Non-executive Directors’ 
basic fees also increased by 3% with effect from January 2016. 
However, the additional fees payable to the committee chairmen 
and the senior non-executive Director were left unchanged.

Awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan were made in April 2012  
and are due to crystallise in May 2017. Accordingly, no executive 
Director received any payout under a long-term incentive plan  
during the period 2012 to 2016.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201675

Approach to Directors’ remuneration for 2017
The existing Directors’ Remuneration Policy as set out on pages 
76 to 81 of the 2015 Annual Report continues to apply until the 
General Meeting, at which it is intended to be revised in order 
to incorporate, and allow for awards to be made under, the 2017 
Incentive Plan.

The proposed new Directors’ Remuneration Policy which will apply 
to Directors’ remuneration for 2017 from the General Meeting is as 
set out in the annex to the Circular. This revised policy is consistent 
with the existing policy in all material respects, but updated to 
include the 2017 Incentive Plan. Other than with respect to the 2017 
Incentive Plan, details of how the policy will be applied in practice for 
2017 are set out below. The application of the policy in respect of 
the 2017 Incentive Plan is set out in the Circular. 

Executive Directors’ base salaries have been increased by 3%,  
with effect from 1 January 2017. This is consistent with the salary 
rises awarded to the wider head office population, other than where 
such employees’ salaries have been increased on a different basis 
to reflect individual circumstances, such as promotions. Non-
executive Directors’ basic fees for 2017 have also been increased 
by 3%, with effect from 1 January 2017. However, the additional fees 
payable to the committee chairmen and the senior non-executive 
Director are viewed as appropriate and have been left unchanged.

The overall framework for the executive Directors’ annual bonus 
arrangements for 2017 will remain the same as in 2016, with  
a maximum bonus opportunity of 100% of salary, 80% of which  
is based on financial performance metrics and 20% of which  
is based on strategic performance metrics. 

Business unit long-term incentive plans
Long-term incentive plans are put in place for the leadership of the 
Group’s businesses with payouts based on the performance of their 
respective businesses.

Shareholder engagement
We remain committed to maintaining an open and transparent 
engagement with our investors. We believe that a key objective of 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report is to communicate clearly how 
much our executive Directors are earning and how this is clearly 
linked to performance. Members of the Remuneration Committee 
are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with corporate governance 
advisory agencies and investors in order to better understand their 
views on Melrose’s approach to executive remuneration.

Justin Dowley
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
2 March 2017

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201676

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Annual Report on Remuneration

Melrose’s remuneration philosophy is that executive remuneration 
should be simple and transparent, support the delivery of the 
business strategy and pay for performance. This philosophy 
is reflected in our remuneration structure, whereby:

•  salary element of remuneration is positioned in line 

with the market; 

•  annual incentive remuneration (annual bonus) is positioned 
below the median maximum opportunity for FTSE 250 
companies; and

•  long-term incentive remuneration is intended to directly align 
executive Directors’ remuneration with that of shareholders 
by connecting remuneration specifically to shareholder value. 

The Remuneration Committee strongly believes that this simple 
and transparent incentive framework is aligned with the 
Company’s strategy for creation of shareholder value and that 
our remuneration arrangements are tailored to the culture and 
strategy of the Company. 

The Annual Report on Remuneration sets out the amounts  
earned by Directors in 2016 as a result of the application of our 
remuneration philosophy and in accordance with the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2016 AGM. 
It also indicates how that philosophy will be applied in 2017, 
subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting of the 
2017 Incentive Plan and the related revision to the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy.

Theoretical value under the 2012 Incentive Plan 
if crystallised on 31 December 2016 rather than 
on the 2017 scheduled payment date

2012

Invested capital from (and including) March 2012  
up to (and including) December 2016 (1) 
£853,915,965 
Index adjustment/Minimum return 
£368,410,340

Indexed capital (1) 
£1,222,326,305

2016

Number of issued ordinary shares on 31 December 2016 
1,886,746,589

Average price of an ordinary share for 40 business days  
prior to 31 December 2016 
£1.8055

Deemed market capitalisation of Melrose based on 
average price of an ordinary share for 40 business days 
prior to 31 December 2016
£3,406,520,965

Overall increase in value for shareholders 
since 22 March 2012 
£2,184,194,660

Theoretical value to management and shareholder dilution 
calculated at 31 December 2016 (illustrative only) 

7.5% of increase in value 
£163,814,600 (2)

Theoretical total number of new shares issued  
under the 2012 Incentive Plan (3)
90,730,878 

Theoretical dilution to shareholders 
due to the 2012 Incentive Plan(4)
4.59% 

The 2012 Incentive Plan
In the interests of transparency and to illustrate how the 2012 
Incentive Plan may operate, we have set out here an illustration of 
how the growth in value of the Company over the period from the 
start of the plan in March 2012 might translate into value earned by 
participants in that plan, calculated in accordance with the principles 
in the Company’s Articles of Association, but assuming a trigger 
date of 31 December 2016.

It is important to note that this illustration is theoretical only and  
the value derived under the 2012 Incentive Plan will be entirely 
determined by reference to the value that will be delivered to 
shareholders over the full period to date of crystallisation.

The calculation of the growth in value of the Company for  
the purposes of the 2012 Incentive Plan shall be determined in 
accordance with the formula set out in the Company’s Articles  
of Association. Those Articles provide that the net investment is 
increased by a minimum growth threshold of RPI + 2% per annum.  
Equally, the net shareholder returns are treated as increased  
by the RPI + 2% per annum amount. Participants in the plan  
are entitled to 7.5% of the increase in shareholder value after  
taking into account these amounts.

The formula by which the growth in value is calculated, as set out 
in the Company’s Articles of Association, takes account of every 
change to the capital structure of, and dividend payment by, the 
Company. In this way, the participants will only receive a share of 
returns over and above that adjusted level. 

 Calculated in accordance with the invested capital post return table on page 77.

(1) 
(2)   Under the 2012 Incentive Plan, a maximum of 50,000 options may be awarded to 

(3) 

(4) 

participants. Christopher Miller, David Roper, Simon Peckham and Geoffrey Martin have 
each been awarded 8,500 options under the 2012 Incentive Plan, representing 17% 
individually or 68% in aggregate of the total unvested interests under the plan. Therefore, 
of the stated theoretical value to management, 68% would be to the benefit of the four 
executive Directors.
 The number of shares to be issued in accordance with this calculation differs from the 
diluted number of shares of 89.8 million disclosed in note 11 to the financial statements. 
The difference arises due to the requirements of IAS 33 which stipulate that unrecognised 
future service costs for long-term incentive plans (calculated in accordance with IFRS 2) 
should be deducted from the calculation of diluted shares for the purposes of earnings 
per share calculations.
 This is a theoretical dilution calculated by taking the theoretical total number of new 
shares issued under the 2012 Incentive Plan as a percentage of the aggregate of the 
number of issued ordinary shares on 31 December 2016 and the theoretical total number 
of new shares issued under the 2012 Incentive Plan. The 2012 Incentive Plan is subject 
to an actual dilution cap calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association as 
set out on page 77.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Calculation of invested capital

Invested capital post return

Initial invested capital – March 2012 (1) 

Dividend – May 2012

New share issue – August 2012

Dividend – October 2012

Dividend – May 2013 

Dividend – October 2013 

Capital return – February 2014 

Dividend – May 2014 

Dividend – October 2014 

Capital return – February 2015 

Dividend – May 2015 

Dividend – September 2015

Capital return – February 2016

Dividend – May 2016

New share issue – August 2016

Dividend – September 2016

Total

77

Implied index  
adjustment 

1.223x

1.206x 

1.202x

1.188x 

1.150x 

1.130x 

1.119x 

1.100x 

1.083x 

1.085x 

1.069x 

1.055x

1.050x

1.035x

1.022x

1.017x

Net shareholder 
investment 
(non-adjusted)  

(£)

Net shareholder 
investment inflated 
at RPI + 2%  
per annum to  
31 December 2016  

(£)

1,518,492,691

1,856,603,450 

(32,840,728) 

(39,599,943) 

1,199,073,594 

1,441,057,292

(32,932,303) 

(63,331,352) 

(34,832,243) 

(39,115,204) 

(72,808,295)

(39,344,422)

(595,314,707) 

(666,193,076)

(53,588,067) 

(30,009,317) 

(200,419,370) 

(52,745,969) 

(27,865,795)

(58,962,593)

(32,510,867)

(217,520,031)

(56,400,751)

(29,399,469)

(2,388,496,718)

 (2,508,727,139)

 (3,773,493)

(3,905,391)

1,654,531,624

1,691,218,563

 (2,031,881) 

(2,065,819)

853,915,965

1,222,326,305

(1)  Represents the £1,518,492,691 deemed net shareholder investment on an adjusted basis as at 22 March 2012.

The chart below represents how the illustrative calculation of the 
increase in the value of the Company, relevant for the purposes 
of the 2012 Incentive Plan, is shared between participants in the 
2012 Incentive Plan and the Company’s shareholders.

Share of illustrative increase in value, under the 2012 
Incentive Plan, if crystallised on 31 December 2016

£3,406,502,965
Deemed market
capitalisation

 £163,814,600

Based on this illustration, if the entitlements under the 2012 Incentive 
Plan were to have been settled in ordinary shares of 48/7 pence 
each (being the nominal value of ordinary shares on 31 December 
2016), this would have resulted in the issue to the participants of 
90,730,878 ordinary shares (i.e. £163,814,600 (7.5% of the illustrative 
index adjusted increase in value) divided by £1.8055 (the average 
price of an ordinary share for 40 business days prior to 
31 December 2016)). The number of ordinary shares issued to 
satisfy entitlements under the 2012 Incentive Plan shall not exceed 
5% of the aggregate number of shares in issue on 22 March 2012 
plus 5% of any additional shares issued by the Company after 
that date. 

£2,020,380,060

£2,184,194,660
Overall increase 
in value for 
shareholders index 
adjusted since
22 March 2012

£368,410,340

Index adjustment/
minimum return

£853,915,965
Invested capital

 Value delivered to shareholders

 Value delivered to participants

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201678

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Single total figure of remuneration (audited information)

Year ended 31 December 2016 

Total salary 
and fees 
£’000

Taxable 
benefits 
£’000

Annual bonus 
£’000

Long-term
incentives(1)
£’000

Pension related 
benefits(2)
£’000

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Perry Crosthwaite (3)(4)

John Grant (3)(5)

Justin Dowley (6)

Liz Hewitt (7)

David Lis (8)

Total

461

461

461

369

 26

79

76

68

42

19

18

19

27

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

438

351

–

–

–

–

–

2,043

83

789

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1) 

 The Company’s long-term incentive arrangement for Directors is the 2012 Incentive Plan. This five-year plan is scheduled to crystallise in 2017 and, accordingly, no value was vested 
to participants in respect of the year to 31 December 2016. 

(2)   Of the £263,025 attributable to pension contributions, £253,650 was paid as a supplement to base salary in lieu of pension arrangements. The balance of £9,375 was paid into 

the Directors’ individual nominated private pension plans.

(3)  Includes £5,000 per annum in recognition of the role of senior non-executive Director, pro-rated for time served.
(4)  Perry Crosthwaite retired as a non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 11 May 2016 and the fees referred to above reflect his fees for the period 1 January 2016 to 11 May 2016.
(5)  Includes £10,000 per annum in recognition of chairmanship of the Audit Committee.
(6)  Includes £10,000 per annum in recognition of chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee.
(7)  Includes £2,500 per annum in recognition of chairmanship of the Nomination Committee.
(8)  David Lis was appointed as non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 12 May 2016 and the fees referred to above reflect his fees for the period 12 May 2016 to 31 December 2016.

Year ended 31 December 2015

263

3,178

Total salary 
and fees 
£’000

Taxable benefits 
£’000

Annual bonus 
£’000

Long-term
incentives(1)
£’000

Pension related
benefits(2) 
£’000

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Perry Crosthwaite(3)

John Grant(4)

Justin Dowley(5)

Liz Hewitt(6)

Total

448

448

448

359

69

74

74

66

1,986

18

18

19

25

–

–

–

–

80

–

–

394

315

–

–

–

–

710

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

255

3,031

(1) 

 The Company’s long-term incentive arrangement for Directors is the 2012 Incentive Plan. This five-year plan is scheduled to crystallise in 2017 and, accordingly, no value was vested 
to participants in respect of the year to 31 December 2015. 

(2)   Of the £255,330 attributable to pension contributions, £217,830 was paid as a supplement to base salary in lieu of pension arrangements. The balance of £37,500 was paid into the 

Directors’ individual nominated private pension plans.

Includes £10,000 per annum in recognition of chairmanship of the Audit Committee.

(3)  Includes £5,000 per annum in recognition of the role of senior non-executive Director.
(4) 
(5)  Includes £10,000 per annum in recognition of chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee.
(6)  Includes £2,500 per annum in recognition of the chairmanship of the Nomination Committee.

Base salary
Salaries are fixed at a level which is in line with a market competitive range compared with companies of similar size and complexity.  
Each executive Director received an increase in base salary of approximately 3% effective from 1 January 2016. 

Benefits
The range of benefits provided to Directors has not changed since the inception of Melrose and there is no intention to widen the range  
of benefits Directors may receive. All of the executive Directors received taxable benefits during 2016, being a company car allowance,  
fuel allowance, private medical insurance, life insurance and group income protection. Geoffrey Martin also received paid train travel to  
and from London. 

Total 
£’000

549

548

987

803

26

79

76

68

42

Total 
£’000

533

533

929

753

69

74

74

66

69

69

69

56

–

–

–

–

–

67

67

67

54

–

–

–

–

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201679

Bonus
The maximum bonus opportunity is set below the maximum median annual bonus opportunity for FTSE 250 companies to reflect the 
participation of the executive Directors in the Company’s long-term maximum incentive arrangements. For the year ended 31 December 
2016, the maximum bonus opportunity was equal to 100% of base salary. Following the application of the formulaic basis used in previous 
years and as explained in the table on page 79 of this report, it was determined by the Remuneration Committee that Simon Peckham and 
Geoffrey Martin (being the only executive Directors participating in the annual bonus plan) should be awarded a bonus of 95% of base salary.

Measure

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Maximum Actual audited results

Growth in 
earnings  
per share

Strategic  
element

EPS growth subject to 
a 5x multiple (capped 
at 80% base salary)

Strategic objective set 
by the Committee:

80%

0%

n/a

100% Growth in EPS(1) of 37%, resulting 
in the maximum award.

Bonus award  
(% of base salary)

80%

Acquisition of Nortek 
and the identification 
of opportunities and 
implementation of 
operational improvements 
across the Group’s 
businesses

20% Secure next major acquisition 
target consistent with Melrose 
criteria. 

Having secured next acquisition, 
implement improvement programs 
across the Melrose divisions.

Nortek acquired on 31 August 2016 for 
an enterprise value of £2.2 billion, financed 
through a 12 for 1 Rights Issue raising 
£1.6 billion and debt of £0.6 billion.

15%

Improvement measures as set out in 
the Divisional Reviews, including those 
implemented across former Nortek 
businesses which resulted in margin 
improvement of 4.1 ppts(2).

Despite improvement actions undertaken at 
Brush, the results reflect a challenging year.

Total

100%

95%

(1)  Pursuant to applicable International Accounting Standards, for the comparative year ended 31 December 2015, the trading results of Elster were excluded in the earnings per share 

calculation from continuing operations and the large profit from the disposal of Elster was included in the earnings per share calculation from continuing and discontinued operations. 
To be consistent with the calculation of the annual bonus in the prior year, the Remuneration Committee determined that the underlying trading results of Elster for the period owned 
in 2015 should be included in determining performance in that year and, as such, the prior year EPS calculation has been increased to include the trading results of Elster to 
29 December 2015. The Rights Issue bonus factor of 18.8491% has been applied to the 2015 EPS calculation to ensure comparability with the EPS calculation in 2016.

(2)  Calculated by comparing profit margin across the Nortek divisions in the four months of ownership in 2016 against the equivalent four-month period in 2015.

The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that, given their significant shareholdings, the interests of executive Directors are aligned 
with those of shareholders, and therefore considers no bonus deferral provisions to be necessary.

Scheme interests awarded during the year
No awards were granted in the year to Directors under any 
long-term incentive plan.

Payments to past Directors
No payments were made in the year to any former Director 
of the Company.

Payments for loss of office
No payments for loss of office were made in the year to any Director.

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share 
interests (audited information)
As disclosed at the time of the crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive 
Plan, the executive Directors considered it appropriate that they, 
together with their immediate families, would hold at least half of the 
shares acquired pursuant to that crystallisation (after satisfying tax 
obligations following the crystallisation of that plan and subject to 
capital adjustments) for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the 
Remuneration Committee has adopted the minimum share retention 
guidelines outlined on the following page in relation to the holding of 
ordinary shares by executive Directors who participated in the 2009 
Incentive Plan and who participate in the 2012 Incentive Plan, 
reinforcing the executive Directors’ long-term stewardship of the 
Company and long-term investment in the Company’s shares. 

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201680

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

No executive Director may dispose of any ordinary shares without the consent of the Remuneration Committee, which will not normally 
be withheld provided the executive Director holds at least the “minimum number” of ordinary shares referred to in the table below. 

Following the return of capital in February 2016 in connection with the disposal of Elster, the ordinary share capital of the Company was 
sub-divided and consolidated at a ratio of 48:7 (the Share Capital Consolidation) to ensure that, as far as possible, the market price of 
an ordinary share remained the same after the Share Capital Consolidation. Accordingly, the minimum share retention guidelines were 
adjusted by the same ratio.

Executive Director

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Minimum number 
of ordinary 
shares to be held 
by the executive 
Directors as at 31 
December
2016(1)

Number of 
ordinary shares 
held as at  
31 December 
2016

200,492

20,504,193(2)

189,034

10,125,813

214,829

120,841

8,010,496

4,140,187

Value of ordinary 
shares held as at 
31 December 
2016 as a 
multiple of salary 
for the year 
ended  

31 December
2016 (3)

88x

43x

34x

22x

 This threshold is subject to the adjustments related to the reductions in capital as the Company returns proceeds to shareholders following the sale of businesses.

(1) 
(2)   As at 31 December 2016, the interest of Christopher Miller included 8,750,000 ordinary shares held by Harris & Sheldon Investments Limited, a company which is connected  

with Christopher Miller within the meaning of section 252 of the Companies Act 2006. 

(3)   For these purposes, the value of a share is 197.75 pence, being the closing mid-market price on 30 December 2016, the last business day prior to 31 December 2016.

As at 31 December 2016, each executive Director held much more than the minimum number of ordinary shares and so satisfied  
the guidelines. Other than to satisfy tax obligations following the crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Plan, none of the executive Directors 
have sold any shares in the Company within the last six years.

Internal Company rules on shareholdings are extended to senior management in addition to the executive Directors, in order that 
appropriate remuneration principles are applied to senior management on a similar basis to executive Directors. 

Directors’ shareholding and share interests as at 31 December 2016 (or, if earlier, the date of retirement from the Board)

Director

Ordinary Shares held 
as at 31 December 2016 
(or, if earlier, the date of 
retirement from the Board)

Type

Unvested interests under share schemes

Vested interests under 
share schemes

Subject to performance 
conditions

Not subject to 
performance conditions

Christopher Miller

Ordinary Shares(1)

20,504,193

David Roper

Ordinary Shares

10,125,813

Option(2)

n/a

Simon Peckham

Ordinary Shares

Option(2)

Geoffrey Martin

John Grant

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis

Perry Crosthwaite(3)

Option(2)

Ordinary Shares

Option(2)

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

n/a

8,010,496

n/a

4,140,187

n/a

632,637

1,050,670

120,877

433,947

25,480

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

8,500

n/a

8,500

n/a

8,500

n/a

8,500

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(1) 

 As at 31 December 2016, the interest of Christopher Miller included 8,750,00 ordinary shares held by Harris & Sheldon Investments Limited, a company which is connected with 
Christopher Miller within the meaning of section 252 of the Companies Act 2006.

(2)   Each of these options are over 2012 incentive shares. Although the option can be exercised at any time, the value which may be derived from the shares acquired on exercise will 

be determined at the relevant trigger date on 31 May 2017. 2012 incentive shares acquired on or before the trigger date may be forfeited in accordance with the Company’s articles 
of association. The option exercise price is £1 per share, which is equal to the nominal value of those shares.

(3)  Perry Crosthwaite retired as a non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 11 May 2016.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201681

Performance graph
The total shareholder return graph below shows the value as at 31 December 2016 of £100 invested in the Company on 31 December 
2008, compared with £100 invested in the FTSE 100 Index, the FTSE 250 Index or the FTSE All-Share Index. The Remuneration Committee 
considers the FTSE 100 Index, the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE All-Share Index to be appropriate indices for the year ended 31 December 
2016 for the purposes of this comparison because of the comparable size of the companies which comprise the FTSE 100 Index and the 
FTSE 250 Index and the broad nature of companies which comprise the FTSE All-Share Index. The data shown below assumes that all 
cash returns to shareholders made by the Company during this period are reinvested in ordinary shares.

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

)

£

(

t
n
e
m
t
s
e
v
n

i

f

o

l

e
u
a
V

Dec 08 

Dec 09 

Dec 10 

Dec 11 

Dec 12 

Dec 13 

Dec 14 

Dec 15 

Dec 16 

 Melrose

 FTSE All-Share

 FTSE 100

 FTSE 250

Source: Datastream

Chief Executive remuneration for previous eight years

In accordance with the regulations governing the reporting of Directors’ remuneration which came into effect in October 2013, the  
total figure of remuneration set out in the table overleaf includes the value of long-term incentive vesting in respect of the financial year. 
This means that the full value of the crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Plan on 11 April 2012 is shown for the year ended 31 December 
2012 and no value will be reflected in the total figure of remuneration for the 2012 Incentive Plan until the trigger date, which will be 
May 2017.

The value of the 2009 Incentive Plan was earned over a period of approximately five years. Therefore, in the view of the Remuneration 
Committee, inclusion of this value in respect of the year ended 31 December 2012 does not give a fair representation of the Chief 
Executive’s yearly remuneration over each of the previous five years. Therefore, an additional column has been added to the table 
overleaf to show total remuneration excluding the value received on the maturity in April 2012 of the 2009 Incentive Plan. No other 
long-term incentive plan vested in favour of any executive Director in any of the other years. 

The amount of that value shown in respect of David Roper and Simon Peckham for the year ended 31 December 2012 reflects the 
proportion of that year for which each was the Chief Executive.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Governance 
 
 
82

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Financial year

Year ended 31 December 2016

Year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December 2014

Year ended 31 December 2013

Chief Executive

Simon Peckham

Simon Peckham

 Simon Peckham

Simon Peckham

Total 
remuneration 
£

987,725

928,541

773,167

927,276

Year ended 31 December 2012(1)

Simon Peckham

20,280,584(2)

Year ended 31 December 2011

Year ended 31 December 2010

Year ended 31 December 2009

David Roper

David Roper

David Roper

David Roper

10,915,846(2)

811,152

849,341

712,372

Total 
remuneration 
excluding the 
long-term 
incentive value 
£

Annual bonus 
as a percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

Long-term 
incentives as a 
percentage of 
maximum 
opportunity

987,725

928,541

773,167

927,276

489,372

259,040

811,152

849,341

712,372

 95%

88%

58%

100%

64%

64%

84%

100%

70%

–

–

–

–

n/a(3)

n/a(3)

–

–

–

(1) 

 In the year ending 31 December 2012, David Roper was Chief Executive for the period from 1 January 2012 until 9 May 2012 and Simon Peckham was Chief Executive for the period 
from 9 May 2012 onwards. In the table above: 
(i)  the “Total remuneration” figure shows, in respect of David Roper, his total remuneration in respect of his service in the period 1 January 2012 to 9 May 2012 and in respect of Simon 
Peckham his total remuneration in respect of his service in the period from 9 May 2012 to 31 December 2012. Included in this figure for each of David Roper and Simon Peckham is 
the value of the long-term incentives vesting in the year pro-rated to reflect the portion of the year for which he was Chief Executive; and 

(ii)  the “Total remuneration excluding the long-term incentive value” shows in respect of each of David Roper and Simon Peckham total remuneration in respect of the period for which 

he was Chief Executive excluding any value received on the maturity in April 2012 of the 2009 Incentive Plan. 

(2)   The value derived in 2012 from the 2009 incentive shares represents the Chief Executive’s share, determined in accordance with the terms of those shares, of the shareholder value 

created over a period of approximately five years.

(3)   On the crystallisation in April 2012 of the 2009 Incentive Plan awarded in 2009, participants as a whole were entitled to 10% of the increase in shareholder value from 18 July 2007 to  
23 March 2012. Because the value derived on the crystallisation of the 2009 incentive shares depended upon the shareholder value created over the relevant period, it is not possible 
to express the value derived as a percentage of the maximum opportunity. The crystallisation of the 2009 incentive shares was satisfied by the conversion of those shares into 
ordinary shares. 

Percentage change in Chief Executive’s remuneration
The table below sets out, in relation to salary, taxable benefits and 
annual bonus, the percentage increase in pay for the Company’s 
Chief Executive compared to the average increase for a group 
consisting of the Company’s senior head office employees, 
managing directors and finance directors of the Group’s businesses 
and direct senior reports of those managing directors and finance 
directors. The percentages shown below relate to the financial  
year ended 2016 as a percentage comparison to the financial year 
ended 2015. This group of senior management was considered  
an appropriate comparator group because of their level of seniority 
and the structure of their remuneration package. The spread of  
the Company’s operations across various countries and industries 
means that remuneration policies vary to take account of geography 
and industry such that the Remuneration Committee considers that 
selecting a wider group of employees would not provide a 
meaningful comparison. 

Element of remuneration

Basic salary

Benefits

Annual bonus

Chief Executive 
percentage 
change

3%

0%

11%

Company’s senior head office 
employees, managing directors and 
finance directors of Group 
businesses and direct senior 
reports of those managing 
directors and finance directors 
average percentage change(1)

2%

-10%

2%

(1)  Excludes the former Nortek businesses, which were acquired on 31 August 2016.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in dividends and 
the overall expenditure on pay (as a whole across the organisation).

Year ended 
31 December 
2015

Year ended 
31 December 
2016

Percentage 
change

£364.5 million £246.6 million

(32)%

£281.0 million(1)

£2,394.3 
million(2)

752%

Expenditure

Remuneration paid 
to all employees

Distributions to 
shareholders by 
way of dividend 
and share buy back

(1) 

   The figure for year ended 2015 includes the return of capital to shareholders 
in February 2015. 

(2)   The figure for year ended 2016 includes the return of capital to shareholders 

in February 2016.

Implementation of Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
for the financial year commencing on 1 January 2017
The Remuneration Committee strongly believes that its 
remuneration framework is aligned with the Company’s strategy  
for creation of shareholder value and no structural changes to the 
Directors’ remuneration arrangements are proposed for 2017. The 
2017 Incentive Plan will be implemented subject to and following 
shareholder approval at the General Meeting and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy will be revised accordingly. Details of its 
proposed implementation are set out in the Circular. Our approach 
to other elements of remuneration in 2017 is set out opposite and in 
the annex to the Circular.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
83

Executive directors’ salaries
Executive Directors’ salaries have increased by 3% with effect  
from January 2017. This is consistent with the salary rises awarded 
to the wider head office population, other than where other such 
employees’ salaries have been increased on a different basis to 
reflect individual circumstances such as promotions, as shown 
in the following table. 

Executive Director

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

2016 salary 
£’000 

2017 salary 
£’000

Percentage 
increase

461

461

461

369

475

475

475

380

3%

3%

3%

3%

Bonus arrangements for 2017
The overall framework for Simon Peckham’s and Geoffrey 
Martin’s (the only participating executive Directors) annual bonus 
arrangements for 2017 will remain the same as in 2016, with a 
maximum bonus opportunity of 100% of salary, based on financial 
performance metrics as regards 80% of the opportunity and 
strategic performance metrics as regards the balance. The 
Remuneration Committee considers that the strategic performance 
measures are commercially sensitive but will disclose the nature of 
those measures on a retrospective basis, where appropriate, on a 
similar basis to the disclosure on page 79 in respect of the annual 
bonus for the year ending 31 December 2016. 

Non-executive Directors’ fees 
Non-executive Directors’ basic fees have been increased by 3% 
with effect from January 2017. The non-executive Director fee levels 
for 2016 and 2017 are set out in the table below. 

Fee element

Basic non-executive Director fee

Additional fee for holding the 
chairmanship of the Remuneration 
Committee

Additional fee for holding the 
chairmanship of the Audit Committee

Additional fee for holding the 
chairmanship of the Nomination 
Committee

Additional fee for holding the position 
of senior non-executive Director

Previous fee with 
effect from 
January 2016

Fee with  
effect from 
January 2017

£65,714

£10,000

£67,685

£10,000

£10,000 

£10,000

£2,500

£2,500

£5,000 

£5,000

Consideration by the Directors of matters relating  
to Directors’ remuneration
The responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for, among  
other things:

•  considering and making recommendations to the Board on  

the framework for the remuneration of the Company’s executive 
Directors, the Company Secretary and other senior employees;

•  ensuring that the executive Directors and senior employees  

are provided with appropriate annual incentives to encourage 
enhanced performance and that they are rewarded for their 
individual contributions to the success of the Company, noting 
any major changes in employee benefit structures throughout  
the Group and ensuring that executive Director remuneration 
practice is consistent with any such changes; 

•  approving the structure of, and determining targets for, any 

performance-related pay schemes (including bonus schemes) 
and any material long-term incentive plans operated by 
the Company; 

•  reviewing the structure of all share incentive plans operated  

by the Company for approval by the Board; and

•  reviewing, on an annual basis, remuneration trends across the 
Group and obtaining reliable and up-to-date information about 
the remuneration of Directors and senior employees in other 
companies of comparable scale and complexity.

Full details can be found in the terms of reference available in the 
Investor section of the Melrose website at www.melroseplc.net

Fees for non-executive Directors are determined by the 
executive Directors. 

The members of the Remuneration Committee
The members of the Remuneration Committee during the year were 
Justin Dowley (Committee Chairman), John Grant, Liz Hewitt and 
David Lis (appointed to the Remuneration Committee with effect 
from 11 May 2016 following the conclusion of the 2016 AGM). Perry 
Crosthwaite was a member of the Remuneration Committee from 
1 January 2016 until his retirement from the Board following the 
conclusion of the 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016. The Company 
regards all members of the Remuneration Committee as 
independent non-executive Directors; the composition of the 
Remuneration Committee is therefore in accordance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code. During the year, the 
Remuneration Committee met twice.

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201684

Directors’ remuneration report 
continued

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
During the year, the Remuneration Committee received advice on the remuneration reporting regulations and preparation of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report from Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP was appointed by the Company Secretary on behalf of the Remuneration Committee. 
Deloitte LLP’s fees for this advice were £6,000, which were charged on a time/cost basis. As the external auditor to the Company, Deloitte 
LLP also provides certain other services (as described on page 69 of this Annual Report and financial statements). 

Deloitte LLP is a member of the Remuneration Consultants’ Group, and as such chooses to operate pursuant to a code of conduct that 
requires remuneration advice to be given objectively and independently. The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the advice provided 
by Deloitte LLP in relation to remuneration matters is objective and independent. 

Statement of voting at general meeting
The Company remains committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. The following table sets 
out actual voting in respect of the resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting held on 11 May 2016: 

Resolution to approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2015

Resolution to approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy

Votes cast for the 
resolution

Percentage of votes 
cast for the 
resolution

Votes against the 
resolution

Percentage of votes 
cast against the 
resolution

Total votes cast

Votes withheld

105,357,174

97.36%

2,858,772

2.64%

108,215,946

1,504,214

105,688,102

96.34%

4,015,782

3.66%

109,703,884

16,276

The Remuneration Committee noted the strong support given by shareholders to the Directors’ Remuneration Report and Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. 

Approval
This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Justin Dowley
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

85

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report  
and financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required  
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted  
by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and  
have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable 
law), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard 
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”. Under company law, 
the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless  
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state  
of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company  
for that period. 

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

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

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:

•  properly select and apply accounting policies;

•  present information, including accounting policies, in a 

manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information; 

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the  

specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users  
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

•  make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue  

as a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time  
the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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

Directors’ responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 

relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view  
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; 

•  the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face; and

•  the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, 

are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

By order of the Board

Geoffrey Martin 
Simon Peckham
Group Finance Director   Chief Executive
2 March 2017 

2 March 2017

GovernanceMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
8686

Melrose Industries PLC
Annual Report 2016

Financials

Consolidated statements

Company statements

Company Balance Sheet for Melrose Industries PLC 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet

Note

1. Significant accounting policies 

2. Profit for the year 

3. Investment in subsidiaries 

4. Debtors 

5. Creditors 

6. Provisions 

7. Issued share capital 

8. Related party transactions 

141

141

142

143

143

146

146

146

146

146

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Melrose Industries PLC 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the financial statements

Note

1. Corporate information 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies 

3.  Critical accounting judgements and  

key sources of estimation uncertainty 

4. Revenue 

5. Segment information 

6. Reconciliation between profit and underlying profit 

7. Revenues and expenses 

8. Tax 

9. Discontinued operations 

10. Dividends 

11. Earnings per share 

12. Goodwill and other intangible assets 

13. Property, plant and equipment 

14. Interests in joint ventures 

15. Inventories 

16. Trade and other receivables 

17. Cash and cash equivalents 

18. Trade and other payables 

19. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

20. Provisions 

21. Deferred tax 

22. Share-based payments 

23. Retirement benefit obligations 

24. Financial instruments and risk management 

25. Issued capital and reserves 

26. Cash flow statement 

27. Commitments and contingencies 

28. Related parties 

29. Post Balance Sheet events 

30. Contingent liabilities 

87

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

108

109

110

112

113

116

117

117

118

119

123

124

124

124

125

126

126

127

128

128

129

134

137

138

139

139

140

140

87

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Melrose Industries PLC

Opinion on financial statements of Melrose Industries PLC

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2016 

and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 

as adopted by the European Union;

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; and

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

Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The financial statements comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated and the Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Consolidated and Company Statements 
of Changes in Equity, the related notes 1 to 30 to the consolidated financial statements and the related notes 1 to 8 to the Company 
financial statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial 
statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), 
including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”.

Summary of our audit approach

Key risks

Materiality

Scoping

Significant changes 
in our approach

The key risks that we identified in the current year were:
•  Acquisition accounting; focused on the valuation of intangible assets and fair value of provisions
•  Carrying value of goodwill and other non-current assets
•  Classification of non-underlying items

The materiality that we used in the current year was £11 million which has taken into consideration revenue, 
underlying profit before tax and net assets of the enlarged Group following the acquisition of the Nortek 
business during the year.

Full scope audit work was completed on 12 components and the head office function, and specified audit 
procedures over certain balances were performed on five components. In total our scope represented 82% 
of Group revenue, 86% of Group operating profit and 92% of Group net assets.

Following the significant change in the structure of the Group as a result of the disposal of the Elster group and 
the acquisition of the Nortek group, we have revised our audit scoping, materiality basis and consideration of the 
risks most specific to the Group. Particularly, we have considered the risk in relation to the acquisition of Nortek 
group in the current year.

Going concern and the Directors’ assessment of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity 
of the Group

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

•  the Directors’ confirmation on page 38 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including 

those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

•  the disclosures on pages 40 to 45 that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated;

•  the Directors’ statement in note 2 to the financial statements about whether they consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern 

basis of accounting in preparing them and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so over 
a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

•  the Directors’ explanation on page 85 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so 
and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We confirm that we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in respect of these matters.

We agreed with the Directors’ adoption of the going concern basis of accounting and we did not identify any such material uncertainties. 
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials88

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Melrose Industries PLC continued

Independence

We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and confirm that we are independent of the 
Group and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with those standards.

We confirm that we are independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with those standards. 
We also confirm we have not provided any of the prohibited non-audit services referred to in those standards.

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect on our audit strategy, the allocation 
of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

Risk

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Key observations

Acquisition accounting; focused on the valuation of intangible assets and fair value of provisions

The Group completed the acquisition of Nortek 
Inc. on 31 August 2016. The Group applied 
IFRS 3, Business Combinations, to identify and 
value the identifiable net assets of the acquired 
business at this date.

The valuation of intangible assets of 
£868.4 million arising on the acquisition is 
considered to be a key risk as the valuation 
is based on a number of assumptions such 
as discount rate and growth rate which are 
subject to significant judgement.

There is also considered to be a key risk in 
determining the fair value of acquired provisions 
and contingent liabilities of £209.7 million due to 
the judgements required in valuing liabilities of 
inherently uncertain outcome, such as the 
outcome of warranty, legal and product liability 
claims against the acquired group.

Based on our detailed 
audit work performed, 
we consider that 
management’s key 
judgements and 
assumptions used in 
the valuations of net 
assets at the acquisition 
date fall within an 
acceptable range.

We have evaluated management’s determination of the fair value of 
the net assets acquired, focussing on the valuation of intangible assets 
and provisions recognised at the acquisition date.

We challenged management’s methodology and assumptions 
underlying the valuation of intangible assets by:

•  consulting with our internal valuation specialists to assess and 

recalculate the discount rate and growth rate used based on external 
market data, and comparing these rates to the rates used by 
management and the Group’s external valuation expert.

•  involving our internal valuation specialists to evaluate the valuation 
methodology used by management and the Group’s external 
valuation expert.

•  checking the calculations of the valuations by performing parallel 

valuations based on the same underlying data.

We challenged management’s methodology and assumptions underlying 
the valuation of provisions and contingent liabilities acquired by:

•  challenging the reasonableness of and verifying inputs used to 
calculate the valuation of provisions and contingent liabilities;

•  we assessed the level of historical warranty claims and obtained the 
specific warranty terms and conditions provided in order to ascertain 
whether the warranty provisions held were sufficient to cover all 
obligations in existence at the acquisition date, in light of known claims 
and standard warranty periods provided;

•  we reviewed the nature and timings of formal restructuring plans, in 

order to determine that these relate to pre-acquisition restructurings; 

•  holding discussions with the Group’s internal and external lawyers; 
•  reviewing third party correspondence including legal confirmations; and 
•  involving our actuarial specialists to review the approach and 

methodology used to calculate the product liability provision and the 
approach for selecting key assumptions.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201689

Risk

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Key observations

Carrying value of goodwill and other non-current assets

Based on our detailed 
audit work performed, 
we concur with the 
key judgements and 
assumptions in the 
impairment models 
and with the disclosures 
in the financial 
statements. Based on 
management’s current 
expectation the assets 
remain supportable.

We challenged the reasonableness of the assumptions which underpin 
management’s forecasts with reference to the recent and historical 
trading performance of the Energy group, as well as the current 
contractual arrangements and external market data. For Brush China, 
we challenged the reasonableness of the significant judgement relating 
to the future market for generators in China by assessing the Group’s 
contractual arrangements in place and under discussions, as well as 
considering the external future market indicators for generators in China.

We validated the integrity of the impairment models through testing of the 
mechanical accuracy and verifying the application of the input 
assumptions and understood the underlying process used to determine 
the risk adjusted cash flow projections.

Our procedures included consulting with our valuation specialists to 
assess the discount rates applied to future cash flows and benchmarking 
assumptions such as the growth rates and discount rates to external 
macro-economic and market data.

Having ascertained the extent of change in those assumptions that either 
individually or collectively would be required for the assets to be impaired 
by performing sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions, we considered 
the likelihood of such a movement in those assumptions arising.

We have reviewed the disclosures in note 12 in relation to the impact 
of a reasonable possible change, and also the key sources of estimation 
uncertainty disclosure in note 3 for Brush China.

A sample of non-underlying items, including all material items, have been 
agreed to source documentation and evaluated by the component and 
Group audit teams as to their nature in order to assess whether they are 
in line with the Group’s accounting policy, and also to assess consistency 
of non -underlying items between periods in the financial statements.

We also assessed whether the disclosures within the financial 
statements provide sufficient detail for the reader to understand the 
nature of these items and how non-underlying results are reconciled 
to statutory results.

We consider the 
disclosure of non-
underlying items to be 
in line with the Group’s 
accounting policies and 
that the presentation of 
non-underlying items is 
consistent between the 
periods presented.

The carrying value of goodwill in the 
Energy group of cash-generating units 
(the Energy group) as at 31 December 2016 
was £212.9 million and the carrying value of the 
Brush China assets as at 31 December 2016 
was £34.4 million.

Management perform an impairment review 
for all goodwill balances on an annual basis 
and for other assets whenever an indication 
of impairment is identified. We consider there 
to be a risk of material misstatement in Energy 
group goodwill and intangibles and Brush 
China assets as a result of the application of 
management judgement and estimation in 
performing the impairment reviews, in particular 
in relation to the forecasting of future cash flows, 
the growth rate and the selection of an 
appropriate discount rate, as detailed within note 
12 to the consolidated financial statements.

The future market for generators in China is also 
considered a significant judgement within the 
assessment of the recoverability of Brush China 
assets, as detailed within key sources of 
estimation uncertainty in note 3 to the financial 
statements and in the Audit Committee Report.

Classification of non-underlying items

Management has changed the presentation 
of the Consolidated Income Statement in the 
current year to show a consolidated statutory 
format with no underlying adjustments. 
Separately, underlying results are shown 
underneath the Consolidated Income statement.

New guidance has been issued by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority on the 
presentation of alternative performance 
measures. There is a risk around presentation 
and consistency of costs and income within 
non -underlying items, which is a key determinant 
in the assessment of the quality of the Group’s 
underlying earnings. The non-underlying 
operating costs for the year ended 31 December 
2016 were £165.7 million for the Group.

Note 2 includes the Group’s accounting policy 
for non-underlying items and the note 6 includes 
further details on the non-underlying items.

Our prior year audit report also included risks relating to the disposal of the Elster group and recognition and measurement of provisions. 
The disposal was completed in 2015 and is therefore not considered to be a key risk in 2016. We have however assessed the recognition 
and measurement of provisions and contingent liabilities acquired from the Nortek group, as detailed above.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials90

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Melrose Industries PLC continued

Our application of materiality

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatements in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions 
of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work 
and in evaluating the results of our work.

We determined materiality for the Group to be £11 million (2015: £11 million), based on professional judgement, the requirement of auditing 
standards and the financial measures most relevant to users of the financial statements.

When determining materiality in the current year, we considered a range of benchmarks due to the impact of the timing of the acquisition 
of Nortek Inc.

The Nortek acquisition has resulted in only four months of Nortek trading being recorded within the Group’s financial results for 2016, whilst 
the assets and liabilities for the acquired business will be recorded on the balance sheet at the year-end, including newly created goodwill 
and intangible assets. Therefore, in addition to considering revenue (materiality equates to 1% of revenue) and the underlying profit before 
tax (materiality equates to 11% of underlying profit before tax), we have placed increased emphasis on a net assets benchmark (materiality 
equates to 0.5% of net assets) in determining our materiality. This approach differs from previous periods where materiality was based solely 
on underlying profit before tax.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £250,000 (2015: £250,000), 
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

An overview of the scope of our audit

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls, 
and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level.

The Group is organised into an Energy division and the three divisions acquired from the Nortek acquisition.

Our Group audit scope focused primarily on audit work at 17 components (2015: 22 including Elster), of which four relate to components 
which form part of the legacy Energy division, six relate to Air Management, four relate to Security & Smart Technology, two relate to the 
Ergonomics division and one relates to the Nortek head office function. The change in the number of components reflects the disposal of 
the Elster division, the acquisition of the Nortek group and our risk assessment in the current year.

The extent of our testing was based on our assessment of the risks of material misstatement and on the materiality of the Group’s business 
operations at these locations. In total our scope represented 82% of Group revenue, 86% of Group operating profit and 92% of Group 
net assets.

Energy division
In respect of the Energy division, all four components were subject to a full audit (2015: 4). These four components accounted for 81% of the 
Energy divisions’s revenue and 79% of the Energy division’s underlying operating profit and divisional costs (before central costs). The work 
performed at these four components together with the work performed centrally by the Group audit team accounted for 98% of the Energy 
division net assets.

Our work at the four components forming part of the Energy division was principally performed to levels of materiality applicable to each 
individual entity which were lower than group materiality and ranged between £0.4 million and £3.3 million.

In 2015, these four components accounted for 86% of the revenue and 93% of the underlying operating profit and divisional costs 
(before central costs) of the Energy division.

Nortek group
For the newly acquired Nortek group, eight components were subject to a full audit and five were subject to specified audit procedures 
on certain balances that represent a risk to the Group.

The 13 newly acquired components subject to full audit and specified audit procedures accounted for 82% of revenue and 78% of 
underlying operating profit and divisional costs (before central costs). The work performed at these components together with the work 
performed centrally by the Group audit team accounted for 92% of the acquired net assets at 31 December 2016.

Our work and audit procedures at the newly acquired Nortek components were performed at levels of materiality which were lower than group 
materiality, determined by reference to the relative scale of the business concerned, and ranged between £2.8 million and £3.9 million.

Involvement in the work of component auditors and work performed at group level
The senior statutory auditor or other senior members of the Group audit team visited eight of the largest components for the audit (2015: 8). 
The senior statutory auditor also held close meetings which covered all businesses. In years when we do not visit a component within our 
Group audit scope; we will include the component audit team in our team briefing, discuss their risk assessment and review documentation 
of the findings from their work.

At the parent entity level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there 
were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to audit 
or audit of specified account balances.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201691

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006;

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

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

•  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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of Directors’ Remuneration have not been 
made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report arising from these matters.

Other matter
Although not required to do so, the Directors have voluntarily chosen to make a corporate governance statement detailing the extent of their 
compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. We reviewed the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with certain provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report arising from our review.

Our duty to read other information in the Annual Report
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual 
Report is:

•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or

•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of 

performing our audit; or

•  otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit 
and the Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the Annual Report 
appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the audit committee which we consider should have been disclosed.

We confirm that we have not identified any such inconsistencies or misleading statements.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials92

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditor

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, 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). We also comply with International 
Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to ensure that our quality control procedures are 
effective, understood and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our dedicated professional standards review team and 
independent partner reviews.

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.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance 
that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: 
whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify 
material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Stephen Griggs, FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London, UK 
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Consolidated Income Statement

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Net operating expenses
Operating (loss)/profit
Finance costs
Finance income
Loss before tax
Tax
Loss for the year from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
(Loss)/profit for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share
Continuing operations:
– Basic
– Diluted
Continuing and discontinued operations:
– Basic
– Diluted

Underlying Results
Underlying operating profit
Underlying profit before tax
Underlying profit/(loss) after tax
Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing

93

Year ended 
31 December 
 2016
£m

Year ended
31 December 
2015
£m

889.3
(626.0)
263.3
(324.9)
(61.6)
(9.5)
1.8
(69.3)
30.3
(39.0)

–
(39.0)

(39.0)
–
(39.0)

(2.6)p
(2.6)p

(2.6)p
(2.6)p

104.1
96.4
70.4

4.4p

261.1
(179.0)
82.1
(77.3)
4.8
(45.6)
10.1
(30.7)
14.4
(16.3)

1,424.3
1,408.0

1,407.1
0.9
1,408.0

(0.3)p
(0.3)p

26.4p
25.8p

24.8
2.4
(1.4)
 Nil p

Notes

4,5

7

7

7

8

9

11

11

11

11

5,6

6

6

11

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials94

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Loss)/profit for the year

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Net remeasurement gain on retirement benefit obligations
Income tax charge relating to items that will not be reclassified

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Currency translation on net investments
Currency translation on non-controlling interests
Transfer to Income Statement from equity of cumulative translation differences 

on disposal of foreign operations
Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges
Transfer to Income Statement on cash flow hedges
Income tax credit/(charge) relating to items that may be reclassified

Other comprehensive income after tax
Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Notes

Year ended 
31 December 
 2016
£m

Year ended
31 December 
2015
£m

(39.0)

1,408.0

23

8

9

8

22.7
(3.3)
19.4

104.3
–

–
5.3
0.3
5.4
115.3
134.7
95.7

95.7
–
95.7

57.5
(6.0)
51.5

(30.8)
0.2

123.7
(2.8)
3.7
(1.0)
93.0
144.5
1,552.5

1,551.4
1.1
1,552.5

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities from continuing operations
Net cash from operating activities from discontinued operations
Net cash from operating activities
Investing activities
Disposal of businesses
Disposal costs
Net cash disposed
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of computer software and development costs
Dividends received from joint ventures
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries
Interest received
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities
Financing activities
Return of Capital
Net proceeds from Rights Issue
Repayment of borrowings
New bank loans raised
Costs of raising debt finance
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

95

Year ended
31 December 
 2016
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015
£m

50.6
–
50.6

–
(0.1)
–
(16.8)
0.3
(0.6)
0.9
(1,130.0)
9.4
1.8
(1,135.1)
–
(1,135.1)

(2,388.5)
1,612.0
(1,092.4)
557.4
(10.9)
(5.8)
(1,328.2)
–
(1,328.2)
(2,412.7)
2,451.4
3.4
42.1

(57.8)
89.2
31.4

3,381.0
(25.6)
(93.5)
(17.4)
–
(0.3)
0.3
–
–
10.1
3,254.6
(38.7)
3,215.9

(200.4)
–
(595.1)
–
–
(80.6)
(876.1)
–
(876.1)
2,371.2
70.5
9.7
2,451.4

Notes

26

26

14

12

26

25

10

26

26

26

17,26

As at 31 December 2016, the Group had net debt of £541.5 million (31 December 2015: net cash of £2,451.4 million). A reconciliation 
of the movement in net debt is shown in note 26.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials96

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Non-current assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial assets
Trade and other receivables

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Provisions

Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions

Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Issued share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Other reserves
Hedging reserve
Translation reserve
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

31 December 
 2016
£m

31 December 
 2015
£m

Notes

12

13

14

21

24

16

15

16

24

17

5

18

19

24

20

18

19

21

23

20

5

25

2,667.0
271.9
–
49.3
5.2
5.2
2,998.6

297.3
365.8
3.8
42.1
709.0
3,707.6

426.4
0.5
4.2
10.2
138.1
579.4
129.6

13.7
583.1
193.7
33.4
141.5
965.4
1,544.8
2,162.8

129.4
1,492.6
112.4
(2,329.9)
4.5
67.8
2,686.0
2,162.8
–
2,162.8

273.0
112.9
–
25.7
–
1.1
412.7

55.6
67.9
1.2
2,451.4
2,576.1
2,988.8

71.2
–
1.5
3.3
12.0
88.0
2,488.1

–
–
20.2
17.2
18.0
55.4
143.4
2,845.4

10.0
–
2,500.9
(2,329.9)
–
(37.8)
2,702.2
2,845.4
–
2,845.4

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 2 March 2017 and were signed 
on its behalf by:

Geoffrey Martin 
Group Finance Director 
2 March 2017 

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive
2 March 2017

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

97

Share 
premium 
account
£m

Merger 
reserve
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

Hedging 
reserve 
£m

Translation 
reserve 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Equity 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 
£m

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m

Total 
equity 
£m

Issued 
share 
capital 
£m

263.8
–

–

–

–
–
(253.8)

–

–

–
10.0
–

–

–

At 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive 

income

Total comprehensive 

income

Return of Capital
Dividends paid
Capital reduction
Credit to equity for 

equity-settled share-
based payments
Purchase of non-

controlling interests

Disposal of non-controlling 

interests

At 31 December 2015
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive 

income

Total comprehensive 
income/(expense)

Return of Capital
Issue of new shares
Dividends paid
Credit to equity for 

equity-settled share-
based payments

At 31 December 2016

–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

2,500.9
–

 (2,329.9)
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
2,500.9
–

–
 (2,329.9)
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
119.4
–

–
 1,492.6
–

(2,388.5)
–
–

–
129.4

–
1,492.6

–
112.4

–
 (2,329.9)

(0.5)
–

0.5

0.5

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

(130.7)
–

 1,267.5
 1,407.1

 1,571.1
 1,407.1

 2.6
 0.9

 1,573.7
 1,408.0

92.9

 50.9

 144.3

 0.2

 144.5

92.9

 1,458.0

 1,551.4

 1.1

 1,552.5

–
–
–

–

–

(200.4)
 (80.6)
 253.8

(200.4)
(80.6)
–

–
 (0.4)
–

 (200.4)
(81.0)
–

 4.0

 4.0

–

 4.0

 (0.1)

 (0.1)

 (1.4)

 (1.5)

–
(37.8)
–

–
 2,702.2
 (39.0)

–
 2,845.4
 (39.0)

 (1.9)
–
–

(1.9)
2,845.4
 (39.0)

 4.5

 105.6

 24.6

134.7

4.5

105.6

 (14.4)

 95.7

–
–
–

–
4.5

–
–
–

–
–
(5.8)

(2,388.5)
1,612.0
(5.8)

–
67.8

 4.0
2,686.0

4.0
2,162.8

–

–

–
–
–

–
–

 134.7

 95.7

(2,388.5)
1,612.0
(5.8)

4.0
2,162.8

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials98

Notes to the financial statements

1.  Corporate information

Melrose Industries PLC (the Company) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address 
of the registered office is given on the back cover. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in note 5 and 
in the Divisional review section on pages 20 to 29.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2016 were authorised in accordance with a resolution 
of the Directors of Melrose Industries PLC on 2 March 2017.

These financial statements are presented in pounds Sterling which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
Company is based. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 2.

On 31 August 2016 the Group acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital and obtained control of Nortek Inc. (Nortek) for cash 
consideration of £1,093.1 million (note 12).

Nortek is a leading diversified global manufacturer of innovative air management, security, home automation and ergonomic and 
productivity solutions.

The results of Nortek are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the four month period from the date 
of acquisition.

1.1 New Standards and Interpretations affecting amounts, presentation or disclosure reported in the current year
In the current financial year, the Group has adopted a number of new or revised Standards and Interpretations, none of which significantly 
affected the amounts reported in these financial statements. Details of the Standards and Interpretations that were adopted are set out 
in section 1.2.

1.2 New Standards and Interpretations adopted with no significant effect on financial statements
The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted in the current year. Their adoption has not had 
any significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements, but may impact the accounting for future transactions 
and arrangements:

•  Annual improvements to IFRSs: 2012-14 cycle

•  Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure initiative

•  Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and amortisation

•  Amendments to IAS 27: Equity method in separate financial statements

•  Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28: Investment entities: Applying the consolidation exemption

•  Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for acquisitions of interests in joint operations

1.3 New Standards and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations are in issue but not yet effective 
(and in some cases have not been adopted by the EU):

•  IFRS 9: Financial instruments

•  IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers

•  IFRS 16: Leases

•  Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure initiative

•  Amendments to IAS 12: Recognition of deferred tax losses

•  Amendments to IFRS 2: Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions

•  Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture

•  Annual improvements to IFRSs: 2014-16 cycle

•  Clarifications to IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the 
Group in future periods, except that IFRS 9 will impact both the measurement and disclosures of financial instruments, IFRS 15 may have an 
impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures and IFRS 16 will impact the recognition of leases. Beyond the information above, it is 
not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 until a detailed review has been completed, which is 
planned to be undertaken in the next 12 months.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201699

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). 
The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted for use in the European Union and 
therefore comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial 
instruments which are recognised at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value 
of the consideration given in exchange for assets. The principal accounting policies adopted are consistent with the prior year and 
are set out below.

Alternative performance measures
In response to the Guidelines on Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority 
(ESMA), additional information on the APMs used by the Group is provided below. The APMs used by the Group are:

•  Underlying operating profit/(loss)

•  Underlying profit/(loss) before tax

•  Underlying profit/(loss) after tax

•  Underlying diluted earnings per share

•  Underlying profit/(loss) conversion to cash

A reconciliation between statutory reported measures and the underlying measures listed above is shown in notes 6 and 11 to these 
financial statements.

Underlying profit/(loss) excludes items which are significant in size or volatility or by nature are non-trading or non-recurring, or any item 
released to the Income Statement that was previously a fair value item booked on acquisition. These items are not included in the 
performance measures the Board uses to monitor the performance of the Group.

The underlying measures are used to partly determine the variable element of remuneration of senior Management throughout the Group 
and are also in alignment with performance measures used by certain external stakeholders. The underlying measures are also used to 
value individual businesses as part of the “buy, improve, sell” Melrose strategy model.

Underlying profit is not a defined term under IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled profit measures reported by other 
companies. It is not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. All APMs relate to the current year results and 
comparative periods where provided.

Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements include the results of the parent undertaking and all of its subsidiary undertakings. The results of businesses 
acquired during the period are included from the effective date of acquisition and for those sold during the period to the effective date of 
disposal. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line 
with those used by the Group. All intra-Group balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from intra-Group transactions, 
have been eliminated in full.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. The interest of non-controlling shareholders 
is initially measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportion of the share of the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 
Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the 
non-controlling interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even 
if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained on page 36 of the Finance Director’s review.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials100

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Business combinations and goodwill
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the fair value of assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange of control and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for 
control of the acquiree. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee 
entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Costs directly attributable to business combinations are recognised as an expense in the 
Income Statement as incurred.

The acquired identifiable assets and liabilities are measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition except those where specific guidance 
is provided by IFRSs. Non-current assets and directly attributable liabilities that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5: 
“Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations”, are recognised and measured at fair value less costs to sell. Also, deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 12: “Income taxes”, liabilities and assets related to employee 
benefit arrangements are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 19 (revised): “Employee benefits” and liabilities or equity 
instruments related to the replacement by the Group of an acquiree’s share-based payments awards are measured in accordance with 
IFRS 2: “Share-based payment”. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is 
recognised as goodwill.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, 
the Group reports provisional amounts where appropriate. Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, 
or additional assets or liabilities recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the 
acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised at that date.

The measurement period is the period from the date of acquisition to the date the Group obtains complete information about facts and 
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and is subject to a maximum period of one year.

Goodwill on acquisition is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the acquirer’s 
interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at 
cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration 
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree, the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

As at the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to each of the cash-generating units acquired. Impairment is determined 
by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the Income Statement and is not subsequently 
reversed. When there is a disposal of a cash-generating unit, goodwill relating to the operation disposed of is taken into account in 
determining the gain or loss on disposal of that operation. The amount of goodwill allocated to a partial disposal is measured on the basis 
of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the operation retained.

Joint ventures
A joint venture is an entity which is not a subsidiary undertaking but the interest of the Group is that of a partner in a business over which the 
Group exercises joint control. The results, assets and liabilities of joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016101

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Revenue
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services 
provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, customs duties and sales related taxes. Revenue is reduced for estimated 
customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances. The nature of agreements into which the Group enters means that:

•  Certain of the Group’s arrangements with its customers are multiple-element arrangements that can include any combination of 

products and services such as extended warranties, installation and start up testing as deliverables. With the exception of certain 
extended warranty arrangements, substantially all of the deliverables within the Group’s multiple element arrangements are delivered 
within a one year period. Revenue for any undelivered-elements are deferred until delivery occurs. The Group allocates revenue to 
multiple element arrangements based on the relative fair value of each element’s estimated selling price.

•  The service element of the contract is usually insignificant in relation to the total contract value and is often provided on a short-term 

or one-off basis. Where this is the case, revenue is recognised when the service is complete.

•  Aftermarket activities generally relate to the provision of spare parts, repairs and the rebuild of equipment. Revenue on the provision 
of parts is recognised in accordance with the policy on the sale of goods and revenue for repairs and rebuild is recognised upon 
completion of the activity.

Cash discounts, volume rebates and other customer incentive programs are based upon certain percentages agreed upon with the 
Group’s various customers, which are typically earned by the customer over an annual period. The Group records periodic estimates for 
these amounts based upon the historical results to date, estimated future results through the end of the contract period, and the contractual 
provisions of the customer agreements. These are recorded as of the later of the date at which the revenues are recognised or the incentive 
is offered and are generally recorded as a reduction of sales at the time of sale based upon the estimated future outcome.

The significant majority of the Group’s revenue is recognised on a sale of goods basis.

The specific methods used to recognise the different forms of revenue earned by the Group are as follows:

Sale of goods
Revenue is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

•  the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;

•  the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control 

over the goods;

•  the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;

•  it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group; and

•  the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Transfers of risks and rewards vary depending on the nature of the products sold and the individual terms of the contract of sale. 
Sales made under internationally accepted trade terms are recognised as revenue when the Group has completed the primary duties 
required to transfer risks as stipulated in those terms. Sales made outside of such terms are generally recognised on delivery to the 
customer. No revenue is recognised where recovery of the consideration is not probable or there are significant uncertainties regarding 
associated costs or the possible return of goods.

Provision of services
As noted above, because revenue from the rendering of services is usually not significant in relation to the total contract value and is 
generally provided on a short-term or one-off basis, revenue is usually recognised when the service is complete.

Construction contracts
Revenue from significant contracts, without discrete elements, is recognised in proportion to the stage of completion of the contract by 
reference to the specific contract terms and the costs incurred on the contract at the Balance Sheet date in comparison to the total forecast 
costs of the contract. This is normally measured by the proportion that contract costs incurred for work performed to date bear to the 
estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion.

Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included in revenue from construction contracts when the amount can 
be measured reliably and its receipt is considered probable. Variations are included when the customer has agreed to the variation or 
acknowledged liability for the variation in principle. Claims are included when negotiations with the customer have reached an advanced 
stage such that it is probable that the customer will accept the claim. Incentive payments are included when a contract is sufficiently 
advanced that it is probable that the performance standards triggering the incentive will be achieved.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials102

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Profit attributable to contract activity is recognised if the final outcome of such contracts can be reliably assessed. Where this is not the 
case contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred where it is probable they will be recovered. When it is probable 
that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Interest income
Interest income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of revenue can 
be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest 
rate applicable.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily 
take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the 
assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted 
from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Issue costs of loans
The finance cost recognised in the Income Statement in respect of the issue costs of borrowings is allocated to periods over the terms 
of the instrument using the effective interest rate method.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price or construction cost, and any costs directly attributable to bring the asset into 
operation. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to 
acquire the asset.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Freehold land
Freehold buildings and long leasehold property
Short leasehold property
Plant and equipment

nil
over expected economic life not exceeding 50 years
over the term of the lease
3-12 years

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis and, if necessary, changes in useful lives are 
accounted for prospectively.

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists an impairment review is performed and, where the carrying values 
exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of property, 
plant and equipment is the greater of net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for 
the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from 
the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal 
proceeds or costs and the carrying amount of the item) is included in the Income Statement in the year that the item is derecognised.

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

On acquisition of businesses, separately identifiable intangible assets are initially recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date.

Access to the use of brands and intellectual property are valued using a “relief from royalty” method which determines the net present 
value of future additional cash flows arising from the use of the intangible asset.

Customer relationships are valued on the basis of the net present value of the future additional cash flows arising from customer 
relationships with appropriate allowance for attrition of customers.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016103

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Technology assets are valued using a replacement cost approach.

Amortisation of intangible assets is recorded in administration expenses in the Income Statement and is calculated on a straight-line basis 
over the estimated useful lives of the asset as follows:

Customer relationships
Brands and intellectual property
Technology
Order backlog
Computer software
Development costs

20 years or less
20 years or less
5 years or less
1 year or less
5 years or less
5 years or less

Computer software is initially recorded at cost. Where these assets have been acquired through a business combination, this will be the fair 
value allocated in the acquisition accounting. Where these have been acquired other than through a business combination, the initial cost is 
the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset.

Intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are measured on a similar basis to property, plant and equipment. Useful lives 
are also examined on an annual basis and adjustments, where applicable, are made on a prospective basis.

Research and development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred.

Costs relating to clearly defined and identifiable development projects are capitalised when there is a technical degree of exploitation, 
adequacy of resources and a potential market or development possibility in the undertaking that are recognisable; and where it is the 
intention to produce, market or execute the project. A correlation must also exist between the costs incurred and future benefits and those 
costs can be measured reliably. Capitalised costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of five years or less. Costs not 
meeting such criteria are expensed as incurred.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value and measured using a first in, first out basis. Cost includes all direct 
expenditure and appropriate production overhead expenditure incurred in bringing goods to their current state under normal operating 
conditions. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal. 
Provisions are made for obsolescence or other expected losses where necessary.

Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables and other receivables are measured and carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any 
impairment. The carrying amount of other receivables is reduced by the impairment loss directly and a charge is recorded in the Income 
Statement. For trade receivables, the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of 
amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account and changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account 
are recognised in the Income Statement.

Trade receivables that are assessed not to be impaired individually are also assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective 
evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include the Group’s past experience of collecting receipts, an increase in the 
number of delayed receipts in the portfolio past the average credit period, as well as observable changes in national or local economic 
conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet comprise cash in hand, current balances with banks and similar institutions and short-term 
deposits which are readily convertible to cash which are subject to insignificant risks of changes in value.

For the purpose of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined 
above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated with the borrowings.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials104

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, and any discount or premium on settlement.

Gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement when the liabilities are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the 
amortisation process.

Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalised 
at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding 
liability to the lessor is included in the Balance Sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance 
charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Finance charges are charged directly against income. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life 
of the asset or the lease term.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rental 
income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. The effective interest 
method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant periods. 
The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments throughout the expected life of the financial liability, 
or, where appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount on initial recognition. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when 
the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity risks, arising 
from operating and financing activities. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Details of 
derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 24 of the financial statements.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised and stated at fair value. Their fair value is recalculated at each reporting date. The accounting 
treatment for the resulting gain or loss will depend on whether the derivative meets the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting.

Where derivatives do not meet the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses on the revaluation to fair value at the period 
end are recognised immediately in the Income Statement. Where derivatives do meet the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting, 
recognition of any resulting gain or loss on revaluation depends on the nature of the hedge relationship and the item being hedged.

Derivative financial instruments with maturity dates of less than one year from the period end date are classified as current in the 
Balance Sheet.

Hedge accounting
In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document from inception the relationship between the item being hedged 
and the hedging instrument and to show that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is performed 
at each period end to ensure that the hedge remains highly effective.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedge instrument expires or is sold, terminated, 
exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.

The Group designates certain hedging instruments as either fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments 
in foreign operations.

Fair value hedge
Derivative financial instruments are classified as fair value hedges when they hedge the Group’s exposure to changes in the fair value of 
a recognised asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in 
the Income Statement immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016105

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Cash flow hedge
Derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges when they hedge the Group’s exposure to the variability in cash flows 
that are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecasted cash flow.

The effective portion of any gain or loss from revaluing the derivative financial instrument is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and accumulated in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income Statement.

Amounts previously recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity are recycled to the Income 
Statement in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in the Income Statement or when the forecast transaction is no longer 
expected to occur. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-
financial liability, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement 
of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations
Derivative financial instruments are classified as net investment hedges when they hedge the Group’s net investment in foreign operations. 
The effective element of any foreign exchange gain or loss from revaluing the derivative at a reporting period end is recognised in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income. Any ineffective element is recognised immediately in the Income Statement.

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are recognised immediately in the Income Statement when the foreign operation is disposed 
of or when the hedge is no longer expected to occur.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the 
amount of the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future 
cash flows at a rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to 
the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Restructuring
A restructuring provision is recognised when the Group has developed a detailed formal plan for the restructuring and has raised a valid 
expectation in those affected that it will carry out the restructuring by either starting to implement the plan or by announcing its main features 
to those affected by it. The measurement of a restructuring provision includes only the direct expenditures arising from the restructuring, 
which are those amounts that are both necessarily entailed by the restructuring and not associated with the ongoing activities of the entity.

Warranties
Provisions for the expected cost of warranty obligations under local sale of goods legislation are recognised at the date of sale of the 
relevant products, using the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the Group’s obligation.

Onerous contracts
Present obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognised and measured as provisions. An onerous contract is considered to exist 
where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic 
benefits expected to be received under it.

Environmental liabilities
Liabilities for environmental costs are recognised when environmental assessments or clean-ups are probable and the associated costs can 
be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these provisions coincides with the commitment to a formal plan of action. The amount 
recognised is the best estimate of the expenditure required. Where the liability will not be settled for a number of years, the amount 
recognised is the present value of the estimated future expenditure.

Employee related
Liabilities for health and workers compensation expenses are provided for based on the total liabilities that are able to be estimated and are 
probable as of the balance sheet date.

Product liability
Provisions are recorded for product and general liability claims which are probable and for which the cost can be reliably estimated.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials106

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combination
Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combination are initially measured at fair value at the acquisition date. As the end of subsequent 
reporting periods, such contingent liabilities are measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognised in accordance with IAS 37 
and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation recognised in accordance with IAS 18.

Pensions and other retirement benefits
The Group operates defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans, some of which require contributions to be made to 
administered funds separate from the Group.

For the defined benefit pension and retirement benefit plans, plan assets are measured at fair value and plan liabilities are measured on 
an actuarial basis and discounted at an interest rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent 
currency and term to the plan liabilities. Any assets resulting from this calculation are limited to past service cost plus the present value 
of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related 
current service cost and past service cost, are measured using the projected unit credit method.

The service cost of providing pension and other retirement benefits to employees for the period is charged to the Income Statement.

Net interest expense on net defined benefit obligations is determined by applying discount rates used to measure defined benefit 
obligations at the beginning of the year to net defined benefit obligations at the beginning of the year. Net interest expense is recognised 
within finance costs.

Remeasurement gains and losses comprise actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return 
on plan assets (excluding interest). Remeasurement gains and losses, and taxation thereon, are recognised in full in the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they occur and are not subsequently recycled.

Actuarial gains and losses may result from differences between the actuarial assumptions underlying the plan obligations and actual 
experience during the period or changes in the actuarial assumptions used in the valuation of the plan obligations.

For defined contribution plans, contributions payable are charged to the Income Statement as an operating expense when employees 
have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.

Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it 
operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group 
company are expressed in pounds Sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the 
consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency 
(foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each Balance Sheet date, 
monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the Balance Sheet date. 
Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when 
the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in the Income 
Statement for the period. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in the 
Income Statement for the period except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and 
losses are recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange component of that gain or loss is also recognised 
directly in equity.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are translated 
at exchange rates prevailing on the Balance Sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the 
period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are 
used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity (attributed 
to non-controlling interests as appropriate). Such translation differences are recognised as income or as expenses in the period in which 
the related operation is disposed of. Any exchange differences that have previously been attributed to non-controlling interests are 
derecognised but they are not reclassified to the Income Statement.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the rate prevailing at the Balance Sheet date.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016107

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Taxation
The tax expense is based on the taxable profits for the period and represents the sum of the tax paid or currently payable and deferred tax.

Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable 
or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is 
calculated using tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the Balance Sheet date between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:

•  where the deferred tax liability arises on the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 

combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•  where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures 

can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, 
to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and carry-forward 
of unused tax assets and unused tax losses can be utilised except:

•  where the deferred tax asset arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination 

and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•  in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures, deferred tax 
assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and 
taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Balance Sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable 
that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the 
liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the relevant Balance Sheet date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities 
and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and 
liabilities on a net basis.

Tax relating to items recognised directly in other comprehensive income is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and not 
in the Income Statement.

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of sales tax except:

•  where the sales tax incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the sales 

tax is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and

•  where receivables and payables are stated with the amount of sales tax included.

The net amount of sales tax recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the 
Balance Sheet.

Share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2: “Share-based payment”. The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments 
to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value of the equity instrument excluding the effect of 
non-market based vesting conditions at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based 
payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest 
and adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting conditions.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials108

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Fair value is measured by use of the Black Scholes pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on 
the Directors’ best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Non-current assets and businesses held for sale
Non-current assets and businesses classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

Non-current assets and businesses are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as having been met only when the sale is highly probable and 
the asset or business is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale which should 
be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The 
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experiences and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision 
affects both current and future periods.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period that may have 
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are 
discussed below.

Impairment of non-current assets
Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts might be 
impaired and at least annually. Such events and circumstances include the effects of restructuring initiated by management.

Determining whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to 
which goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows 
expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. Management draw upon 
experience as well as external resources in making these estimates.

The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets (not including computer software and development costs) at the Balance Sheet 
date was £2,656.1 million (31 December 2015: £271.8 million). At 31 December 2016 and 2015, the Group recognised no impairment loss in 
respect of these assets. Further detail, which includes sensitivity analysis, is shown in note 12.

Brush China
The Group’s assets in Brush China remained mothballed at the year end as production was reduced during 2016. The value in use 
calculation prepared by management to estimate the recoverable amount of the Brush China business supported the carrying amount of 
the Brush China assets which were £37.0 million as at 31 December 2016. However, significant uncertainty remains and the determination 
as to whether these assets were impaired at 31 December 2016 involved management judgement on highly uncertain matters, particularly 
with respect to the level of demand for generators in the Chinese market, the successful resolution of current customer discussions, and 
therefore the timing and quantity of forecast unit sales, as well as long-term growth rates and discount factors.

Should the resolution of customer discussions or the level of demand for generators not be realised in line with current expectations and 
should the China plant continue to remain mothballed there is a worst case risk that a full impairment could potentially be required which 
would reduce the value of the Brush China assets to a net realisable value of approximately £9 million.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016109

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Assumptions used to determine the carrying amount of the Group’s defined benefit obligation
The Group’s defined benefit obligation is discounted at a rate set by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high 
quality corporate bonds. Significant judgement is required when setting the criteria for bonds to be included in the population from which 
the yield curve is derived. The most significant criteria considered for the selection of bonds include the issue size of the corporate bonds, 
quality of the bonds and the identification of outliers which are excluded. In addition judgement is made in determining mortality rate 
assumptions to be used when valuing the Group’s defined benefit obligations. At 31 December 2016, the Group’s retirement benefit 
obligation deficit was £33.4 million (31 December 2015: £17.2 million). A sensitivity analysis on the principal assumptions used to determine 
the Group’s defined benefit obligations is shown in note 23.

Taxation
The Group is subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which it operates. Management is required to exercise judgement in 
determining the Group’s provision for income taxes. Management’s judgement is required in estimating tax provisions where management 
believe it is probable that additional current tax will become payable in the future following the audit by the tax authorities of previously filed 
tax returns. Such provisions are measured based on management’s best estimates of the amounts payable. Management’s judgement is 
also required as to whether a deferred tax asset should be recognised based on the availability of future taxable profits and the expected 
timing of future disposals. While the Group aims to ensure that the estimates recorded are accurate, the actual amounts could be different 
from those expected. Further details are provided in note 21.

Provisions
The quantification of certain liabilities within provisions (environmental remediation obligations and future costs and settlements in relation to 
certain legal claims) have been estimated using the best information available. However, such liabilities depend on the actions of third parties 
and on the specific circumstances pertaining to each obligation, neither of which is controlled by the Group. Although provisions are 
reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted for management’s best current estimates, the judgemental nature of these items means that future 
amounts settled may be different from those provided. Further details are set out in note 20.

4.  Revenue

An analysis of the Group’s revenue, as defined by IAS 18: “Revenue”, is as follows:

Continuing operations
Revenue from the sale of goods
Revenue recognised on long-term contracts
Revenue from the provision of services
Revenue
Finance income
Total revenue from continuing operations as defined by IAS 18
Discontinued operations
Revenue from the sale of goods
Revenue recognised on long-term contracts
Revenue from the provision of services
Revenue
Finance income
Total revenue from discontinued operations as defined by IAS 18
Total revenue as defined by IAS 18

 Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

 Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 Notes

5

7

5,9

807.8
3.0
78.5

889.3
1.8
891.1

–
–
–

–
–
–
891.1

212.0
5.9
43.2

261.1
10.1
271.2

1,056.4
0.6
52.8

1,109.8
0.6
1,110.4
1,381.6

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials110

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

5.  Segment information

Segment information is presented in accordance with IFRS 8: “Operating segments” which requires operating segments to be identified on 
the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reported to the Group’s Board in order to allocate resources 
to the segments and assess their performance. The Group’s reportable operating segments under IFRS 8 are as follows:

Energy – includes the Brush business, a specialist supplier of energy industrial products to the global market.

Air Management – includes the Air Quality & Home Solutions business (AQH), a leading manufacturer of ventilation products for the 
professional remodelling and replacement markets, residential new construction market, and do-it-yourself market. This division also 
includes the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning business (HVAC) which manufactures and sells split-system and packaged air 
conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air handlers and parts for the residential replacement and new construction markets, along with 
custom-designed and engineered HVAC products and systems for non-residential applications.

Security & Smart Technology – includes the Security & Control business (SCS) along with the Core Brands and GTO Access Systems 
businesses. These businesses are manufacturers and distributors of products designed to provide convenience and security primarily for 
residential applications and audio visual equipment for the residential audio video and professional video market.

Ergonomics – includes the Ergotron business, a manufacturer and distributor of innovative products designed with ergonomic features 
including wall mounts, carts, arms, desk mounts, workstations and stands that attach to or support a variety of display devices such as 
notebook computers, computer monitors and flat panel displays.

In addition, there are central cost centres which are also separately reported to the Board. The central corporate cost centre which contains 
the Melrose Group head office costs along with charges related to the divisional management long-term incentive plans and the remaining 
Nortek central cost centre.

The discontinued segment in 2015 comprises the Elster disposal group and the Prelok business. The Elster disposal group included the 
Gas, Electricity and Water segments and their related central costs. The Elster group also contained the Elster divisional long-term incentive 
plans, the FKI UK defined benefit pension plan and the McKechnie UK defined benefit pension plan.

Transfer prices between business units are set on an arm’s length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

No single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue in 2016. In 2015, revenues of approximately £67.0 million arose from 
the Group’s largest customer in that year.

The Group’s geographical segments are determined by the location of the Group’s non-current assets and, for revenue, the location of 
external customers. Inter-segment sales are not material and have not been disclosed.

Segment revenues and results
The following tables present the revenue, results and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group’s operating segments and 
central cost centres for the year ended 31 December 2016 and the comparative year.

Continuing operations
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek total
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total revenue

Segment revenue from external customers

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Notes

246.4

416.5
130.4
96.0
642.9
889.3
–
889.3

261.1

–
–
–
–
261.1
1,109.8
1,370.9

4

4,9

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 20165.  Segment information (continued)

Continuing operations
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek central
Nortek total
Central – corporate(1)
Underlying operating profit
Items not affecting underlying operating profit
Operating (loss)/profit
Finance costs
Finance income
Loss before tax
Tax
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
(Loss)/profit for the year

(1) 

Includes £nil (2015: £1.0 million) of costs relating to divisional Long Term Incentive Plans.

Continuing operations
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek central
Nortek total
Central – corporate
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

111

Segment results

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Notes

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

32.0

46.8
17.1
24.4
(2.0)

86.3
(14.2)

104.1
(165.7)

(61.6)
(9.5)
1.8

(69.3)
30.3
–
(39.0)

38.5

–
–
–
–

–
(13.7)

24.8
(20.0)

4.8
(45.6)
10.1

(30.7)
14.4
1,424.3
1,408.0

6

6

6

7

7

8

9

Total assets

Total liabilities

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

549.2

1,630.0
690.0
756.5
5.3

3,081.8
76.6
3,707.6
–
3,707.6

496.9

–
–
–
–

–
2,491.9
2,988.8
–
2,988.8

97.8

558.2
158.5
144.6
(31.0)(1)

830.3
616.7
1,544.8
–
1,544.8

103.7

–
–
–
–

–
39.7
143.4
–
143.4

(1) 

IAS 12 requires the set off of deferred tax assets and liabilities in the same tax jurisdiction. The £31.0 million negative balance within Nortek central liabilities represents £85.5 million 
of Nortek central deferred tax assets which have been treated as negative liabilities to represent the required offset, and £54.5 million of other Nortek central liabilities.

Continuing operations
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek Central
Nortek total
Central – corporate
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

(1) 

Including computer software and development costs.

Capital expenditure (1)

Depreciation (1)

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

3.6

10.3
1.8
1.1
0.1

13.3
–
16.9
–
16.9

16.8

–
–
–
–

–
–
16.8
39.9
56.7

9.0

6.4
1.0
1.0
0.5

8.9
0.2
18.1
–
18.1

7.5

–
–
–
–

–
0.6
8.1
11.9
20.0

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials112

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

5.  Segment information (continued)

Geographical information
The Group operates in various geographical areas around the world. The Group’s country of domicile is the UK and the Group’s revenues 
and non-current assets in Europe and North America are also considered to be material.

The Group’s revenue from external customers and information about its segment assets (non-current assets excluding interests in 
joint ventures, deferred tax assets, derivative financial assets and non-current trade and other receivables) by geographical location 
are detailed below:

Continuing operations
UK
Europe
North America
Other
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

(1)  Revenue is presented by destination.

Revenue (1) from external customers

Non-current assets

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

88.9
82.3
638.8
79.3
889.3
–
889.3

83.2
66.3
57.4
54.2
261.1
1,109.8
1,370.9

183.3
181.4
2,537.8
36.4
2,938.9
–
2,938.9

189.3
146.9
23.6
26.1
385.9
–
385.9

6.  Reconciliation between profit and underlying profit

As described in note 2, underlying profit/(loss) is the alternative performance measure used by the Board to monitor the underlying trading 
performance of the Group. A reconciliation between the statutory (loss)/profit and underlying profit for 2015 and 2016 is shown below:

Continuing operations

Operating (loss)/profit
Restructuring costs
Acquisition and disposal costs
Amortisation of intangible assets
Removal of one-off uplift in value of inventory
Melrose equity-settled compensation scheme
Release of fair value provision
Total adjustments to operating (loss)/profit (1)
Underlying operating profit

 Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

 Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 Notes

a

b

c

d

e

f

(61.6)

51.4
38.7
36.3
18.2
22.8
 (1.7)
165.7
104.1

4.8

7.6
0.3
8.1
–
4.0
–
20.0
24.8

(1)  Of the adjustments to operating (loss)/profit, £18.2 million (2015: £nil) relating to the sale of inventory revalued in business combinations has been charged to cost of sales, with the balance 

of £147.5 million (2015: £20.0 million) included within net operating expenses.

a. Restructuring costs in the year ended 31 December 2016 include £31.8 million relating to the closure of the Nortek head office and 

£13.5 million relating to the restructuring of certain Nortek businesses. Within the Brush business, £6.1 million (2015: £5.9 million) was 
incurred to align the cost base with the reduced revenue. In addition, in 2015, £1.7 million of restructuring costs related to the introduction 
of a new holding company for the Group, along with the costs of returning capital to shareholders. These items are excluded from 
underlying results due to their size and non-trading nature.

b. Acquisition and disposal costs relate primarily to the acquisition of Nortek in the year. These items are excluded from underlying 

results due to their size and non-trading nature.

c. The amortisation of intangible assets acquired in business combinations are excluded from underlying results due to their 

non-trading nature.

d. Finished goods and work in progress which are present in a business when acquired are required to be uplifted in value to closer 
to their selling price. As a result, in the early months following an acquisition, reduced profits are made as the inventory is sold. 
This one-off effect is excluded from underlying results due to its size and non-recurring nature.

e. The charge for the Melrose incentive scheme, including its associated employer’s tax charge, is excluded from underlying results 

due to its size and volatility.

f.  The release of a fair value provision is excluded from underlying profit because it was previously booked as a fair value item on 

the acquisition of FKI.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 20166.  Reconciliation between profit and underlying profit (continued)

Continuing operations

Loss before tax
Adjustments to operating (loss)/profit per above
Accelerated future year charges following repayment of debt
Adjustments to loss before tax
Underlying profit before tax

113

Note

g

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

(69.3)

165.7
 –
165.7
 96.4

(30.7)

20.0
13.1
33.1
2.4

g. Following the disposal of Elster in 2015, all existing bank facilities at that time were repaid and all unamortised bank fees were 

written off because of their size and non-trading nature.

Continuing operations

Loss for the year
Adjustments to loss before tax per above
Incremental deferred tax asset recognition on UK losses
Tax effect of adjustments to underlying profit before tax
Adjustments to loss for the year
Underlying profit/(loss) for the year

Notes

h

8

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 (39.0)

 165.7
 (10.4)
 (45.9)
 109.4
 70.4

(16.3)

33.1
(14.5)
(3.7)
14.9
(1.4)

h. Relating to the recognition of deferred tax assets on UK tax losses which are now considered accessible following acquisition 

and disposal activities. This is excluded from underlying results due to its size, volatility and non-trading nature.

7.  Revenues and expenses

Net operating expenses comprise:

Selling and distribution costs
Administration expenses (1)
Share of results of joint ventures (note 14)
Total net operating expenses

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

(76.7)
(249.1)
 0.9
(324.9)

(15.7)
(61.9)
0.3
(77.3)

–
–
–
–

(91.5)
(123.1)
2.0
(212.6)

(76.7)
(249.1)
0.9
(324.9)

(107.2)
(185.0)
2.3
(289.9)

(1) 

Includes £147.5 million (2015: £20.0 million) of non-underlying costs.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials114

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

7.  Revenues and expenses (continued)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

Cost of inventories
Amortisation of intangible assets acquired 

in business combinations (note 12)

Depreciation and impairment
Amortisation and impairment of computer software 

and development costs (note 12)

Operating lease expense
Staff costs
Research and development costs
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of computer software and 

development costs

Expense of writing down inventory to net 

realisable value

Reversals of previous write downs of inventory
Impairment recognised on trade receivables
Impairment reversed on trade receivables

The analysis of auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

626.0

179.0

36.3
18.4

7.5
10.7
 246.6
 3.9
 –

0.2

9.3
 (6.6)
3.7
(1.1)

8.1
7.6

0.5
1.4
95.1
1.6
–

–

1.0
(0.1)
1.0
(0.2)

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

 –

–
 –
–
 –

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the auditor for the audit of the Nortek acquisition Balance Sheet
Total fees payable for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for other audit services to the Group:
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Total audit fees(1)
Audit-related assurance services:
Review of the half year interim statement
Non-statutory audit of certain of the Company’s businesses
Other assurance services
Total audit-related assurance services
Total audit and audit-related assurance services
Taxation compliance services
Other taxation advisory services
Corporate finance services
Total audit and non-audit fees

(1) 

Includes £nil (2015: £1.2 million) of audit fees shown within discontinued operations.

674.1

626.0

853.1

23.5
10.0

1.9
7.1
269.4
10.1
(0.6)

–

2.6
(4.3)
2.7
(1.9)

36.3
18.4

7.5
10.7
246.6
3.9
 –

0.2

9.3
 (6.6)
3.7
(1.1)

31.6
17.6

2.4
8.5
364.5
11.7
(0.6)

–

3.6
(4.4)
3.7
(2.1)

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 1.8
 0.5

 2.3

0.5
2.8

0.1
0.1
0.4
0.6
3.4

0.1
0.9
1.8
6.2

1.3
–

 1.3

1.0
2.3

0.1
0.2
0.1
0.4
2.7

0.1
0.5
0.2
3.5

Details of the Company’s policy on the use of auditors for non-audit services and how auditor’s independence and objectivity were 
safeguarded are set out in the Audit Committee report on page 69. No services were provided pursuant to contingent fee arrangements.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 20167.  Revenues and expenses (continued)

Staff costs during the year (including executive Directors)
Wages and salaries
Social security costs(1)
Pension costs (note 23)
– defined benefit plans
– defined contribution plans
Share-based compensation expense
Total continuing staff costs
Discontinued staff costs(2)
Total staff costs

Includes the employer’s tax charge on the change in value of the Melrose equity-settled incentive scheme (note 6).

(1) 
(2)  Includes £nil (2015: £2.9 million) of defined contribution pension costs and £nil (2015: £2.2 million) of defined benefit pension costs.

Average monthly number of persons employed (including executive Directors)
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek central (1)
Central – corporate
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total average number of persons employed

(1)  At 31 December 2016, 10 Nortek central employees remained within the Group.

Finance costs and income
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts
Amortisation of costs of raising finance
Net interest cost on pensions
Unwind of discount on provisions
Total finance costs(1)
Finance income
Total continuing operations
Discontinued operations(2)
Total net finance costs

115

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

204.9
31.7

0.1
5.9
4.0
246.6
 –
246.6

77.4
9.9

–
3.8
4.0
95.1
269.4
364.5

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
Number

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
Number

2,107
6,743
2,602
1,546
86
30
13,114
–
13,114

2,460
–
–
–
–
34
2,494
6,701
9,195

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 Note

(7.7)
(0.7)
(0.9)
(0.2)

(9.5)
 1.8
(7.7)
 –
(7.7)

(27.9)
(15.9)
(1.6)
(0.2)

(45.6)
10.1
(35.5)
(5.3)
(40.8)

9

Includes finance costs of £nil (2015: £13.1 million) in respect of accelerated future year charges following the repayment of all external debt facilities.

(1) 
(2)  Includes £nil (2015: £3.7 million) net interest cost in relation to pensions.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials116

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

8.  Tax

Analysis of charge/(credit) in year:

Current tax
Deferred tax
Total income tax (credit)/charge

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

3.0
(33.3)
(30.3)

2.9
(17.3)
(14.4)

–
–
–

 46.5
 2.8
 49.3

 3.0
(33.3)
(30.3)

 49.4
 (14.5)
 34.9

The total income tax credit in respect of continuing operations of £30.3 million (2015: £14.4 million) includes a tax credit classified 
as non-underlying tax of £10.4 million (2015: £14.5 million), being the recognition of additional tax losses now considered accessible 
following acquisition and disposal activities, and a tax credit in respect of the items described as non-underlying in note 6 of £45.9 million 
(2015: £3.7 million). The tax credit on non-underlying items comprises £18.2 million (2015: £0.4 million) in respect of restructuring costs, 
£3.9 million (2015: £nil) in respect of acquisition and disposal costs, £12.8 million (2015: £2.1 million) in respect of amortisation of intangible 
assets, £6.8 million (2015: £nil) in respect of the required uplift in the value of inventory acquired with Nortek, £4.5 million (2015: £0.8 million) 
in respect of the Melrose equity-settled compensation scheme charge and a charge of £0.3 million (2015: credit of £0.4 million) in respect 
of other items.

A further change to the main rate of UK corporation tax was enacted in the Finance Act 2016. The UK corporation tax rate will reduce to 
19% from 1 April 2017 with a further reduction to 17% from 1 April 2020. The impact of the future rate changes, which have been reflected 
within these financial statements, have reduced the deferred tax asset by £0.4 million.

Changes to the UK loss utilisation and interest deduction rules have been proposed and will take effect on 1 April 2017. These changes 
have not yet been substantively enacted, so the effect of these changes has not been recognised within these financial statements. The 
impact is likely to result in an increase in the deferred tax asset of £17.0 million, due to the increased flexibility over the utilisation of losses 
expected to crystallise after March 2017.

The tax (credit)/charge for the year for both continuing and discontinued operations can be reconciled to the (loss)/profit per the Income 
Statement as follows:

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations (note 9)

Tax on (loss)/profit on ordinary activities at weighted average rate 40.82% (2015: 31.54%)
Tax effect of:
Disallowable expenses within underlying items
Disallowable items in respect of acquisition related costs
Temporary differences not recognised in deferred tax
Tax credits, withholding taxes and other rate differences
Prior year tax adjustments
Tax credit classified as non-underlying (note 6)
Total tax (credit)/charge for the year

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

(69.3)
–
 (69.3)

(28.3)

 1.6
 7.3
2.7
(0.2)
(3.0)
(10.4)
 (30.3)

(30.7)
217.8
187.1

 59.0

 2.2
 –
(4.3)
(1.3)
(4.6)
(16.1)
 34.9

The reconciliation has been performed at a blended Group tax rate of 40.82% (2015: 31.54%) which represents the weighted average of the 
tax rates applying to profits and losses in the jurisdictions in which those results arose.

In addition to the amount charged to the Income Statement, a tax credit of £2.1 million (2015: charge of £7.0 million) has been recognised 
directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. This represents a tax charge of £3.3 million (2015: £6.0 million) in respect 
of retirement benefit obligations, a tax charge of £1.1 million (2015: £0.4 million) in respect of movements on cash flow hedges, a tax credit 
of £1.3 million (2015: charge of £0.6 million) in respect of tax charged on foreign exchange gains and a tax credit of £5.2 million (2015: £nil) 
in respect of share based payments.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016117

9.  Discontinued operations

Disposal of businesses
On 29 December 2015, the Group completed the sale of the Elster disposal group (note 5) for cash consideration of £3,380.8 million. The 
costs charged to the Income Statement associated with the disposal in 2015 were £25.6 million. The profit on disposal was £1,256.3 million 
after the recycling of cumulative translation differences of £123.8 million.

On 18 December 2015, the smaller Prelok business, previously shown within the Energy segment, was disposed of for a loss of £0.5 million.

Financial performance of discontinued operations:

Revenue
Operating costs
Operating profit
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Cumulative translation differences recycled on disposals
Gain on disposal of net assets of discontinued operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

10.  Dividends

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 paid of 5.3p (1.0)p(1)
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 paid of 2.8p (0.5)p(1)
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 paid of 2.6p (0.5)p(1)
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 paid of 1.4p (0.3)p(1)

(1)  Adjusted to include the effects of the Rights Issue (note 11).

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

1,109.8
(886.7)

 223.1
(5.3)

 217.8
 (49.3)

 168.5
(123.7)
1,379.5
1,424.3

1,423.4
0.9
1,424.3

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

–
–
3.8
2.0
5.8

52.7
27.9
–
–
80.6

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 1.9p per share (2015: 0.5p per share(1)) totalling £35.8 million 
(2015: £3.8 million).

The final dividend of 1.9p was proposed by the Board on 2 March 2017 and, in accordance with IAS 10: “Events after the reporting period”, 
has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials118

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

11.  Earnings per share

Earnings attributable to owners of the parent

(Loss)/profit for the purposes of earnings per share
Less: profit for the year from discontinued operations (note 9)
Earnings for basis of earnings per share from continuing operations

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the purposes of basic 
earnings per share including the effects of the Rights Issue(1) (million)
Further shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share including 

the effects of the Rights Issue(1) (million)

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares for the purposes 

of diluted earnings per share (million)

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

 (39.0)
 –
 (39.0)

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 1,407.1
 (1,423.4)
 (16.3)

Year ended
31 December 
2016 
Number

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
Number

1,499.3

5,336.6

89.8

109.8

1,589.1

5,446.4

(1)  On 24 August 2016, a 12 for 1, fully underwritten, Rights Issue was completed by Melrose Industries PLC and subsequently 1,741.6 million new Ordinary Shares were issued raising 

£1,654.5 million to part fund the acquisition of the Nortek Group. In accordance with IAS 33, a bonus factor associated with the issue of the new share capital of 18.8491% has been 
applied to the number of Ordinary Shares in issue prior to 24 August 2016 (including comparative periods presented) for the purposes of earnings per share calculations.

On 20 February 2015 the number of Ordinary Shares in issue was consolidated in a ratio of 13 for 14, which reduced the number 
of Ordinary Shares in issue from 1,071.8 million to 995.2 million.

On 28 January 2016 the number of Ordinary Shares in issue was consolidated in a ratio of 7 for 48, which reduced the number 
of Ordinary Shares in issue from 995.2 million to 145.1 million.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share
From continuing and discontinued operations
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
Diluted earnings per share
From continuing and discontinued operations
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Underlying earnings

Underlying earnings for the basis of underlying earnings per share 

from continuing operations

Underlying earnings per share

Underlying basic earnings per share – continuing
Underlying diluted earnings per share – continuing

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
pence

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
pence

(2.6)
(2.6)
 –

(2.6)
 (2.6)
 –

 26.4
 (0.3)
 26.7

 25.8
 (0.3)
 26.1

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

70.4

(1.4)

 Note

6

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
pence

4.7p
4.4p

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
pence

 Nil p
 Nil p

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201612.  Goodwill and other intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Disposals
Exchange adjustments
Transfer to held for sale(2)
At 31 December 2015
Acquisition of businesses
Additions
Disposals
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2016
Amortisation
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange adjustments
Transfer to held for sale(2)
At 31 December 2015
Charge for the year
Impairments(3)
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2016
Net book value
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

 Goodwill 
£m

1,516.7
 –
 –
 (68.6)
(1,250.0)

 198.1
 1,402.7
 –
 –
 105.2
 1,706.0

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 1,706.0
 198.1
 1,516.7

 Customer 
relationships 
£m

 Brands and 
intellectual 
property 
£m

 Computer software 
and development 
costs 
£m

 Other (1) 
£m

836.9
 –
 –
(42.8)
(765.7)

 28.4
556.4
 –
 –
 37.8
 622.6

(117.6)
(24.1)
 –
 6.0
 114.4

(21.3)
(18.7)
 –
(1.3)
(41.3)

 581.3
 7.1
 719.3

181.7
 –
 –
(5.4)
(69.9)

106.4
266.5
 –
 –
 25.1
 398.0

(41.2)
(7.5)
 –
 1.1
 7.8

(39.8)
(11.5)
 –
(3.2)
(54.5)

 343.5
 66.6
 140.5

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 29.7
 –
 –
 1.9
 31.6

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
(6.1)
 –
(0.2)
(6.3)

 25.3
 –
 –

 33.7
 6.2
 (0.1)
(3.9)
(31.4)

 4.5
 15.8
 0.6
(0.2)
 1.5
 22.2

(9.1)
(2.4)
0.1
2.5
5.6

(3.3)
(2.2)
(5.3)
(0.5)
(11.3)

 10.9
 1.2
 24.6

119

 Total 
£m

2,569.0
6.2
 (0.1)
(120.7)
(2,117.0)

 337.4
2,271.1
 0.6
(0.2)
171.5
2,780.4

(167.9)
(34.0)
0.1
9.6
127.8

(64.4)
(38.5)
(5.3)
(5.2)
(113.4)

2,667.0
273.0
2,401.1

(1)  Other includes technology and order backlog intangible assets acquired with the Nortek businesses.
(2)  Transferred to assets held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.
(3)  Impairment of computer software relates to the closure of Nortek head office.

The goodwill generated as a result of major acquisitions (which includes Nortek in the year) represents the premium paid in excess of the fair 
value of all net assets, including intangible assets, identified at the point of acquisition. The carrying value of goodwill includes a premium, 
paid in order to secure shareholder agreement to the business combination, that is less than the value that the Directors believed could be 
added to the acquired businesses through the application of their specialist turnaround experience.

The goodwill arising on bolt on acquisitions is attributable to the anticipated profitability and cash flows arising from the businesses acquired, 
synergies as a result of the complementary nature of the business with existing Melrose businesses, the assembled workforce, technical 
expertise, knowhow, market share and geographical advantages afforded to the Group.

The future improvements applied to the acquired businesses, (which includes Nortek in the year) achieved through a combination of revised 
strategic direction, operational improvements and investment, are expected to result in improved profitability of the acquired businesses 
during the period of ownership and are also expected to result in enhanced disposal proceeds when the acquired businesses are ultimately 
disposed. The combined value achieved from these improvements is expected to be in excess of the value of goodwill acquired.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials120

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

Goodwill acquired in business combinations has been allocated to the businesses, each of which comprises several cash-generating units, 
as follows:

Continuing operations
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
Nortek total
Total continuing operations

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

212.9

697.2
347.2
448.7
1,493.1
1,706.0

198.1

–
–
–
–
198.1

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. Value in use 
calculations are used to determine the recoverable amount of goodwill allocated to each group of cash-generating units (CGUs) which use 
the latest approved forecasts extrapolated to perpetuity using growth rates shown below, and which do not exceed the long-term growth 
rate for the relevant market. Based on impairment testing completed at the year end, no impairment was identified. The basis of these 
impairment tests and the key assumptions are set out in the table below:

Carrying value 
of goodwill 
£m

Pre-tax 
discount 
rates (1)

Period of 
forecast

Key assumptions applied in the 
forecast cash flow projections (2)

Long-term 
growth rates (3)

Group of CGUs

31 December 2016
Energy
Air Management
Security & Smart Technology
Ergonomics
31 December 2015
Energy

Basis of 
valuation

Value in use
Value in use
Value in use
Value in use

212.9
697.2
347.2
448.7

11.0%
12.8%
12.7%
12.6%

5 years
4 years
4 years
4 years

Revenue growth, operating margins
Revenue growth, operating margins
Revenue growth, operating margins
Revenue growth, operating margins

Value in use

198.1

11.1%

3 years

Revenue growth, operating margins

2.2%
3.0%
3.0%
3.0%

2.3%

(1)  Pre-tax risk adjusted discount rates
Cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate specific to each group of CGUs. Discount rates reflect the current market 
assessments of the time value of money and are based on the estimated cost of capital of each CGU. In determining the cost of equity, the 
Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) has been used. Under CAPM, the cost of equity is determined by adding a risk premium to the risk free 
rate to reflect the additional risk associated with investing outside of lending to a country. The risk free rate for the Energy group of CGUs is 
based on the cost of UK Government bonds, whilst the risk free rate for the Air Management, Security & Smart Technology and Ergonomics 
groups of CGUs are based on the cost of US Government bonds. The premium is based on an industry adjustment (Beta) to the expected 
return of the equity market above the risk free return. The relative risk adjustment reflects the risk inherent in each group of CGUs relative to 
all other sectors and geographies on average.

(2)  Assumptions applied in financial forecasts
The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from financial budgets and medium-term forecasts. The key assumptions used in 
forecasting pre-tax cash flows relate to future budgeted revenue and operating margins likely to be achieved and the likely rates of long-term 
growth by market sector. Underlying factors in determining the values assigned to each key assumption are shown below:

Revenue growth and operating margins
Revenue growth assumptions in the forecast period are based on financial budgets and medium-term forecasts by management, taking 
into account industry growth rates and management’s historical experience in the context of wider industry and economic conditions. 
Projected sales are built up with reference to markets and product categories. They incorporate past performance, historical growth rates, 
projections of developments in key markets, secured orders and orders likely to be achieved in the short to medium-term given trends in the 
relevant market sector.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016121

12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

Operating margins have been forecast based on historical levels achieved considering the likely impact of changing economic environments 
and competitive landscapes on volumes and revenues and the impact of management actions on costs. Projected margins reflect the 
impact of all initiated projects to improve operational efficiency and leverage scale. The projections do not include the impact of future 
restructuring projects to which the Group is not yet committed. Forecasts for other operating costs are based on inflation forecasts and 
supply and demand factors.

Brush is a supplier of turbogenerators for the power generation, industrial, Oil & Gas and offshore sectors and a leading supplier of 
switchgear, transformers and other power infrastructure equipment. The key drivers for revenues and operating margins are i) original 
equipment investments in the global power market, both new capacity (mainly emerging markets) and replacement capacity (mainly in 
mature markets) ii) growth in service requirements of a growing installed base and iii) new product introduction. Independent forecasts of 
growth in these power generation markets have been used to derive revenue growth assumptions. Forecasts for other operating costs are 
based on inflation forecasts and supply and demand factors.

Nortek is a diversified global manufacturer of innovative air management, security, home automation and ergonomic and productivity solutions.

Air Management is a leading provider of residential indoor air quality improvement solutions, home comfort and convenience products and 
heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for both residential and commercial markets. The key drivers for revenue and operating 
margins are the levels of residential remodelling and replacement activity and the levels of residential and non-residential new construction in 
the markets in which Air Management operates. New residential and non-residential construction activity and, to a lesser extent, residential 
remodelling and replacement activity are affected by seasonality and cyclical factors such as interest rates, credit availability, inflation, 
consumer spending, employment levels and other macroeconomic factors.

Security & Smart Technology is a leading developer and manufacturer of security, home automation and access control technologies for 
residential and commercial markets’ service providers. The key driver for revenue and operating margins is global demand for security and 
home automation products. Consumer spending, employment levels, regulation, technological advancements and the evolution of the 
traditional security market towards home automation and other macroeconomic factors influence demand for these products.

The Ergonomics segment includes Ergotron, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer ergonomics equipment. Ergotron 
provides a wide variety of solutions to healthcare, education, corporate office and home applications. The key driver for revenue and 
operating margins is demand for technology and wellness products in the markets in which Ergotron operates. Seasonal factors, public 
authority spending, corporate and consumer spending, employment levels, the public awareness of wellness, regulation, technological 
advancements and other macroeconomic factors influence demand for these products.

(3)  Long-term growth rates
Long-term growth rates are based on long-term forecasts for growth in the sectors and geography in which the CGU operates. Long-term 
growth rates are determined using a blend of publicly available historical data and a long-term growth rate forecast and further take into 
account the international presence and the markets in which each business operates.

Energy group of CGUs – Brush China
The goodwill related to the Energy group of CGUs is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the Energy group against 
recoverable amounts of the Energy CGUs. As disclosed within note 3, determination of the Brush China recoverable amount involved 
management judgement on highly uncertain matters, particularly with respect to the level of demand for generators in the Chinese market, 
the successful resolution of current customer discussions, and therefore the timing and quantity of forecast unit sales, as well as long term 
growth rates and discount factors. The value in use model prepared for Brush China was prepared using cash flow projections to the end 
of the life of the Brush China factory, was discounted at a pre-tax discount rate of 11.7% and used sale price and cost inflation data from 
available market sources.

Sensitivity analysis
The forecasts, prepared using a methodology required by IAS 36: “Impairment of assets”, show headroom of £95.4 million above the 
carrying amount for the Energy group of CGUs. In accordance with IAS 36 a sensitivity analysis has been undertaken and a reasonably 
possible increase in the discount rate from 11.0% to 12.8% would reduce headroom to £nil. A reasonably possible decrease in revenue in 
2017 of 19% from 2016 revenue of £246.4 million (on a constant currency basis) would also reduce headroom to £nil. The recoverable 
amounts of the Air Management, Security & Smart Technology, and Ergonomics groups of CGUs are higher than the recent acquisition 
date fair values of these groups of CGUs, and as a result, no sensitivity analysis has been disclosed.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials122

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

Allocation of significant intangible assets
The allocation of significant customer relationships, brands and intellectual property is as follows:

Customer relationships

Brands and intellectual property

Remaining amortisation period

Net book value

Remaining amortisation period

Net book value

31 December 
2016
years

31 December 
2015
years

31 December 
2016
£m

31 December 
2015
£m

31 December 
2016
years

31 December 
2015
years

31 December 
2016
£m

31 December 
2015
£m

14
11
14
10
2

–
–
–
–
3

213.0
117.7
130.4
115.7
4.5
581.3

–
–
–
–
7.1
7.1

15
15
15
18
12

–
–
–
–
13

65.9
84.6
30.0
97.4
65.6
343.5

–
–
–
–
66.6
66.6

AQH
HVAC
SCS
Ergotron
Brush

Acquisition of businesses
On 31 August 2016 the Group acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital and obtained control of Nortek Inc. (Nortek) for cash 
consideration of £1,093.1 million.

Nortek is a leading diversified global manufacturer of innovative air management, security, home automation and ergonomic and 
productivity solutions (note 5).

The amounts recognised in respect of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are set out in the table below. Fair values are 
provisional as of 31 December 2016 and are based on the information held to date. Should additional information come to light that would 
require adjustment to the fair values recognised in the table below, such adjustments would be recorded if material.

Nortek
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets, computer software and development costs
Interests in joint ventures
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Deferred tax
Retirement benefit obligations
Current tax
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Net liabilities
Total consideration
Goodwill
Amounts recycled to goodwill
Total goodwill
Total consideration satisfied by:
Cash consideration

 Fair value 
£m

143.3
868.4
3.0
255.6
301.5
9.4
(360.4)
(209.7)
(163.7)
(42.2)
(9.4)
(1,065.9)
(270.1)
1,093.1

1,363.2
39.5
1,402.7

1,093.1

Acquisition related costs charged through the Income Statement amount to £38.7 million (note 6).

The fair value of financial assets include gross trade and other receivables of £318.3 million. The best estimate at acquisition date of the 
contractual cash flows not to be collected is £16.8 million.

Amounts recycled to goodwill of £39.5 million relates to the impact of the Group’s hedging strategy to fix the cash cost of the consideration 
at the date of the acquisition announcement. The difference between the cash cost based on the exchange rate on the date of completion 
and the exchange rate entered into to hedge the transaction, representing the effective element of the hedge, has been recycled to goodwill.

Nortek contributed £642.9 million to revenue and £86.3 million to underlying operating profit for the four month period between the date of 
acquisition and the Balance Sheet date.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016123

12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

If the acquisition of Nortek had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenues would have been approximately 
£2,077 million and Group underlying operating profit would have been approximately £196 million.

The goodwill arising on acquisition of Nortek is attributable to the anticipated profitability and cash flows arising from the businesses 
acquired, the assembled workforce, technical expertise, knowhow, market share and geographical advantages afforded to the Group, 
and which, as described earlier in this note, the Group expects to realise through a combination of revised strategic direction, operational 
improvements and investment. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Contingent liabilities acquired in respect of warranty obligations of £7.6 million and legal claims of £15.2 million have been recognised within 
provisions, none of which were utilised in the period. The majority of expenditure is expected to be incurred over the next five years.

13.  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Disposals
Disposal of businesses
Exchange adjustments
Transfer to held for sale(1)
At 31 December 2015
Additions
Disposals
Acquisition of businesses
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2016
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
Disposal of businesses
Exchange adjustments
Transfer to held for sale(1)
At 31 December 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
Impairments(2)
Exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2016
Net book value
At 31 December 2016
At 31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015

(1)  Transferred to assets held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.
(2)  The impairment charges in the year relate to the closure of the Nortek head office.

 Land and 
buildings 
£m

 Plant and 
equipment 
£m

 86.5
 5.9
 (1.1)
 –
(2.9)
 (35.6)

 52.8
 1.6
 –
 74.3
 10.2
 138.9

 (9.6)
(2.3)
 0.5
 –
 0.5
 6.6

(4.3)
 (2.6)
 –
 (2.2)
 (2.0)
 (11.1)

 127.8
 48.5
 76.9

 191.9
 23.7
 (1.8)
(2.5)
(8.5)
(114.3)

 88.5
 14.7
(0.5)
 69.0
 14.7
 186.4

 (69.2)
 (15.3)
 1.3
 2.3
 4.2
 52.6

(24.1)
(13.3)
 0.2
(0.3)
(4.8)
(42.3)

 144.1
 64.4
 122.7

 Total 
£m

 278.4
 29.6
 (2.9)
(2.5)
(11.4)
(149.9)

 141.3
 16.3
(0.5)
 143.3
 24.9
 325.3

(78.8)
(17.6)
 1.8
 2.3
 4.7
 59.2

(28.4)
(15.9)
 0.2
(2.5)
(6.8)
(53.4)

 271.9
 112.9
 199.6

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials124

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

14.  Interests in joint ventures

Aggregated amounts relating to joint ventures:
Share of assets
Share of liabilities
Interests in joint ventures
Share of joint venture revenues
Share of results of joint ventures
Dividends received from joint ventures

31 December 
2016 
£m

 31 December 
2015 
£m

 2.6
 (2.6)
 –

 1.9
 0.9
 (0.9)

 2.4
 (2.4)
 –

 1.7
 0.3
(0.3)

A list of subsidiaries and significant holdings including the name, country of incorporation and proportion of ownership interest is given 
in note 3 to the Company’s separate financial statements.

15.  Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods

31 December 
2016 
£m

 31 December 
2015 
£m

74.9
48.4
174.0
297.3

14.0
31.4
10.2
55.6

The Directors consider that there is no material difference between the Balance Sheet value of inventories and their replacement cost.

Construction contracts

Contracts in progress at the Balance Sheet date:
Amounts due from contract customers included in other receivables

Contract costs incurred plus recognised profit less recognised losses to date
Less: progress billings

The average life of contracts is one to two years (31 December 2015: one to two years).

16.  Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade receivables
Allowance for doubtful receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

 2.3
 2.3

 2.3
 –
 2.3

 4.3
 4.3

 7.5
(3.2)
 4.3

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

 348.4
(18.3)
 15.2
 20.5
 365.8

 58.1
(0.8)
 4.3
 6.3
 67.9

Trade receivables are non interest-bearing. Credit terms offered to customers vary upon the country of operation but are generally between 
30 and 90 days.

Non-current

Other receivables

31 December 
2016 
£m

 5.2

31 December 
2015 
£m

1.1

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201616.  Trade and other receivables (continued)

An allowance has been made for estimated irrecoverable amounts with reference to past default experience and management’s 
assessment of credit worthiness, an analysis of which is as follows:

At 1 January 2015
Income Statement charge
Utilised
Exchange differences
Transfer to held for sale(1)
At 31 December 2015
Acquisition of businesses
Income Statement charge
Utilised
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2016

 Nortek 
£m

 Energy 
£m

 Discontinued 
£m

–
–
–
–
–

–
16.8
2.2
(2.6)
0.9
17.3

0.2
0.8
(0.2)
 –
 –

 0.8
 –
0.4
(0.3)
0.1
1.0

 7.2
 0.8
 (0.6)
 (0.7)
 (6.7)

–
–
–
–
–
–

125

 Total 
£m

 7.4
1.6
(0.8)
(0.7)
(6.7)

 0.8
 16.8
 2.6
 (2.9)
 1.0
 18.3

(1)  Transferred to assets held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.

The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the large number of customers and because they are unrelated to each other. Credit 
control procedures are implemented to ensure that sales are only made to organisations that are willing and able to pay for them. Such 
procedures include the establishment and review of customer credit limits and terms. The Group does not hold any collateral or any other 
credit enhancements over any of its trade receivables nor does it have a legal right of offset against any amounts owed by the Group to 
the counterparty.

The ageing of impaired trade receivables past due is as follows:

Ageing of impaired trade receivables past due

0 – 30 days
31 – 60 days
60+ days

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

8.6
6.2
3.5
18.3

–
–
0.8
0.8

Included in the Group’s trade receivables balance are overdue trade receivables with a carrying amount of £62.5 million 
(31 December 2015: £13.6 million) against which an appropriate provision of £18.3 million (31 December 2015: £0.8 million) is held.

The balance deemed recoverable of £44.2 million (31 December 2015: £12.8 million) is past due as follows:

0 – 30 days
31 – 60 days
60+ days

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

41.9
0.9
1.4
44.2

5.6
2.6
4.6
12.8

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables, including amounts not past due and not impaired, 
approximates to their fair value.

17.  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

31 December 
2016 
£m

42.1

31 December 
2015 
£m

2,451.4

Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash at bank and in hand which earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates and 
short-term deposits which are made for varying periods of between one day and one month and earn interest at the respective short-term 
deposit rates. The carrying amount of these assets is considered to be equal to their fair value. The high value in cash and cash equivalents 
at 31 December 2015 primarily related to the receipt of funds as a result of the proceeds from the disposal of the Elster disposal group. 
The associated capital return to shareholders took place in January 2016 and reduced cash back to normal operating levels.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials126

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

18. Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables
Other payables
Other taxes and social security
Accruals

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

230.2
22.6
7.4
166.2
426.4

30.3
12.2
0.9
27.8
71.2

Trade payables are non interest-bearing. Normal settlement terms vary by country and the average credit period taken for trade and other 
payables is 66 days (2015: 68 days).

Non-current

Other payables
Accruals

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

9.6
4.1
13.7

–
–
–

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

19.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Details of the Group’s 
exposure to credit, liquidity, interest rate and foreign currency risk are included in note 24.

Floating rate obligations
Bank borrowings – US Dollar loan
Fixed rate obligations
Bank borrowings – Euro loan
Finance leases
Finance leases

Unamortised finance costs
Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Current

Non-current

Total

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

–

–

0.5

0.5
–
0.5

–

–

–

–
–
–

 590.5

 1.7

 1.1

 593.3
(10.2)
 583.1

–

–

–

–
–
–

 590.5

 1.7

 1.6

 593.8
 (10.2)
 583.6

–

–

–

–
–
–

As at 1 January 2016, the Group held a £200 million Sterling multi-currency revolving credit facility that was undrawn. This facility was due 
to mature on 11 July 2019.

On 6 July 2016 a new five year multi-currency US$1.25 billion committed bank facility was entered into to assist with the acquisition of 
Nortek and the £200 million revolving credit facility was subsequently cancelled. The new facility consists of a US$350 million term loan 
facility and a US$900 million revolving credit facility.

The US$350 million term loan facility was fully drawn at 31 December 2016. The drawdowns under the revolving credit facility as of 
31 December 2016 were US$379 million.

Throughout the year, the Group remained compliant with all covenants under the facilities disclosed above. A number of companies are 
guarantors under the new bank facility.

Drawdowns under the new facility bear interest at interbank rates of interest plus a margin determined by reference to the Group’s 
performance under its debt cover covenant ratio, ranging between 0.85% and 2.00% (31 December 2015: range between 0.75% to 1.90%). 
The margin as at 31 December 2016 was 1.35% (31 December 2015: 1.55%).

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016127

19.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Maturity of financial liabilities
The table below shows the maturity profile of anticipated future cash flows, including interest, on an undiscounted basis in relation to 
the Group’s financial liabilities. The amounts shown therefore differ from the carrying value and fair value of the Group’s financial liabilities. 
The contractual terms of derivative liabilities requires gross settlement. Note 24 provides details on notional amounts, and therefore, gross 
settlements, of material currency pairs.

Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years
After five years
Effect of financing rates
31 December 2016
Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years
Effect of financing rates
31 December 2015

20. Provisions

 Interest-bearing 
loans and 
borrowings 
£m

 Derivative 
financial 
liabilities 
£m

15.2
18.6
644.9
0.8
 (95.9)
583.6

–
–
–
 –
–

4.2
–
–
–
 –
4.2

1.5
–
–
–
1.5

At 1 January 2016
Acquisition of businesses
Utilised
Net charge to operating profit (1)
Transfer from accruals
Unwind of discount
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2016
Current
Non-current

Surplus leasehold 
property costs 
£m

Environmental 
and legal costs 
£m

 Warranty 
related costs 
£m

 Product 
liability 
£m

 Employee 
related 
£m

5.0
10.2
(1.9)
 5.3
 –
0.1
1.0
19.7

4.9
14.8
19.7

16.8
49.0
(4.8)
2.3
–
0.1
3.0
66.4

32.6
33.8
66.4

2.8
76.3
(7.9)
6.4
2.5
–
4.9
85.0

33.3
51.7
85.0

–
37.8
(1.9)
4.4
–
–
2.2
42.5

11.5
31.0
42.5

–
11.3
(16.0)
12.9
–
–
0.7
8.9

5.4
3.5
8.9

(1) 

Includes £61.4 million of restructuring charges and other non-underlying items and £24.2 million charged through underlying operating profit.

 Other 
financial 
liabilities 
£m

419.0
13.7
–
–
 –
432.7

70.3
–
–
–
70.3

Other 
£m

5.4
25.1
(29.6)
54.3
0.3
–
1.6
57.1

50.4
6.7
57.1

 Total 
financial 
liabilities 
£m

438.4
32.3
644.9
0.8
 (95.9)
1,020.5

71.8
–
–
 –
71.8

Total 
£m

30.0
209.7
(62.1)
85.6
2.8
0.2
13.4
279.6

138.1
141.5
279.6

The provision for surplus leasehold property costs represents the estimated net payments payable over the term of these leases together 
with any dilapidation costs. This is expected to result in cash expenditure over the next one to eight years.

Environmental and legal costs provisions relate to the estimated remediation costs of pollution, soil and groundwater contamination at 
certain sites and estimated future costs and settlements in relation to legal claims. Due to their nature, it is not possible to predict precisely 
when these provisions will be utilised.

The provision for warranty related costs represents the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the Group’s obligations, based on 
past experiences. Warranty terms are, on average, between one and five years.

The employee related provision relates to the estimated cost of the Group’s health insurance and workers compensation plans. The product 
liability provision relates to the estimated cost of future product and general liabilities claims. Due to their nature it is not possible to predict 
precisely when these provisions will be utilised.

Other provisions relate to costs that will be incurred in respect of restructuring programmes, usually resulting in cash spend within one year. 
In addition other provisions include long term incentive plans for divisional senior management and the employer tax on equity-settled 
incentive schemes which are expected to result in cash expenditure over the next five years.

Where appropriate, provisions have been discounted using a discount rate of 3% (31 December 2015: 3%).

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials128

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

21.  Deferred tax

The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior 
reporting period.

At 1 January 2015
Credit to income
Charge to other comprehensive income
Transfer to held for sale(1)
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Acquisition
Credit/(charge) to income
Credit/(charge) to other comprehensive income
Exchange differences

Set off of assets and liabilities(2)
Net amount at 31 December 2016

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

 Tax losses and 
other assets 
£m

 Accelerated capital 
allowances and 
other liabilities 
£m

 Deferred tax on 
intangible assets 
£m

 Total deferred tax 
liabilities 
£m

 Total net 
deferred tax 
£m

 68.7
 22.1
 (0.5)
 (61.9)
 (2.7)

 25.7
 168.2
 22.8
 4.8
 1.2

 222.7
 (173.4)
 49.3

 (7.5)
 1.0
 (5.2)
 5.2
 –

 (6.5)
 –
 (2.3)
 (2.7)
 (0.2)

 (11.7)
 –
 (11.7)

 (259.8)
 9.5
 –
 224.1
 12.5

(13.7)
(331.9)
 12.8
 –
(22.6)

 (355.4)
 173.4
 (182.0)

(267.3)
 10.5
 (5.2)
 229.3
 12.5

(20.2)
(331.9)
 10.5
 (2.7)
 (22.8)

 (367.1)
 173.4
 (193.7)

(198.6)
32.6
 (5.7)
 167.4
 9.8

 5.5
(163.7)
 33.3
 2.1
 (21.6)

 (144.4)
 –
 (144.4)

(1)  Transfers to assets and liabilities held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.
(2)  Set off of deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with IAS 12 within the Nortek US Federal tax group.

As at 31 December 2016, the Group had gross unused federal and corporate losses of £274.4 million (31 December 2015: £184.0 million) 
available for offset against future profits. At 31 December 2016, a £34.9 million deferred tax asset (31 December 2015: £21.2 million) in 
respect of £169.1 million (31 December 2015: £114.8 million) of these gross losses was recognised in the Balance Sheet. No asset was 
recognised in respect of the remaining losses due to the divisional and geographic split of anticipated future profit streams. The majority 
of these losses may be carried forward indefinitely subject to certain continuity of business requirements. In addition a deferred tax asset 
has been recognised on certain federal tax credits and state tax losses with a net tax value of £31.8 million (2015: £nil).

A net deferred tax asset of £5.5 million (31 December 2015: liabilities of £0.3 million) was recognised in respect of Group retirement 
benefit obligations.

As at 31 December 2016, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries was 
£187.5 million (31 December 2015: £99.5 million) on which deferred tax liabilities not recognised were £33.8 million (31 December 2015: £nil). 
No liability is recognised in respect of £170.3 million (2015: £99.5 million) of the temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings 
of subsidiaries because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that 
such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

22. Share-based payments

Melrose Incentive Plan
The Company has 50,000 options (31 December 2015: 50,000 options) in issue which enable the holders of these options to subscribe for 
2012 Incentive Shares. These options are held by Directors and senior employees. Further details of the 2012 Melrose Incentive Plan are 
provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 76 to 77.

The inputs into the Black Scholes model that were used to fair value the plan when it was originally established in 2012 were as follows:

Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life as at inception
Risk free interest

(1)  Adjusted to include the effects of the Rights Issue (note 11).

 Valuation assumptions (1)

£0.43
£0.54
30%
5.0 years
1.0%

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016129

22. Share-based payments (continued)

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price.

The Group recognised an IFRS 2 charge of £4.0 million (2015: £4.0 million) in the year ended 31 December 2016 in relation to the 
equity-settled 2012 Melrose Incentive Plan.

23. Retirement benefit obligations

Defined contribution plans
The Group operates defined contribution plans for qualifying employees across several jurisdictions. The assets of the plans are held 
separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of trustees.

The total costs charged in relation to the continuing businesses during the year of £5.9 million (2015: £3.8 million) represents contributions 
payable to these plans by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the plans.

Defined benefit plans
The Group sponsors defined benefit plans for qualifying employees of certain subsidiaries. The funded defined benefit plans are 
administered by a separate fund that is legally separated from the Group. The trustees of the funds are required by law to act in the interest 
of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the plans. The trustees of the pension funds are responsible for the investment policy with 
regard to the assets of the fund.

During the year, a number of plans were acquired as part of the acquisition of Nortek. Plans acquired include the funded Nortek, Inc. 
Retirement Plan, the unfunded Nortek Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans and the unfunded post retirement medical benefits 
in the US, the Eaton-Williams Group Pension and Assurance Scheme in the UK and a number of small funded and unfunded defined 
arrangements across Europe.

The most significant defined benefit pension plans in the Group at 31 December 2016 were:

•  The Brush Group (2013) (Brush UK) Pension Plan, which is defined benefit in type and is a funded plan. The plan is closed to new 

members and the accrual of future benefits for existing members.

•  The Brush Aftermarket North America, Inc. (Brush US) Group Pension Plan which is defined benefit in type and is a funded plan. 

The plan is closed to new members and the accrual of future benefits for existing members.

•  The Nortek, Inc. (Nortek US) Retirement Plan, which is defined benefit in type and is a funded plan. The plan is closed to new members 

and the accrual of future benefits to existing members.

The cost of the Group’s defined benefit plans are determined in accordance with IAS 19 (revised): “Employee benefits” using the advice of 
independent professionally qualified actuaries on the basis of formal actuarial valuations and using the projected unit credit method. In line 
with normal practice, these valuations are undertaken triennially in the UK and annually in the US.

The valuation of the Brush UK Pension Plan was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 31 December 2013, updated at 31 December 2016 
by independent actuaries. The Brush US Pension Plan valuation was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 31 December 2015, updated 
at 31 December 2016 by independent actuaries. The Nortek US Pension Plan valuation was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 
1 January 2016, updated at 31 December 2016 by independent actuaries.

The Group contributed £10.5 million (2015: £5.1 million) to the defined benefit pension plans in the year ended 31 December 2016.

Following agreement with the Brush Group (2013) Pension Plan Trustees, the Group contributed £8.8 million early to the Brush UK Pension 
Plan in the year ended 31 December 2016. No contributions are expected to be made in the year ending 31 December 2017. The Group 
expects to contribute approximately £0.1 million to the Brush US Pension Plan in the year ending 31 December 2017. The Group expects 
to contribute approximately £3.7 million to the Nortek US Plan in the year ending 31 December 2017.

In total, the Group expects to contribute approximately £4.9 million to its defined benefit plans in the year ending 31 December 2017.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials130

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

Actuarial assumptions
The major assumptions used by the actuaries in calculating the Group’s pension liabilities are as set out below:

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Discount rate
RPI inflation assumption
CPI inflation assumption

31 December 2016

31 December 2015

UK Plans 
% p.a.

US Plans 
% p.a.

Brush UK Plan 
% p.a.

Brush US Plan 
% p.a.

n/a
3.3
2.7
3.3
2.2

n/a
n/a
3.9
n/a
n/a

n/a
3.0
3.7
3.0
1.9

n/a
n/a
4.1
n/a
n/a

Mortality
Brush UK Pension Plan
Mortality assumptions for the Brush UK Pension Plan, as at 31 December 2016 were based on the Self Administered Pension Scheme 
(SAPS) “S1” base tables with a scaling factor of 110%, which reflected the results of a mortality analysis carried out on the plan’s 
membership. Future improvements are in line with the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) improvement model with a long-term rate 
of improvement of 1.25% p.a. for both males and females.

The assumptions were that a member currently aged 65 will live on average for a further 21.4 years (31 December 2015: 21.4 years) if they 
are male and for a further 23.6 years (31 December 2015: 23.6 years) if they are female. For a member who retires in 2036 at age 65, the 
assumptions were that they will live for a further 22.8 years (31 December 2015: 23.0 years) after retirement if they are male and for a further 
25.1 years (31 December 2015: 25.5 years) after retirement if they are female.

The mortality assumptions were consistent with those adopted for the full valuation as at 31 December 2013.

Brush US Pension Plan
The mortality assumptions adopted as at 31 December 2016 were set to reflect the Group’s best estimate view of life expectancies of 
members of the pension arrangement. Each assumption reflected the characteristics of the membership of the Brush US Pension Plan.

The assumptions were that a member currently aged 65 will live on average for a further 19.9 years (31 December 2015: 20.3 years) if they 
are male and for a further 21.9 years (31 December 2015: 22.3 years) if they are female. For a member who retires in 2036 at age 65, the 
assumptions were that they will live for a further 21.5 years (31 December 2015: 22.0 years) after retirement if they are male and for a further 
23.5 years (31 December 2015: 23.9 years) after retirement if they are female.

The mortality assumptions were consistent with those adopted for the full valuation as at 31 December 2015.

Nortek US Pension Plan
The mortality assumptions adopted as at 31 December 2016 were set to reflect the Group’s best estimate view of life expectancies of 
members of the pension arrangement. Each assumption reflected the characteristics of the membership of the Nortek US Pension Plan.

The assumptions were that a member currently aged 65 will live on average for a further 20.2 years if they are male and for a further 22.3 
years if they are female. For a member who retires in 2036 at age 65, the assumptions were that they will live for a further 21.8 years after 
retirement if they are male and for a further 23.9 years after retirement if they are female.

The mortality assumptions were consistent with those adopted for the full valuation as at 1 January 2016.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016131

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

Balance Sheet disclosures
The amount recognised in the Balance Sheet arising from net liabilities in respect of defined benefit plans was as follows:

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Funded status
Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations
Net liabilities

The plan liabilities and assets at 31 December 2016 were split by plan as follows:

(549.1)
 522.6

(26.5)
 (6.9)
(33.4)

Plan liabilities
Plan assets
Net assets/(liabilities)

 Brush 
UK Plan 
£m

(236.4)
 253.5
 17.1

 Brush 
US Plan 
£m

(188.1)
 174.9
(13.2)

 Nortek 
US Plan 
£m

(95.5)
 73.6
(21.9)

Nortek 
European Plans 
£m

(36.0)
 20.6
(15.4)

 (360.7)
 343.5

(17.2)
 –
(17.2)

 Total 
£m

(556.0)
 522.6
(33.4)

The major categories and fair values of plan assets at the end of the reporting period for each category were as follows:

Equities
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Property
Other (1)
Total

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

152.4
107.1
155.0
6.7
101.4
522.6

129.2
80.1
122.2
5.7
6.3
343.5

(1)  At 31 December 2016, £73.6 million of assets in relation to the Nortek US Plan were held in cash as they were in the process of being transferred to the new plan custodian. 

The investment strategy is now approximately 60% equities and 40% bonds.

The assets were well diversified and the majority of plan assets had quoted prices in active markets. All government bonds were issued by 
reputable governments and were generally AA rated or higher. Interest rate and inflation rate swaps were also employed to complement the 
role of fixed and index-linked bond holdings for liability risk management.

The trustees continually review whether the chosen investment strategy is appropriate with a view to providing the pension benefits and to 
ensure appropriate matching of risk and return profiles. The main strategic policies included maintaining an appropriate asset mix, managing 
interest rate sensitivity and maintaining an appropriate equity buffer. Investment results were regularly reviewed.

There was no self investment (other than in relevant tracker funds) either in the Group’s own financial instruments or property or other assets 
used by the Group.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials132

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations during the year:

At beginning of year
Acquisition of businesses
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest cost on obligations
Terminations
Remeasurement gains – demographic
Remeasurement losses/(gains) – financial
Remeasurement gains – experience
Benefits paid out of plan assets
Benefits paid out of Group assets for unfunded plans
Currency translation differences
Transfer to held for sale(1)
At end of year

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

360.7
 136.3
0.1
 –
15.4
 –
(6.1)
42.1
(2.8)
(26.6)
(0.5)
37.4
 –
556.0

 1,343.7
 –
 1.0
(2.2)
 29.4
(2.6)
(19.2)
(39.8)
(7.2)
(56.1)
(4.8)
 0.9
(882.4)
360.7

(1)  Transferred to liabilities held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.

The defined benefit plan liabilities were 2% (31 December 2015: nil%) in respect of active plan participants, 53% (31 December 2015: 53%) 
in respect of deferred plan participants and 45% (31 December 2015: 47%) in respect of pensioners.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit plan liabilities at 31 December 2016 was 14.4 years (31 December 2015: 15.0 years).

Movements in the fair value of plan assets during the year:

At beginning of year
Acquisition of businesses
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Contributions
Benefits paid out of plan assets
Plan administrative costs
Currency translation differences
Transfer to held for sale(1)
At end of year

(1)  Transferred to liabilities held for sale at 30 June 2015 in accordance with IFRS 5, subsequently disposed on 29 December 2015.

The actual return on plan assets was a gain of £70.4 million (2015: £1.3 million).

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 343.5
 94.1
 14.5
 55.9
 10.0
(26.6)
(1.9)
 33.1
 –
 522.6

 1,125.2
 –
 25.7
(24.4)
 15.4
(56.1)
(2.2)
 8.5
(748.6)
 343.5

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 201623. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

Income Statement disclosures
Amounts recognised in the Income Statement in respect of these defined benefit plans were as follows:

Continuing operations
Included within underlying operating profit:
– current service cost
– past service cost
– plan administrative costs
Included within net finance costs:
– interest cost on defined benefit obligations
– interest income on plan assets

Discontinued operations
Included within operating profit:
– current service cost
– past service cost
– plan administrative expenses
– terminations
Included within net finance costs:
– interest cost on defined benefit obligations
– interest income on plan assets

133

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 0.1
 –
 1.9

 15.4
 (14.5)

 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –

 –
(2.2)
 1.3

 14.5
(12.9)

 2.2
 (0.1)
 2.7
(2.6)

 30.0
(26.3)

Statement of Comprehensive Income disclosures
Amounts recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of these defined benefit plans were as follows:

Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in net interest expense
Actuarial gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial (losses)/gains arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial gains arising from experience adjustments
Net remeasurement gain on retirement benefit obligations

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

 55.9
 6.1
 (42.1)
 2.8
 22.7

 (38.2)
 31.9
 48.7
 15.1
 57.5

Risks and sensitivities
The defined benefit plans expose the Group to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, currency risk, salary risk, interest rate risk and market 
(investment) risk. The Group is not exposed to any unusual, entity specific or plan specific risks.

A sensitivity analysis on the principal assumptions used to measure the plan liabilities at the year end was as follows:

Discount rate

Inflation assumption(1)

Assumed life expectancy at age 65 (rate of mortality)

(1)  The inflation sensitivity encompasses the impact on pension increases, where applicable.

Change in assumption

Increase by 0.10%
Decrease by 0.10%
Increase by 0.10%
Decrease by 0.10%
Increase by 1 year
Decrease by 1 year

Decrease/(increase) 
to plan liabilities 
£m

Increase/(decrease) 
to profit before tax 
£m

 7.7
(8.0)
(4.5)
 1.8
(19.4)
 18.5

 0.2
(0.2)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

The sensitivity analysis above was determined based on reasonable possible changes to the respective assumptions, while holding 
all other assumptions constant. There has been no change in the methods and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis 
from prior years.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials134

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

23. Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

The sensitivities were based on the relevant assumptions and membership profile as at 31 December 2016 and were applied to the 
obligations at the end of the reporting period. Whilst the analysis does not take account of the full distribution of cash flows expected, 
it does provide an approximation to the sensitivity of the assumptions shown. Extrapolation of these results beyond the sensitivity figures 
shown may not be appropriate and the sensitivity analysis presented may not be representative of the actual change in the defined 
benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions 
may be correlated.

24. Financial instruments and risk management

The table below sets out the Group’s accounting classification of each category of financial assets and liabilities and their fair values at 
31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015:

31 December 2016
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Net trade receivables
Derivative financial assets
Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities
31 December 2015
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Net trade receivables
Derivative financial assets
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities

Credit risk
The Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk was as follows:

31 December 2016
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Net trade receivables
Derivative financial assets
31 December 2015
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Net trade receivables
Derivative financial assets

Nortek 
£m

Energy 
£m

Central 
£m

Total 
£m

 –
 259.7
 1.0

(3.3)
(1.5)
 (357.6)

–
–
–

–
–

 –
 70.2
 0.9

 –
 (1.7)
 (55.4)

 –
 56.5
 1.0

(1.3)
(60.8)

 42.1
 0.2
 7.1

(580.3)
(1.0)
 (19.7)

 42.1
 330.1
 9.0

(583.6)
(4.2)
 (432.7)

 2,451.4
 0.8
 0.2

 2,451.4
 57.3
 1.2

(0.2)
(9.5)

(1.5)
(70.3)

Nortek 
£m

Energy 
£m

Central 
£m

Total 
£m

–
259.7
1.0

–
–
–

 –
 70.2
 0.9

 –
 56.5
 1.0

42.1
 0.2
 7.1

 42.1
 330.1
 9.0

 2,451.4
 0.8
 0.2

 2,451.4
 57.3
 1.2

The Group’s principal financial assets were cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and derivative financial assets which represented 
the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

The Group’s credit risk on cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial assets was limited because the counterparties were banks 
with strong credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies. The Group’s credit risk was primarily attributable to its trade 
receivables. The amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the 
Group’s management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment. Note 16 provides further 
details regarding the recovery of trade receivables.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016135

24. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Capital risk
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern.

The capital structure of the Group as at 31 December 2016 consists of net debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 19, 
after deducting cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising Issued share capital, 
Reserves and Retained earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Liquidity risk
The Group’s policy for managing liquidity rate risk is set out in the Finance Director’s review.

Fair values
The Directors consider that the financial assets and liabilities have fair values not materially different to the carrying values.

Foreign exchange contracts
As at 31 December 2016, the Group held foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate expected exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows 
on sales to customers and purchases from suppliers. These instruments operate as cash flow hedges unless the amounts involved are 
small. The terms of the material currency pairs with total principals in excess of Sterling £1.0 million equivalent were as follows:

31 December 2016 
Selling currency millions

31 December 2016 
Average hedged rate

31 December 2015 
Selling currency millions

31 December 2015  

Average hedged rate

Sell Australian Dollar/Buy Sterling
Sell Canadian Dollar/Buy US Dollar
Sell Chinese Renminbi/Buy Euro
Sell Czech Koruna/Buy Sterling
Sell Euro/Buy Czech Koruna
Sell Euro/Buy Sterling
Sell Euro/Buy Polish Zloty
Sell Euro/Buy US Dollar
Sell Sterling/Buy Czech Koruna
Sell Sterling/Buy Euro
Sell Sterling/Buy US Dollar
Sell US Dollar/Buy Canadian Dollar
Sell US Dollar/Buy Chinese Renminbi
Sell US Dollar/Buy Euro
Sell US Dollar/Buy Czech Koruna
Sell US Dollar/Buy Mexican Peso
Sell US Dollar/Buy Polish Zloty
Sell US Dollar/Buy Sterling

AUD 6.1
CAD 19.7
 –
 –
EUR 31.3
EUR 14.4
EUR 1.2
EUR 12.6
GBP 3.8
GBP 15.3
GBP 5.0
USD 22.6
USD 142.3
USD 2.7
 –
USD 14.7
USD 1.7
USD 15.0

GBP/AUD 1.74
USD/CAD 1.32
 –
 –
EUR/CZK 26.89
GBP/EUR 1.17
EUR/PLN 4.33
EUR/USD 1.13
GBP/CZK 31.95
GBP/EUR 1.16
GBP/USD 1.26
USD/CAD 1.32
USD/CNY 7.10
EUR/USD 1.12
 –
USD/MXN 19.69
USD/PLN 3.87
GBP/USD 1.34

–
–
CNY 33.5
CZK 139.2
EUR 20.7
EUR 8.8
–
–
GBP 14.6
GBP 13.9
–
–
–
–
USD 4.1
–
–
USD 25.9

–
–
EUR/CNY 7.11
GBP/CZK 37.65
EUR/CZK 27.08
GBP/EUR 1.38
–
–
GBP/CZK 37.13
GBP/EUR 1.38
–
–
–
–
USD/CZK 25.08
–
–
GBP/USD 1.54

The foreign exchange contracts all mature between January 2017 and December 2017.

The fair value of the contracts at 31 December 2016 was a net liability of £2.3 million (31 December 2015: £0.3 million).

Hedge of net investments in foreign entities
Included in interest bearing loans at 31 December 2016 were the following amounts which were designated as hedges of net investments 
in the Group’s subsidiaries in the USA and were being used to reduce the exposure to the foreign exchange risks.

Borrowings in local currency designated as hedges of net investments:

US Dollar

31 December 
2016 
£m

590.5

31 December 
2015 
£m

–

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
Assuming the net debt (31 December 2015: cash) held as at the Balance Sheet date was outstanding for the whole year, a one percentage 
point rise in market interest rates for all currencies would increase/(decrease) profit before tax by the following amounts:

Sterling
US Dollar

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

(0.1)
 (1.4)
(1.5)

24.5
 –
24.5

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials136

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

24. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

The interest rate sensitivity of Sterling at 31 December 2015 included the impact of the Group holding the cash proceeds from the disposal 
of the Elster businesses. Adjusting for the Return of Capital which took place in February 2016, the sensitivity for Sterling would have been 
£0.6 million.

Interest rate risk management
The Group’s policy for managing interest rate risk is set out in the Finance Director’s review.

In October 2016 the Group entered into new interest rate swap arrangements. The profile of the interest rate swaps have been designed to 
hedge on average 70% of the interest exposure on the projected gross debt as it reduces over the 5 year term. Under the terms of these 
swap arrangements, the Group will pay 1.0% up to 30 June 2018, 1.1% up to 30 June 2019, and 1.2% until the remaining swaps terminate 
on 6 July 2021. The interest on the swaps is payable annually in arrears on 1 July. The bank margin is payable monthly.

The interest swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and were highly effective throughout 2016. The fair value of the contracts at 
31 December 2016 was a net asset of £7.1 million (31 December 2015: £nil).

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s policy for managing foreign currency risk is set out in the Finance Director’s review on pages 30 to 36.

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
Currency risks are defined by IFRS 7: “Financial instruments: Disclosures” as the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial 
asset or liability will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

The following table details the transactional impact of hypothetical changes in foreign exchange rates on financial assets and liabilities at the 
Balance Sheet date, illustrating the increase/(decrease) in Group operating profit caused by a 10 per cent strengthening of the US Dollar, 
Euro and Chinese Renminbi against Sterling compared to the year end spot rate. The analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular 
other foreign currency exchange rates, remain constant. The Group operates in a range of different currencies, and those with a notable 
impact are noted here:

US Dollar
Euro
Chinese Renminbi

 Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

 Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

(7.4)
 0.6
(1.3)

 0.1
 0.4
–

The relatively high sensitivity on the US Dollar is due to a currency swap for £55.0 million, that was put in place ahead of the year end, to 
swap excess Sterling cash in order to temporarily reduce the US Dollar debt. Adjusting for the currency swap, the sensitivity on the US 
Dollar at 31 December 2016 would be a loss of £1.3 million.

The following table details the impact of hypothetical changes in foreign exchange rates on financial assets and liabilities at the Balance 
Sheet date, illustrating the increase/(decrease) in Group equity caused by a 10 per cent strengthening of the US Dollar, Euro and Chinese 
Renminbi against Sterling. The analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other foreign currency exchange rates, remain 
constant.

US Dollar
Euro
Chinese Renminbi

 31 December 
2016 
£m

 31 December 
2015 
£m

 12.1
(1.6)
8.8

(0.5)
(0.2)
 –

In addition, the change in equity due to a 10 per cent strengthening of the US Dollar against Sterling for the translation of net investment 
hedging instruments would be a decrease of £65.6 million (31 December 2015: £nil). However, there would be no overall effect on equity 
because there would be an offset in the currency translation of the foreign operation.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016137

24. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Fair value measurements recognised in the Balance Sheet
Foreign currency forward contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest rates 
matching the maturities of the contracts.

Interest rate swap contracts are measured using yield curves derived from quoted interest rates.

The following table sets out the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured and recognised at fair value:

Recurring fair value measurements

Derivative financial assets
Foreign currency forward contracts
Interest rate swaps
Total recurring financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Interest rate swaps
Total recurring financial liabilities

31 December 
2016 
Current 
£m

31 December 
2016 
Non-current 
£m

31 December 
2016 
Total 
£m

31 December 
2015 
Current 
£m

31 December 
2015 
Non-current 
£m

31 December 
2015 
Total 
£m

 1.9
 1.9
 3.8

(4.2)
 –
(4.2)

–
5.2
5.2

–
–
–

 1.9
 7.1
 9.0

 (4.2)
 –
 (4.2)

 1.2
 –
 1.2

(1.5)
 –
(1.5)

 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –

 1.2
 –
 1.2

(1.5)
 –
(1.5)

The fair value of these financial instruments are derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, 
either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) and they are therefore categorised within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy 
set out in IFRS 13: “Fair value measurement”. The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and out of the different fair value hierarchy 
levels at the date the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer to occur. There have been no transfers between levels in 
the year.

25. Issued capital and reserves

Share Capital

Allotted, called-up and fully paid

1,886,746,589 (31 December 2015: 995,206,966) Ordinary Shares 

of 48/7p each (31 December 2015: 1p each)

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

129.4
129.4

10.0
10.0

The rights of each class of share are described in the Directors’ Report.

On 27 January 2016 the Court approved a proposal to return £2,388.5 million to shareholders.

In conjunction with this Return of Capital, on 28 January 2016 the number of Ordinary Shares in issue was consolidated in a ratio of 7 for 48 
in order to maintain comparability of the Company’s share price before and after the Return of Capital. On 28 January 2016 the number of 
Ordinary Shares in issue became 145,134,353 each with a nominal value of 48/7 pence.

On 24 August 2016 a 12 for 1, fully underwritten, Rights Issue was completed by Melrose Industries PLC and 1,741,612,236 Ordinary 
Shares were issued raising £1,654.5 million to part fund the acquisition of Nortek. This resulted in an increase to nominal Share Capital 
of £119.4 million and an increase to the share premium account, after deducting associated costs of £42.5 million, of £1,492.6 million.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials138

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

25. Issued capital and reserves (continued)

Translation reserve
The Translation reserve contains exchange differences on the translation of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than Sterling 
and exchange gains or losses on the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries.

Hedging reserve
The Hedging reserve represents the cumulative fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments for which cash flow hedge 
accounting has been applied.

Merger reserve and Other reserves
The Merger reserve represents the excess of fair value over nominal value of shares issued in consideration for the acquisition of 
subsidiaries. Other reserves comprise accumulated adjustments in respect of Group reconstructions.

26. Cash flow statement

Reconciliation of underlying operating profit to cash generated by continuing operations
Underlying operating profit from continuing operations
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of computer software and development costs
Restructuring costs paid and movements in provisions
Defined benefit pension contributions paid
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables
Acquisition costs
Tax paid
Interest paid
Net cash from/(used in) operating activities from continuing operations

Cash flow from discontinued operations

Cash generated from discontinued operations
Defined benefit pension contributions paid
Tax paid
Interest paid
Acquisition costs
Net cash from operating activities from discontinued operations
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of computer software and development costs
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Dividends received from joint ventures
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

104.1

24.8

 15.9
 2.2
(37.6)
(10.5)
15.0
 22.5
(9.3)
(41.3)
(5.9)
(4.5)
50.6

 7.6
0.5
(32.8)
(5.1)
(9.9)
 10.8
(12.3)
 –
(2.8)
(38.6)
(57.8)

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

172.9
(30.1)
(51.2)
(1.6)
(0.8)
89.2

(26.0)
1.7
(15.5)
 (1.5)
2.2
(0.4)
0.8
(38.7)
 –

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016139

26. Cash flow statement (continued)

Net debt reconciliation

Cash
External debt
Finance leases
Net cash/(debt)

 31 December 
2015 
£m

 2,451.4
 –
 –
2,451.4

 Cash flow 
£m

 (1,250.8)
 535.0
 –
(715.8)

 Acquisitions 
£m

(1,161.9)
(1,064.3)
(1.6)
(2,227.8)

Other non-cash 
movements 
£m

Foreign exchange 
difference 
£m

 31 December 
2016 
£m

 –
5.4
 –
5.4

 3.4
 (58.1)
 –
 (54.7)

 42.1
(582.0)
(1.6)
(541.5)

27.  Commitments and contingencies

Future total minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases were as follows:

Amounts payable:
Within one year
After one year but within five years
Over five years

31 December 
2016 
£m

31 December 
2015 
£m

21.9
55.1
24.0
101.0

2.2
1.1
–
3.3

The Group leases properties, plant, machinery and vehicles for operational purposes. Property leases vary in length. Plant, machinery and 
vehicle leases typically run for periods of up to five years. The increase in minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases 
during the year was primarily as a result of the acquisition of Nortek.

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2016, there were commitments of £2.4 million (31 December 2015: £0.8 million) relating to the acquisition of new plant 
and machinery.

28. Related parties

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not 
disclosed in this note.

The Group did not enter into any significant transactions in the ordinary course of business with joint ventures during the current 
or prior year.

Sales to and purchases from Group companies are priced on an arm’s length basis and generally are settled on 30 day terms.

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the 
categories specified in IAS 24: “Related party disclosures”. Further information about the remuneration of individual Directors is provided in 
the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 78.

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

Year ended 
31 December 
2016 
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2015 
£m

3.2
2.7
5.9

3.0
2.7
5.7

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials140

Notes to the financial statements 
continued

29. Post Balance Sheet events

There are no post balance sheet events which require disclosure.

30. Contingent liabilities

As described in note 12, certain contingent legal and warranty liabilities were identified as part of the fair value review of the acquisition 
Balance Sheet. Whilst it is difficult to reasonably estimate the timing and ultimate outcome of these claims, the Directors’ best estimate has 
been included in the Balance Sheet where they existed at the time of acquisition and hence were recognised in accordance with IFRS 3: 
“Business combinations”. Where a provision has been recognised, information regarding the different categories of such liabilities and the 
amount and timing of outflows is included within note 20.

Given the nature of the Group’s business many of the Group’s products have a large installed base, and any recalls or reworks related to 
such products could be particularly costly. The costs of product recalls or reworks are not always covered by insurance. Recalls or reworks 
may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The Group has contingent liabilities representing guarantees and contract bonds given in the ordinary course of business on behalf of 
trading subsidiaries. No losses are anticipated to arise on these contingent liabilities. The Group does not have any other significant 
contingent liabilities.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Company Balance Sheet for Melrose Industries PLC

141

Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiaries

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities 
Provisions
Net assets
Capital and reserves 
Issued share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Retained earnings
Shareholders’ funds

31 December
2016
£m

31 December
2015
£m

Notes

3

4

5

6

7

2,209.9

2,209.9
14.1
(1.0)
13.1

2,223.0
(12.8)
2,210.2

129.4
1,492.6
112.4
475.8
2,210.2

2,764.8

2,764.8
–
(0.3)
(0.3)

2,764.5
 –
2,764.5

10.0
–
 2,500.9
253.6
2,764.5

The Company reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 of £224.0 million (period ended 31 December 2015: 
loss of £0.7 million). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 2 March 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:

Geoffrey Martin 
Group Finance Director 

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive

Registered number: 09800044

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

At beginning of period 
Loss for the period (note 2)
Total comprehensive expense 
Issue of share capital
Capital reduction 
Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments
At 31 December 2015
Profit for the year (note 2)
Total comprehensive income
Return of Capital
Issue of new shares (note 7)
Dividends paid
Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments
At 31 December 2016

Issued 
share capital 
£m

Share premium 
account 
£m

–
–
–
263.8
(253.8)
–

10.0
–
–
–
119.4 
–
–
129.4

–
–
–
–
– 
–

–
–
–
–
1,492.6
–
–
1,492.6

Merger 
reserve 
£m

–
–
–
2,500.9
–
–

2,500.9
–
–
(2,388.5)
–
–
–
112.4

Retained 
earnings 
£m

–
(0.7)
(0.7)
–
253.8
0.5 

253.6
224.0
224.0
–
–
(5.8)
4.0
475.8

Total 
equity 
£m

–
(0.7)
(0.7)
2,764.7
–
 0.5

2,764.5
224.0
224.0
(2,388.5)
1,612.0
(5.8)
4.0
2,210.2

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials142

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet

1.  Significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting
Melrose Industries PLC (“the Company”) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The address of the 
registered office is given on the back cover. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the strategic report 
on pages 2 to 53.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 
(FRS 102) issued by the Financial Reporting Council.

The functional currency of Melrose Industries PLC is considered to be pounds Sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the Company operates.

Melrose Industries PLC meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 102 and has therefore taken advantage of the disclosure 
exemptions available to it in respect of its separate financial statements. Melrose Industries PLC is consolidated in its Group financial 
statements. Exemptions have been taken in these separate Company financial statements in relation to share-based payments, 
presentation of a cash flow statement, the remuneration of key management personnel and financial instruments.

The principal accounting policies are consistent with the prior period and are summarised below.

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained in the Directors’ statement of going concern on page 36 of the Finance 
Director’s review.

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment.

For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured 
by reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus fair value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored.

Impairment of assets
Assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each Balance Sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment 
loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.

Non-financial assets
An asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the 
estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs 
to sell and its value in use.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is 
reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher 
than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

Share-based payments
The Company issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. The required disclosures are included in the Group 
consolidated financial statements.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date 
of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market based 
vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black Scholes pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on the 
Directors’ best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Where equity-settled share-based payments are made available to employees of the Company’s subsidiaries, these are treated as 
increases in equity over the vesting period of the award with a corresponding increase in the Company’s investment in subsidiaries.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates 
and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the Balance Sheet date where 
transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the 
Balance Sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the Company’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial 
statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised 
in the financial statements.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016143

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the 
amount of the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future 
cash flows at a rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to 
the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

2.  Profit for the year

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has elected not to present its own Profit and Loss Account 
for the year. Melrose Industries PLC reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 of £224.0 million (period ended 
31 December 2015: loss of £0.7 million).

The auditor’s remuneration for audit services to the Company is disclosed in note 7 to the Group consolidated financial statements.

Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 72 to 84. There were no other employees of the 
Company in the year.

3. 

Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 January 2016
Additions
Impairments
At 31 December 2016

£m

2,764.8
1,609.9
(2,164.8)
2,209.9

Following the Return of Capital on 27 January 2016 as explained in note 7, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in its directly 
owned subsidiary Melrose Holdings Limited was considered to be impaired by an amount of £2,164.8 million.

During the year, the Company increased its investment in Melrose Holdings Limited by £1,609.9 million, £1.3 million of this addition related 
to equity-settled share-based payments that were made available to employees of subsidiaries.

The following subsidiaries and significant holdings were owned by the Company as at 31 December 2016:

Argentina
Corrientes Avenue 311, 7, Capital Federal, 1043
Nordyne Argentina SRL

Australia
2 Frawley Avenue, Narangba, Queensland, 4504
Bristol Meci Australasia Pty Limited
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Pty Limited
U 2 11-21 Forge St, Blacktown, New South Wales, 2148
Nortek Australia Pty Limited

Belgium
Jean en Maurits Sabbestraat 130A/A000, 8930 Menen
Nortek Global HVAC Belgium NV

Brazil
Rod. Br 101 Norte, Serra Pelada, Espirito Santo, 

29161-901

Equity 
interest %

100

100
100

100

100

Nordyne do Brasil Distribuidora de Ar Condicionado Ltda

100

British Virgin Islands
Wickhams Cay 1, P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola
Nortek Trading Limited

Canada
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3N6
Brush Canada Services Inc./Services Brush Canada Inc.
1 Germain Street, Suite 1500, Saint John, 

New Brunswick, E2L 4H8
2GIG Technologies Canada, Inc.
1140 Tristar Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5T 1H9
Broan-NuTone Canada ULC
1300 – 1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy’s Wharf Tower 

II, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2VI

Ergotron Canada Corporation
605 Rue Rocheleau, Drummondville, Quebec, J2C 6L8
Innergy Tech, Inc.
1502D Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon, 

Saskatchewan, S7K 1V7

Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.
9100 Rue du Parcours, Montreal, Quebec, H1J 2Z1
Nortek Air Solutions Quebec, Inc.
550 Lemire Boulevard, Drummondville, 

Equity 
interest %

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Quebec, J2C 7W9
Venmar Ventilation ULC

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials144

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 
continued

3. 

Investment in subsidiaries (continued)

Equity 
interest %

Equity 
interest %

China
8 Changhong Road, Changshu Economic Development 

Zone, Jiangsu Province, 215500

Italy
Via Verdi, 34, 60043 Cerreto d’Esi, Ancona
Best SPA

Brush Electrical Machines (Changshu) Co. Limited
Building 2 558 Taibo Road, Anting Town, Jiading 

District. Shanghai, Shanghai 201814

FKI Engineering Shanghai Limited
Zone 6, Daxin Jituan, Chenjiang Town, Huicheng 

District, Guangdong, 516229

Broan Building Products (Huizhou) Co Limited
The 3rd Industry Area, Juzhou Shijie, Dongguan, 

Guangdong

Dongguan Ergotron Precision Technology Co Limited
Dongguan Ergotron Precision Technology Design Services 

Co Limited

172 Hangcheng Avenue, Bao’an District, Shenzhen Shi, 

Guangdong Sheng, 518126

Linear Electronics (Shenzhen) Co Limited
Room 28D2, 895 Yan’an West Road, Changning District, 

Shanghai

Nortek (Shanghai) Trading Co Limited
TV One (Shanghai) Electronics Technology Co Limited

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100

Colombia
1301, 13/F Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central
MiOS Colombia

25

Czech Republic
Edvarda Beneše 564/39, Doudlevce, 301 00 Plze
Brush SEM s.r.o.

France
44 Rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Ergotron France SARL
Z.I. de Rosarge, 230, rue de la Dombes, Les Echets, 

01706 Miribel Cedex, Lyon
Nortek Global HVAC France SAS

Germany
Konrad-Adenauer Straße 13, 50996, Köln
Best Deutschland GmbH
Teichhörn 4-6, 24119, Kronshagen
Ergotron Deutschland GmbH
Nymhenburger Straße 3c, D-80335, München
Gefen Europe GmbH

Hong Kong
8/F Gloucester Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, 

Central

FKI Switchgear (Hong Kong) Limited
28/F Bank of East Asia Harbour View Center, 

56 Gloucester Road, Wanchai

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Broan-NuTone (HK) Limited
6 Sun Yip Street, 19/F Honour Industrial Centre, Chai Wan
Linear HK Manufacturing Limited
1301 13/F Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central
MiOS Hong Kong
MiOS Limited

100

100

25
25

Japan
1139 The Soho, 2-7-4, Aomi, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, 135-0064
Brush Japan KK
Shiroyama Trust Tower, 4-3-1, Toranomon, 

Minato-ku, Tokyo

Ergotron Japan KK

Malta
Marsa Industrial Estate, Marsa, MRS 3000
Mediterranean Power Electric Company Limited

Mexico
Avenue de los Olivos 100-A, Parque Industrial El Bajio, 

Tecata, Baja California, 21438

Broan Building Products-Mexico S de RL de CV
Vicente Guerrero 2822, Anáhuac, 64500 San Nicolas 

delos Graza, Nuevo Leon
Miller de Mexico S de RL de CV
Nortek Global HVAC de Mexico SA de RL de CV

Poland
UL Pyskowicka 19, 41807, Zabrze, Silesia
Best Poland Sp.zo.o

Romania
Bulevardul Poitiers, la i 
MiOS Romania SRL

Saudi Arabia
P.O.Box 2091, Riyadh 11451
Huntair Arabia

Taiwan
16F-4, NO.75, Sec.1, Xintai 5th Road, Xizhi District, 

New Taipei City, 22101

TV One Limited

The Netherlands
Beeldschermweg 3, 3821 AH Amersfoort
Ergotron Nederland BV
Ringdijk 390B, 2983 GS, Postbus 3007, 2980 DA, 

Ridderkerk
Brush HMA BV
Strawinskylaan 3127 8e Verdiepin, Amsterdam, 

Noord-Holland, 1077 ZX

CES Holding BV
Nortek Holding BV
Nortek International Holdings BV

100

100

100

26

100

100
100

100

25

49

100

100

100

100
100
100

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 20163. 

Investment in subsidiaries (continued)

United Kingdom
11th Floor, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus 

Equity 
interest %

Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT

Alcester Capricorn
Alcester EP1 Limited
Alcester Number 1 Limited
Alcester Overseas Limited
Alcester Plastics Company Limited
Ambi-Rad Group Limited
Brush Electrical Engineering Company Limited
Brush Electrical Machines Limited
Brush Holdings Limited
Brush Properties Limited
Brush Scheme Trustees Limited
Brush Switchgear Limited
Brush Transformers Limited
Colmore Lifting Limited
Colmore Overseas Holdings Limited
Danks Holdings Limited
Eachairn Aerospace Holdings Limited
Eaton-Williams (Millbank) Limited
Eaton-Williams Exports Limited
Eaton-Williams Group Limited
Eaton-Williams Holdings Limited
Eaton-Williams Limited
Eaton-Williams Products Limited
Eaton-Williams Service Limited
Edenaire Limited
Electro Dynamic Limited
Ergotron UK Limited
FKI Distribution Limited
FKI Plan Trustees Limited
Hamsard 2246
Harrington Generators International Limited
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Limited
McKechnie 2005 Pension Scheme Trustee Limited
McKechnie Employee Services Limited
Melrose Holdings Limited
Melrose PFG Company Number 1 Limited
Melrose PLC
Melrose UK 4 Limited
Melrose UK Holdings Limited
Melrose USD 1 Limited
Nortek (UK) Limited
Nortek Global HVAC (UK) Limited
Precision Air Control Limited
Precision House Management Services Limited
Prelok Limited
Reznor (UK) Limited
Sageford UK Limited
Vapac Humidity Control Limited
Whipp & Bourne Limited

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

145

Equity 
interest %

USA
601 Braddock Avenue, Turtle Creek, Pittsburgh, 

Pennsylvania, 15145

Brush Aftermarket North America Inc.
Generator and Motor Services of Pennsylvania, LLC
15110 Northwest Freeway, Suite 150, Houston, 

Texas, 77040

Brush Turbogenerators Inc.
421 West Main Street, Franklin, Frankfort, 

Kentucky, 40601

Barcom Asia Holdings, LLC
Barcom China Holdings, LLC
2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, New Castle, 

Wilmington, Delaware

BNSS LP, Inc.
926 West State Street, Hartford, Wisconsin, 53027
Broan-NuTone, LLC
1800 South McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, 

California, 94954

Core Brands, LLC
1181 Trapp Road, Eagan, Minnesota, 55121
Ergotron, Inc.
3121 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303
GTO Access Systems, LLC
19855 South West 124th Avenue, Tualatin, Oregon, 97062
Huntair Middle East Holdings, Inc.
2077 Convention Center Concourse, Suite 175, Atlanta, 

Georgia, 30337

Linear HK, LLC
Melrose North America, Inc.
Nortek Distribution Services, LLC
Nortek Global HVAC de Puerto Rico, LLC
Nortek Global HVAC, Latin America, Inc.
Nortek Home Control Holdings, LLC
Nortek, Inc.
Nortek International, Inc.
Nortek Shared Services, LLC
1950 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 150, Carlsbad, 

California, 92008

Nortek Security & Control, LLC
2547 Three Mile Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Operator Speciality Company, Inc.
390 Kansas Street, San Francisco, California 94103
Pacific Zephyr Range Hood, Inc.
2277 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, California, 94502
Zephyr Ventilation, LLC
8000 Phoenix Parkway, O’Fallon, Missouri, 63368
Nortek Air Solutions, LLC
Nortek Global HVAC, LLC

100
100

100

100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100

100
100

Each of the subsidiaries listed are included in the consolidated 
financial statements of the Company and are held in each case 
by a subsidiary undertaking, except for Melrose Holdings Limited 
which is held directly by Melrose Industries PLC.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Financials146

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 
continued

4.  Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by Group undertakings

The Directors consider that amounts owed by Group undertakings approximate to their fair value.

5.  Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Accruals and other payables

6.  Provisions

At 1 January 2016
Charge to income statement
At 31 December 2016

31 December
2016
£m

31 December
2015
£m

14.1
14.1

–
–

31 December
2016
£m

31 December
2015
£m

 – 
1.0
1.0

Incentive plan 
related
£m

–
12.8
12.8

0.2
0.1
0.3

Total
£m

 – 
12.8
12.8

The provision for incentive plan related costs relates to employer national insurance costs which are expected to be incurred when the 
Melrose incentive plan matures. Further details of this plan are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report. The costs are expected 
to be incurred in less than one year.

7. 

Issued share capital

Share Capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

1,886,746,589 (31 December 2015: 995,206,966) Ordinary Shares 

of 48/7p each (31 December 2015: 1p each)

31 December
2016
£m

31 December
2015
£m

129.4
129.4

10.0
10.0

The rights of each class of share are described in the Directors’ Report.

On 27 January 2016 the Court approved a proposal to return £2,388.5 million to shareholders.

In conjunction with this Return of Capital, on 28 January 2016 the number of Ordinary Shares in issue was consolidated in a ratio of 
7 for 48 in order to maintain comparability of the Company’s share price before and after the Return of Capital. On 28 January 2016 
the number of Ordinary Shares in issue became 145,134,353 each with a nominal value of 48/7 pence.

On 24 August 2016 a 12 for 1, fully underwritten, Rights Issue was completed by Melrose Industries PLC and 1,741,612,236 Ordinary 
Shares were issued raising £1,654.5 million to part fund the acquisition of Nortek. This resulted in an increase to nominal Share Capital 
of £119.4 million and an increase to the share premium account, after deducting associated costs of £42.5 million, of £1,492.6 million.

8.  Related party transactions

The Company has taken the exemption in FRS 102.33: “Related party information” not to disclose intercompany balances and transactions 
in the year with fully owned subsidiary undertakings.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Notice of Annual General Meeting

147

This document is important and requires 
your immediate attention. If you are in any 
doubt as to the action you should take, you 
should consult your stockbroker, bank, solicitor, 
accountant, fund manager or other independent 
financial adviser authorised under the Financial 
Services and Markets Act 2000 if you are 
resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, 
another appropriately authorised independent 
financial adviser.

If you have sold or otherwise transferred or sell or otherwise transfer 
all of your shares in Melrose Industries PLC (the “Company”), please 
send this document, together with the accompanying form of proxy, 
as soon as possible to the purchaser or transferee or to the agent 
through whom the sale or transfer was effected for delivery to the 
purchaser or transferee.

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company 
will be held at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, Monkwell Square, Wood 
Street, London, EC2Y 5BL at 11.00 a.m. on 11 May 2017 for the 
purposes set out below. Resolutions 1 to 13 (inclusive) will be 
proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 14 to 17 
(inclusive) as special resolutions.

Ordinary resolutions
1. 

 To receive the Company’s audited financial statements for 
the financial year ended 31 December 2016, together with the 
Directors’ Report, Strategic Report and the Auditor’s Report 
on those financial statements.

2.   To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 

ended 31 December 2016, as set out on pages 72 to 75 of the 
Company’s 2016 Annual Report.

3.   To declare a final dividend of 1.9 pence per ordinary share 

for the year ended 31 December 2016.

4.  To re-elect Christopher Miller as a Director of the Company.

5.  To re-elect David Roper as a Director of the Company.

6.  To re-elect Simon Peckham as a Director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Geoffrey Martin as a Director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Justin Dowley as a Director of the Company.

9.  To re-elect Liz Hewitt as a Director of the Company.

10. To elect David Lis as a Director of the Company.

11.   To re-appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company to hold 
office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion 
of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company at which 
accounts are laid.

12.  To authorise the Audit Committee to determine the 

remuneration of the auditor of the Company.

13.  That, in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 

2006 (the “Act”), the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) 
be and are generally and unconditionally authorised to allot 
shares in the Company, or to grant rights to subscribe for or to 
convert any security into shares in the Company (“Rights”):

(A)  up to an aggregate nominal amount of £43,125,636; and

(B)   comprising equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the 
Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £86,251,272 
(such amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal 
amount of any allotments or grants made under paragraph 
(A) of this resolution) in connection with an offer by way of a 
Rights Issue:

(i)   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as 
may be practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   to holders of other equity securities as required by 

the rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, 
as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,

 and so that the Directors may impose any limits or restrictions 
and make any arrangements which they consider necessary or 
appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, 
record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under 
the laws of any territory or any other matter, such authorities to 
expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General 
Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if earlier, at the close of 
business on 30 June 2018, but, in each case, so that the 
Company may make offers or agreements before the authority 
expires which would or might require shares to be allotted or 
Rights to be granted after the authority expires, and so that the 
Directors may allot shares or grant Rights in pursuance of any 
such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority 
conferred by this resolution has expired. 

Special resolutions
14.  That, subject to the passing of resolution 13, the Directors be 
and are generally empowered to allot equity securities (as 
defined in section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the 
authorities granted by resolution 13 and/or to sell ordinary 
shares held by the Company as treasury shares for cash, in 
each case as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such 
allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be limited:

(A)   to the allotment of equity securities in connection with an 
offer of equity securities (but in the case of an allotment 
pursuant to the authority granted under paragraph (B) of 
resolution 13, such power shall be limited to the allotment 
of equity securities in connection with an offer by way of 
a Rights Issue only):

(i)   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may 

be practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   to holders of other equity securities, as required by the 

rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the 
Directors otherwise consider necessary, 

 and so that the Directors may impose any limits or 
restrictions and make any arrangements which they 
consider necessary or appropriate to deal with treasury 
shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal, 
regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, 
any territory or any other matter; and

Shareholder informationMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148

Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

(B)   to the allotment (otherwise than in circumstances set out in 
paragraph (A) of this resolution) of equity securities pursuant 
to the authority granted by paragraph (A) of resolution 13 or 
sale of treasury shares up to a nominal amount of 
£6,468,845,

 such powers to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next 
Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if 
earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2018, but, in each 
case, so that the Company may make offers or agreements 
before the power expires which would or might require equity 
securities to be allotted (and/or treasury shares sold) after the 
power expires and so that the Directors may allot equity 
securities (and/or sell treasury shares) in pursuance of any such 
offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by 
this authority has expired.

(C)   the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share 

is not more than the higher of:

(i)   105% of the average of the middle-market quotation for 

an ordinary share as derived from the Daily Official List of 
the London Stock Exchange for the five business days 
immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary 
share is purchased; and

(ii)   the higher of the price of the last independent trade and 

the highest current independent bid on the trading venue 
where the purchase is carried out, in each case, exclusive 
of expenses;

(D)   this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the Company’s 
next Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed 
or, if earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2018;

15.  That, subject to the passing of resolution 13 and in addition to 

(E)   the Company may make a contract of purchase of ordinary 

any power granted under resolution 14, the Directors be and 
are generally empowered to allot equity securities (as defined in 
section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authorities 
granted by resolution 13 and/or to sell ordinary shares held by 
the Company as treasury shares for cash, in each case as if 
section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or 
sale, provided that this power shall be:

(A)   limited to the allotment of equity securities pursuant to the 
authority granted by sub paragraph (A) of resolution 13 
or sale of treasury shares up to a nominal amount of 
£6,468,845; and

(B)   used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing,  

if the authority is to be used within six months of the original 
transaction) a transaction which the Directors determine to 
be an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind 
contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying 
Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the Pre-
Emption Group prior to the date of this notice of the Annual 
General Meeting,

 such powers to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next 
Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if 
earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2018, but, in each 
case, so that the Company may make offers or agreements 
before the power expires which would or might require equity 
securities to be allotted (and/or treasury shares sold) after the 
power expires and so that the Directors may allot equity 
securities (and/or sell treasury shares) in pursuance of any such 
offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by 
this authority has expired.

16.  That the Company be and is generally and unconditionally 

authorised to make one or more market purchases (within the 
meaning of section 693 of the Act) of ordinary shares in the 
capital of the Company provided that:

(A)   the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares 

authorised to be purchased is 188,674,658;

(B)   the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share 
is the nominal value of an ordinary share at the time of 
such purchase;

shares under this authority which would or might be 
executed wholly or partly after the expiry of this authority, 
and may make a purchase of ordinary shares in pursuance 
of any such contract; and

(F)   any ordinary shares purchased pursuant to this authority 
may either be held as treasury shares or cancelled by the 
Company, depending on which course of action is 
considered by the Directors to be in the best interests of 
shareholders at the time.

17.   That a general meeting other than an Annual General Meeting 

may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

Recommendation
The Board believes that each of the resolutions to be proposed at 
the Annual General Meeting is in the best interests of the Company 
and its shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors 
unanimously recommend that ordinary shareholders vote in favour 
of all of the resolutions proposed, as the Directors intend to do in 
respect of their own beneficial holdings.

By order of the Board

Jonathon Crawford
Company Secretary
7 April 2017

Registered Office: 
11th Floor The Colmore Building 
20 Colmore Circus Queensway 
Birmingham 
West Midlands 
B4 6AT

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Explanatory notes to the proposed resolutions
Resolutions 1 to 13 (inclusive) are proposed as ordinary resolutions, 
which means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more 
than half the votes cast must be cast in favour of the resolution. 
Resolutions 14 to 17 (inclusive) are proposed as special resolutions, 
which means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, at 
least three-quarters of the votes cast must be cast in favour of the 
resolution.

Resolution 1 – Receipt of 2016 Annual Report 
and financial statements
The Directors are required to lay the Company’s financial 
statements, the Strategic Report and the Directors’ and auditor’s 
reports on those financial statements (collectively, the “2016 Annual 
Report”) before shareholders each year at the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”). 

Resolution 2 – Approval of Directors’ remuneration report
The Directors’ remuneration report (the “Directors’ Remuneration 
Report”) is presented in two sections:

•  the annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 

Committee; and

•  the annual report on remuneration.

The annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, set out on pages 72 to 75 of the 2016 Annual Report, 
summarises, for the year ended 31 December 2016, the major 
decisions taken on Directors’ remuneration, any substantial changes 
relating to Directors’ remuneration made during the year and the 
context in which those changes occurred and decisions that have 
been taken.

The annual report on remuneration, set out on pages 72 to 84 of 
the 2016 Annual Report, provides details of the remuneration paid to 
Directors in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016, including 
base salary, taxable benefits, short-term incentives, long-term 
incentives vested in the year, pension-related benefits, any other 
items in the nature of remuneration and any sum(s) recovered or 
withheld during the year in respect of amounts paid in earlier years.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report is subject to an annual advisory 
shareholder vote by way of an ordinary resolution. Resolution 2 is to 
approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Resolution 3 – Declaration of final dividend
The Board is recommending, and shareholders are being asked to 
approve, the declaration of a final dividend of 1.9 pence per ordinary 
share for the year ended 31 December 2016. The final dividend will, 
subject to shareholder approval, be paid on 16 May 2017 to the 
holders of ordinary shares whose names are recorded on the 
register of members of the Company at the close of business 
on 7 April 2017.

149

Resolutions 4 to 9 (inclusive) – Re-election of Directors
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
“Code”) and the Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”), 
every Director (with the exception of the senior non-executive 
director, John Grant, who will retire at the conclusion of the AGM 
and will not stand for re-election) will stand for re-election at the 
AGM. Biographical details of each Director can be found on pages 
56 and 57 of the 2016 Annual Report. All of the non-executive 
Directors standing for re-election are currently considered 
independent under the Code.

Resolution 10 – Election of Director
In accordance with the Articles, David Lis is standing for election 
as a Director of the Company following his appointment to the 
Board with effect from 12 May 2016, shortly after the 2016 AGM. 
Biographical details for David Lis can be found on page 57 of the 
2016 Annual Report.

Resolution 11 – Re-appointment of auditor
The Company is required to appoint auditors at each general 
meeting at which accounts are laid before shareholders, to hold 
office until the next such meeting.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the effectiveness, performance, 
independence and objectivity of the existing external auditor, 
Deloitte LLP, on behalf of the Board, and concluded that the 
external auditor was in all respects effective.

This resolution proposes the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP until 
the conclusion of the next AGM.

Resolution 12 – Authority to agree auditor’s remuneration
This resolution seeks authority for the Audit Committee to determine 
the level of the auditor’s remuneration.

Resolution 13 – Authority to allot shares
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to grant the Directors 
the authority to allot shares in the Company, or to grant rights to 
subscribe for or convert any securities into shares in the Company 
(“Rights”), pursuant to section 551 of the Act (“Section 551 
authority”). The authority contained in paragraph (A) of the resolution 
will be limited to an aggregate nominal amount of £43,125,636, 
being approximately one-third of the Company’s issued ordinary 
share capital as at 6 April 2017 (being the last business day prior 
to the publication of this notice).

In line with guidance issued by the Investment Association, 
paragraph (B) of this resolution would give the Directors authority 
to allot shares in the Company or grant Rights in connection with 
a Rights Issue up to aggregate nominal amount of £86,251,272, 
representing approximately two-thirds of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital as at 6 April 2017, as reduced by the 
aggregate nominal amount of any allotments or grants under 
paragraph (A) of this resolution.

The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.

If approved, the Section 551 authority shall, unless renewed, 
revoked or varied by the Company, expire at the end of the 
Company’s next AGM after the resolution is passed or, if earlier, at 
the close of business on 30 June 2018. The exception to this is that 
the Directors may allot shares or grant Rights after the authority has 
expired in connection with an offer or agreement made or entered 
into before the authority expired. The Directors have no present 
intention to exercise the Section 551 authority.

Shareholder informationMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016150

Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

Resolutions 14 to 15 – Partial disapplication 
of pre-emption rights
These resolutions seek shareholder approval to grant the Directors 
the power to allot equity securities of the Company pursuant to 
sections 570 and 573 of the Act (the “Section 570 and 573 power”) 
without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to 
their existing shareholdings.

The power is limited to allotments for cash in connection with 
pre-emptive offers, subject to any arrangements that the Directors 
consider appropriate to deal with fractions and overseas 
requirements and otherwise for cash up to a maximum nominal 
value of £12,937,690, representing approximately 10% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 6 April 2017 
(being the last business day prior to the publication of this notice).

The Directors intend to adhere to the guidelines set out in the 
Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles (as updated in March 
2015) and not to allot shares for cash on a non pre-emptive basis 
pursuant to a relevant authority in resolutions 14 or 15:

•  in excess of an amount equal to 5% of the Company’s issued 

ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) in any one-year 
period, whether or not in connection with an acquisition or 
specified capital investment; or

•  in excess of an amount equal to 7.5% of the Company’s issued 

ordinary share capital in a rolling three-year period,

in each case other than in connection with an acquisition or specified 
capital investment which is announced contemporaneously with the 
allotment or which has taken place in the preceding six-month period 
and is disclosed in the announcement of the allotment.

If approved, the Section 570 and 573 power shall apply until the 
end of the Company’s next AGM after the resolution is passed or, 
if earlier, until the close of business on 30 June 2018. The exception 
to this is that the Directors may allot equity securities after the power 
has expired in connection with an offer or agreement made or 
entered into before the power expired. The Directors have no 
present intention to exercise the Section 570 and 573 power.

Resolution 16 – Authority to purchase own shares
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to grant the Company 
the authority to purchase its own shares pursuant to sections 693 
and 701 of the Act.

This authority is limited to an aggregate maximum number of 
188,674,658 ordinary shares, representing 10% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 6 April 2017.

The maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share will be 
an amount which is not more than the higher of: (i) 5% above the 
average of the middle market quotation for an ordinary share as 
derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for 
the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the 
ordinary share is purchased; and (ii) the higher of the price of the last 
independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the 
trading venue where the purchase is carried out (in each case, 
exclusive of expenses).

If approved, the authority shall, unless varied, revoked or renewed, 
expire at the end of the Company’s next AGM after the resolution is 
passed or, if earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2018. The 
Directors have no present intention of exercising all or any of the 
powers conferred by this resolution and will only exercise their 
authority if it is in the interests of shareholders generally.

Resolution 17 – Notice period for general meetings 
other than AGMs
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to allow the Company 
to continue to call general meetings (other than AGMs) on 14 clear 
days’ notice. In accordance with the Act, as amended by the 
Companies (Shareholders’ Rights) Regulations 2009, the notice 
period required for general meetings of the Company is 21 days 
unless shareholders approve a shorter notice period (subject to a 
minimum period of 14 clear days). In accordance with the Act, the 
Company must make a means of electronic voting available to all 
shareholders for that meeting in order to be able to call a general 
meeting on less than 21 clear days’ notice.

The Company intends to only use the shorter notice period where 
this flexibility is merited by the purpose of the meeting and is 
considered to be in the interests of shareholders generally, and 
not as a matter of routine. AGMs will continue to be held on at least 
21 clear days’ notice.

The approval will be effective until the Company’s next AGM, when 
it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.

Explanatory notes as to the proxy, voting and 
attendance procedures at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM)
1. 

 The holders of ordinary shares in the Company are entitled to 
attend the AGM and are entitled to vote. A member entitled to 
attend, speak and vote at the AGM is also entitled to appoint a 
proxy to exercise all or any of his/her rights to attend, speak and 
vote at the AGM in his/her place. Such a member may appoint 
more than one proxy, provided that each proxy is appointed to 
exercise the rights attached to different shares. A proxy need 
not be a member of the Company.

2.   A form of proxy is enclosed with this notice. To be effective, a 
form of proxy must be completed and returned, together with 
any power of attorney or authority under which it is completed 
or a certified copy of such power or authority, so that it is 
received by the Company’s registrars at the address specified 
on the form of proxy not less than 48 hours (excluding any part 
of a day that is not a working day) before the stated time for 
holding the meeting (or, in the event of an adjournment, not less 
than 48 hours before the stated time of the adjourned meeting 
(excluding any part of a day which is not a working day)). 
Returning a completed form of proxy will not preclude a 
member from attending the meeting and voting in person.

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016151

3.   Any person to whom this notice is sent who is a person 

8.   CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST 

nominated under section 146 of the Act to enjoy information 
rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement 
between him/her and the shareholder by whom he/she was 
nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to have someone 
else appointed) as a proxy for the AGM. If a Nominated Person 
has no such proxy appointment right or does not wish to 
exercise it, he/she may, under any such agreement, have a right 
to give instructions to the shareholder as to the exercise of 
voting rights. The statement of the rights of shareholders in 
relation to the appointment of proxies in paragraphs 1 and 2 
opposite does not apply to Nominated Persons. The rights 
described in paragraphs 1 and 2 can only be exercised by 
the holders of ordinary shares in the Company.

4.   To be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM (and for the 

purposes of the determination by the Company of the number 
of votes they may cast), members must be entered on the 
Company’s register of members by 6.30 p.m. on 9 May 2017 
(or, in the event of an adjournment, on the date which is two 
days, excluding any day which is not a working day, before 
the time of the adjourned meeting). Changes to entries on 
the register of members after this time shall be disregarded 
in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at 
the meeting.

5.   As at 6 April 2017 (being the last business day prior to the 

publication of this notice), the Company’s issued share capital 
consists of 1,886,746,589 ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each, 
carrying one vote each.

6.   CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies 

through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may 
do so by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual 
(available at www.euroclear.com). CREST Personal Members 
or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST 
members who have appointed a service provider(s), should 
refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), 
who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

7. 

 In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using 
the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST 
message (a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly 
authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland 
Limited’s specifications, and must contain the information 
required for such instruction, as described in the CREST 
Manual. The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the 
appointment of a proxy or is an amendment to the instruction 
given to a previously appointed proxy, must, in order to be valid, 
be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent 
(ID RA19) by 11.00 a.m. on 9 May 2017. For this purpose, 
the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined 
by the time stamp applied to the message by the CREST 
Application Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to 
retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner 
prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions 
to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated 
to the appointee through other means.

sponsors, or voting service providers should note that Euroclear 
UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special 
procedures in CREST for any particular message. Normal 
system timings and limitations will, therefore, apply in relation 
to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility 
of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST 
member is a CREST Personal Member, or sponsored member, 
or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his/
her CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such 
action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is 
transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular 
time. In this connection, CREST members and, where 
applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting system providers 
are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST 
Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system 
and timings.

9.   The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction 
in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5) (a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

10.  Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more 
corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all 
of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in 
relation to the same shares.

11.    Under section 527 of the Act, members meeting the threshold 

requirements set out in that section have the right to require the 
Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any 
matter relating to: (i) the audit of the Company’s accounts 
(including the auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that 
are to be laid before the AGM; or (ii) any circumstance 
connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold 
office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts 
and reports were laid in accordance with section 437 of the 
Act. The Company may not require the shareholders 
requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses 
in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the Act. Where the 
Company is required to place a statement on a website under 
section 527 of the Act, it must forward the statement to the 
Company’s auditor not later than the time when it makes the 
statement available on the website. The business which may 
be dealt with at the AGM includes any statement that the 
Company has been required under section 527 of the Act to 
publish on a website.

12.  Any member holding ordinary shares attending the meeting 

has the right to ask questions. The Company must answer any 
such questions relating to the business being dealt with at the 
meeting but no such answer need be given if: (i) to do so would 
interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve 
the disclosure of confidential information; (ii) the answer has 
already been given on a website in the form of an answer to 
a question; and/or (iii) it is undesirable in the interests of the 
Company or the good order of the meeting that the question 
be answered.

Shareholder informationMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016152

Notice of Annual General Meeting 
continued

13.  Voting at the AGM will be by poll. The Chairman will invite each 
shareholder, corporate representative and proxy present at the 
meeting to complete a poll card indicating how they wish to 
cast their votes in respect of each resolution. In addition, the 
Chairman will cast the votes for which he has been appointed 
as proxy. Poll cards will be collected during the meeting. Once 
the results have been verified by the Company’s registrar, 
Equiniti, they will be notified to the UK Listing Authority, 
announced through a Regulatory Information Service and 
will be available to view on the Company’s website.

14.  A copy of this notice, and other information required by section 

311A of the Act, can be found at www.melroseplc.net

15.  You may not use an electronic address provided in either this 
Notice of AGM or any related documents (including the form 
of proxy) to communicate with the Company for any purposes 
other than those expressly stated.

16.  The following documents will be available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office during normal business hours 
(Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted) from the 
date of this notice until the date of the AGM and at the place 
of the AGM for 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting:

(A)   copies of all service agreements under which Directors 
of the Company are employed by the Company or any 
subsidiaries; and

(B)   a copy of the terms of appointment of the non-executive 

Directors of the Company.

17.   You may register your vote online by visiting Equiniti’s website 

at www.sharevote.co.uk. In order to register your vote online, 
you will need to enter the Voting ID, Task ID and Shareholder 
Reference Number which are set out on the enclosed form of 
proxy. The return of the form of proxy by post or registering your 
vote online will not prevent you from attending the AGM and 
voting in person, should you wish. Alternatively, shareholders 
who have already registered with Equiniti’s online portfolio 
service, Shareview, can appoint their proxy electronically by 
logging on to their portfolio at www.shareview.co.uk using 
your usual user ID and password. Once logged in simply click 
“View” on the “My Investments” page, click on the link to vote 
then follow the on screen instructions. A proxy appointment 
made electronically will not be valid if sent to any address 
other than those provided or if received after 11.00 a.m. 
on 9 May 2017. 

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016 
 
Company and shareholder information

153

As at 31 December 2016, there were 6,908 holders of ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each in the capital of the Company.  
Analysis of these shareholdings as at 31 December 2016 are set out in the table below.

Shareholder analysis

Range of holdings
1–5,000
5,001–50,000
50,001–500,000
Over 500,000

Total

Held by

Individuals
Institutions
Total

Financial calendar 2017

Ex-dividend date for final dividend
Record date for final dividend
Annual General Meeting
Payment date of final dividend
Announcement of interim results
Intended payment of interim dividend
Preliminary announcement of 2017 results

Registrar
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA

Tel: 0371 384 2946
or +44 (0) 121 415 0851  
(from outside UK)

Lines are open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.  
Monday to Friday, excluding UK public 
holidays.

Brokers
Investec
2 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7QP

J.P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
London
E14 5JP

Number of 
holdings 
5,382
1,077
217
232

6,908

5,103
1,805
6,908

Percentage of total 
shareholders 
77.91%
15.59%
3.14%
3.36%

Number of 
ordinary shares 
4,630,551
15,433,400
39,896,998
1,826,785,640

Percentage of ordinary 
shares in issue 
0.25%
0.82%
2.11%
96.82%

100.0%

1,886,746,589

100.0%

73.87%
26.13%
100.0%

12,323,165
1,874,423,424
1,886,746,589

0.65%
99.35%
100.0%

Legal advisers
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 
CityPoint
One Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9HU

6 April 2017
7 April 2017
11 May 2017
16 May 2017
August 2017
October 2017
March 2018

Bankers
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Barclays Bank PLC
BNP Paribas
Citizens Bank
Commerzbank AG
HSBC Bank plc
J.P. Morgan Limited
Lloyds Bank plc
Royal Bank of Canada
BayernLB
ICBC
ING
Santander UK PLC
Unicredit
Wells Fargo Bank International

A range of shareholder information is available at Equiniti’s online portfolio service www.shareview.co.uk, where you can register for a 
Shareview Portfolio to access information about your holding and undertake a number of activities, including appointing a proxy, changing 
a dividend mandate and updating your address. To register, you will need your 11 digit Shareholder Reference Number (SRN), which can 
be found on your proxy form or dividend voucher.

Gifting your shares
If you have a small number of shares and the dealing costs or minimum fee make it uneconomical to sell them, you may like to  
donate them to benefit charities through ShareGift, a registered charity. Further information is available on the ShareGift website at  
www.sharegift.org or call +44 (0) 20 7930 3737.

Share fraud warning
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning 
investment matters. Fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure tactics to lure investors into scams. They may offer to sell shares that 
turn out to be worthless or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an upfront payment. For more detailed information 
on this kind of activity or to report a scam, please call the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or visit  
www.fca.org.uk/consumers/scams

Shareholder informationMelrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016154

Notes

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Notes

155

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016156

Notes

Melrose Industries PLCAnnual Report 2016Printed by CPI Colour on Magno Silk – an FSC® Mix certified grade and is produced at  
a mill that is certified to the ISO14001 and EMAS environmental management standards. 

Designed and produced by SampsonMay 
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Melrose

Melrose Industries PLC

Registered Office
11th Floor, The Colmore Building
20 Colmore Circus Queensway
Birmingham
West Midlands 
B4 6AT

Tel: +44 (0) 121 296 2800
Fax: +44 (0) 121 296 2839

Registered Number: 09800044

North America Office
Gateway Center Building One
2077 Convention Center Concourse 
Suite 175 
College Park 
Atlanta
GA 30337
USA

Tel: +1 404 941 2100
Fax: +1 404 941 2772

www.melroseplc.net

London Stock Exchange
Code: MRO
SEDOL: BZ1G432

Head Office
Leconfield House
Curzon Street
London
W1J 5JA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7647 4500
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7647 4501

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